Operations Controller

Job Title: Operations Controller

Work Location: Auburn, NY (Onsite with occasional remote work - hybrid). This position does not qualify for relocation. Local candidates preferred.

Company Overview:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we are committed to serving the global food and nutrition industry by delivering locally produced, high-quality dairy ingredients. As a farmer-owned company, we prioritize ethical practices, innovation, and product integrity from farm to consumer. Our culture emphasizes respect for animals, natural resources, and strong relationships with neighbors and customers.

What We Do:

Specializing in producing a range of dairy ingredients such as liquid cream, milk, protein concentrates, and powders, we source all our products from locally produced milk. Our offerings meet stringent quality standards, including Grade A certification, OU Kosher, Halal, and non-GM Project Verified Milk.

What Sets Us Apart:

Our farmer-members are dedicated to producing the highest quality milk while prioritizing animal welfare, sustainability, and traceability. With our state-of-the-art processing facility, we maintain strict standards, including 100% animal welfare compliance and sustainable practices. Our products rank among the cleanest globally, boasting low levels of contaminants such as nitrates, iodine, selenium, and chlorates.

We Are Growing:

As we continue to expand, we provide career opportunities across various fields, including production, operations, finance, quality, sales, customer service, and administration. With competitive pay, benefits, and a people-first philosophy, we invite individuals to join us in making a meaningful impact in the industry.

The Opportunity: Plant Controller

Position Summary

As a key member of our finance team, the Operations Controller reports directly to the CFO and holds a pivotal role in overseeing the Company's financial accounting system. This position entails managing various financial functions, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll, with a focus on ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and continuous process improvement. The Operations Controller leads the monthly closing process, facilitates reporting requirements, conducts periodic audits, and oversees the accounting department. Additionally, this role collaborates closely with all business units to provide reliable data, reporting, and analyses essential for strategic decision-making. With a succession plan geared towards growth and opportunity, the Operations Controller also serves as a backup to the Director of Finance.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the monthly general ledger close process and requisite reporting, ensuring adherence to GAAP standards.
• Oversee Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and Payroll functions.
• Manage accounting for capital projects, evaluating expenditures, and analyzing return on investment.
• Provide supervision, support, and mentorship to accounting team members.
• Ensure operational compliance with internal control procedures and SOX requirements; coordinate internal and external audit activities.
• Collaborate with the CFO and Director of Finance to enhance processes within the general ledger and key business cycles.
• Contribute to strategic planning and productivity plan initiatives.
• Compile, analyze, and disseminate routine and ad hoc financial reports.
• Conduct thorough product and business process analyses, offering recommendations for enhanced performance, efficiency, productivity, cost reduction, and revenue growth.
• Analyze budget versus actual operating performance, suggesting improvements as needed.
• Forecast, report, and influence key financial drivers and metrics.
• Monitor and improve working capital performance, providing recommendations for enhancement.
• Oversee cost accounting activities to ensure accuracy of product cost information.
• Assist in preparing financial data and analysis for periodic business unit reviews.
• Manage all account reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. Person/Permanent Resident "Green Card" holder.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance/accounting (CPA or MBA a plus).
• 5+ years of relevant accounting/finance experience in manufacturing required.
• 3+ years of accounting experience working with agricultural commodities required (Dairy highly preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to comprehend a business's strategy and its financial implications.
• Experience in managing personnel, projects, and tasks with a focus on responsiveness and priority.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and retain associates within the finance domain.
• Strong communication skills with the capability to engage stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in advanced Excel usage.
• Working knowledge of internal controls, with experience in implementation and maintenance preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems.
• High-potential leader with a keen interest in advancement opportunities.

Compensation:

At Cayuga Milk Ingredients, we value a fair and comprehensive approach to compensation. Our wage range for this role is determined by various factors, including skill sets, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and organizational needs. It is not typical for an employee to start at or near the top of the range for the position. Compensation decisions are made based on individual job circumstances considering skill level, previous experience, and education requirements. A reasonable estimate of the current range for this position is $89,000 to $148,000 annually. We offer full benefits including medical/dental/vision, HSA contribution, PTO, paid holidays, and 401k.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing or disclosing their own pay or the pay of others. However, employees with access to compensation information as part of their job duties are prohibited from disclosing this information to unauthorized individuals, except in specific circumstances outlined by applicable laws and regulations (41 CFR 60-1.35(c)).