We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Financial Controller to join our team in the agriculture sector. The Financial Controller will be responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of our agricultural operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, cost analysis, risk management, and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in agricultural finance, coupled with exceptional analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Reporting:
- Prepare accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, specific to the agriculture sector.
- Ensure compliance with industry-specific accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support decision-making processes.
- Budgeting and Forecasting:
- Develop and manage the budgeting process for agricultural activities, considering factors such as crop production, livestock farming, and equipment costs.
- Provide forecasts for crop yields, financial performance, and cash flow based on historical data and market trends.
- Monitor budget variances and implement corrective actions as necessary.
- Cost Analysis and Management:
- Conduct cost analysis for various aspects of agricultural operations, including seed, fertilizer, pesticide, labor, and equipment costs.
- Identify opportunities to optimize cost efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
- Implement strategies to manage farm expenses and improve profitability.
- Risk Management:
- Identify and assess risks inherent in agricultural operations, such as weather-related risks, commodity price fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.
- Develop risk mitigation strategies and insurance solutions to protect against potential losses.
- Monitor market trends and regulatory changes impacting agricultural finance and operations.
- Government Subsidies and Grants:
- Stay informed about government subsidy programs, grants, and agricultural policies.
- Ensure compliance with eligibility criteria and reporting requirements for accessing subsidies and grants.
- Maximize opportunities to leverage government support for farm operations.
- Farm Financial Management:
- Oversee financial aspects of farm operations, including crop planning, inventory management, and procurement of inputs.
- Monitor cash flow, manage debt, and optimize working capital to support day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
- Collaborate with farm managers and agronomists to align financial management with agricultural best practices.
- Stakeholder Communication:
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including farm managers, agronomists, and senior management, to communicate financial performance, risks, and strategic initiatives.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making at all levels of the organization.
- Liaise with external stakeholders, such as lenders, investors, and regulatory authorities, to ensure compliance and transparency.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor a team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide training and guidance to enhance financial literacy and effectiveness across the organization.
- Promote professional development and career growth opportunities for team members.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CA
- Strong understanding of agricultural finance, including cost analysis, budgeting, and risk management.
- Proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and analysis.
- Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory requirements specific to the agriculture sector.
- Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel.
- Exceptional analytical, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and lead cross-functional teams effectively.
