General Summary:

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for directing the fiscal and financial functions of the Company in accordance with the goals and objectives of Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc., including all subsidiary companies. The CFO establishes and maintains the Company's financial policies and procedures by providing operational and administrative direction to the Company's accounting and billing departments. The CFO oversees the budget process, audit functions, and all long-term investments. Prepares financial forecasts, acquisition analysis, or merger planning. Analyzes and presents the financials to the General Manager/CEO and the Board of Directors. Contributes to the organization's strategic planning as the expert in financial planning. The CFO is also responsible for ensuring the soundness of the Company's financial structure and managing the Company's relationships with financial institutions, regulatory agencies, and other governmental agencies.

Essential Job Functions:

• Directs finance, accounting, budgeting, billing, and collection activities and related operations. Makes the assignments of appropriate responsibilities and delegates duties and authorities as warranted.
• Participates in developing fiscal policies and sets objectives and procedures to safeguard and administer company assets.
• Investigate financing options and negotiate terms with financing institutions. Optimizes handling bank and deposit relationships and initiates appropriate strategies to enhance cash position.
• Provides strategic financial input and leadership on decision-making issues affecting the Company, such as evaluating potential alliances, acquisitions, and/or mergers, and investment of financial resources.
• Establishes and maintains accounting policies in accordance with FCC Part 32, GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Policies), RDUP (Rural Development Utilities Program), and state PUC (Public Utilities Commission) guidelines. Develops and carries out guidelines for controls and internal auditing systems.
• Monitors maintenance of general ledger accounts, including the subsidiary ledgers. Supervises the monthly closing of the general ledger and prepares the monthly financial statements.
• Provides accurate analysis of financial statements, reports findings, and makes recommendations to the General Manager/CEO and the Board of Directors.
• Completes financial and regulatory reports for FCC, RDUP, IRS, NECA, and the state PUC. Interacts with the Company's auditing firm and the RUS field accountant on reporting requirements and tax preparation.
• With input from all departments, develop the income and expense budget objectives and the annual operating budget. Continually seeks improvement of the budgeting process by educating department managers and supervisors on financial issues impacting their budgets.
• Analyze deviations relative to the annual budget and determine the cause of such deviations. Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism, which includes a minimum cash threshold to meet the Company's operating needs.
• Develop procedures and information for short- and long-term planning purposes. Participates in the development of the Company's business plans and programs. Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-term planning, introduction of new programs, strategies, and regulatory interaction. Collaborates with senior management team to facilitate business planning and operational coordination.
• Develops billing, collection, and credit policies and procedures for end-user and carrier access billing. Continually seeks improvement of the timeliness and accuracy of the Company's cash flow and management of the billing process.
• Develops and documents operating procedures for the department. Provides technical information to prepare the annual capital and operating budgets, including software upgrades and resources needed to ensure timely response to user departments. Administers the department's annual operating budget and work plan.
• Performance manager for all department staff. Analyzes department workflow and staff job duties to recommend possible changes or enhancements. Directs and prioritizes the workload of department personnel.
• Coordinate risk management and insurance coverage for the Cooperative and its subsidiaries.
• Manage financing needs for the organization and make recommendations regarding new or existing debt. Assure the organization is meeting its debt covenants.
• Keeps informed of developments and technology affecting functional areas. Stays aware of any new developments or industry changes.
• Participates in ongoing training and continuing educational opportunities to keep abreast of technical developments and other information needed for job performance.
• Manage the patronage allocation and retirement process and provide recommendations to the General Manager/CEO and the Board of Directors.

Other Responsibilities:

• Performs all other related duties as assigned by management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge and experience with accounting and finance principles and practices, including cooperative taxation and consolidation principles.
• Knowledge of the telecommunications industry and experience with FCC Part 32, GAAP, and RDUP accounting requirements.
• Knowledge of company policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices and competence in setting department policies and procedures.
• Ability to strategize, set goals, and perform long-range planning.
• Experience in billing practices and procedures.
• Excellent computer skills and use and applications of general ledger software, spreadsheets including Excel, and overall Microsoft Office software.
• In-depth understanding of financials.
• Analytical ability, good judgment, and problem-solving skills.
• Must be organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Must provide departmental leadership, supervision, and performance management.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively in a diplomatic manner.
• Persuasive speaking abilities and effective at presenting controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or the Board of Directors.
• Articulate, intelligent, and able to relate to people at all levels, internally and externally.

• Must be accountable, consistent, fair, honest, responsible, and ethical in all Company and business dealings.
• Must maintain a high degree of confidentiality, credibility, and personal integrity.
• Must be flexible and able to handle ambiguity.
• Must live in Golden West Exchange.

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration and/or a related field.

Minimum of seven years of related work experience. FCC Part 32, GAAP and DUP experience preferred.
 

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:

Must be a licensed CPA-Certified Public Accountant.

Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid South Dakota driver's license, have an excellent driving record, and be insurable under the Company's insurance policy.
 

Other Qualifications and/or Credentials:

Previous CFO experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

Working Conditions:

Good working conditions with the absence of disagreeable conditions. Climate controlled building with adequate lighting and space. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Note:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.