CFO - Agriculture

Cranney Farms is seeking a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its financial operations, drive strategic decision-making, and manage a team of three staff members. This role involves oversight of all financial activities, management information systems, and office operations. The CFO must effectively work with multiple stakeholders, articulate financial insights clearly, and balance short-term needs with long-term growth opportunities. A willingness to challenge assumptions, communicate difficult truths, and collaborate with leadership is essential. CFO reports to CEO Ryan Cranney on a daily basis and interacts regularly with the owners and management team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Oversee all financial management functions, including accounting, reporting, compliance, and internal controls.
• Manage and mentor a team of finance and accounting staff, providing guidance and leadership to ensure operational excellence.
• Design and oversee systems for billing, accounts receivable, inventory, records management, and banking.
• Prepare and present monthly and annual financial reports for the board, management, and responsibility center managers.
• Develop and monitor cash flow budgets, reporting performance and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend capital investments, balancing risk and opportunity to optimize returns.
• Oversee office operations, ensuring efficient and effective management of administrative duties.
• Arrange operating and capital loans to support business growth.

Strategic Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication

• Work closely with the CEO, management team, and family stakeholders to provide actionable financial insights.
• Effectively articulate what financial data means and the risks and opportunities it represents.
• Provide strategic financial support for estate planning, ownership transfers, and equity withdrawals.
• Challenge the CEO and management team constructively during decision-making processes.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including accountants, lenders, and business advisors.

Process Improvement & Compliance

• Lead efforts to enhance efficiency and streamline processes, including developing standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with USDA regulations and agricultural program requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison for state and federal tax compliance, including income tax return preparation.
• Work with the CEO and management team as the lead on the effective use of crop and liability insurance to manage risk.

Technology Oversight

• Maintain and enhance the farm’s Management Information System (MIS), leveraging historical and real-time data for decision-making.
• Oversee the proper use of the farm’s accounting software system.

Qualifications

Required

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in finance, accounting, banking, or agribusiness.
• Expertise in financial management, MIS administration, and managerial accounting.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze, interpret, and articulate complex financial data.
• Proven leadership skills, including experience managing staff and office operations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred

• CPA certification or strong accounting background.
• Working knowledge of risk management strategies such as crop and cattle hedging.
• Familiarity with agricultural operations, including crop and livestock enterprises.
• Experience with financial standards such as those published by the Farm Financial Standards Council.
• Spanish language proficiency (preferred but not required).

Competencies

• Leadership & Team Management: Ability to manage and develop a high-performing financial team.
• Strategic Communication: Capable of conveying financial insights clearly to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work with stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical Thinking: Expertise in identifying risks, opportunities, and innovative solutions.
• Process Improvement: Experience enhancing efficiency through SOPs and streamlined workflows.

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based at our Oakley location, but may require occasional travel across Cranney Farms’ operational sites to interact with owners, managers, and field personnel. The CFO must be comfortable working in an agricultural environment with exposure to typical farm and ranch conditions.

Why Cranney Farms?

At Cranney Farms, you will join a family enterprise with over a century of history and deep roots in the community. As CFO, you will play a pivotal role in leading financial strategy, managing key operations, and driving long-term success for one of Southern Idaho’s most respected agricultural businesses.