JOB
Vice President of Finance and Administration
North American Blueberry Council & U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
Finance and Administration Department
Folsom, California
Annual Salary: $185,000 - $215,000 DOE/DOQ
Explore professional growth and immense possibilities in the blueberry industry! The North American Blueberry Council (NABC) and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) seek a Vice President (VP) of Finance and Administration. This is a newly created position that will assist the President with expanding both the trade organization and the USDA commodity board. This position will be part of the executive team and a critical partner for the President in achieving their expansion goals, while overseeing the day-to-day operations, business and finance of the organization and budgeting processes of a $14 million budget. The two divisions within this department include oversight of the functional areas of policies, procedures, operations, facilities, human resources, benefits, information technology, and oversight of finance and compliance. This position will be responsible for the hiring and development of a four plus member team and ensure internal financial and operational controls are managed reliably and effectively.
The ideal candidate will have experience with an agricultural commodity organization, such as the USDA research and promotion program, or the USDA marketing order. This candidate could also come from a similarly complex regulatory fiscal environment, such as a local, state, or federal organization with complex funding streams, including federal fund management. They should also be a proven financial adviser and operations executive. They should also have excellent leadership skills to manage a team of other financial professionals including two managers, effectively oversee other vendors to ensure the accuracy of their work, and work collaboratively with other NABC/USHBC executives and staff. They will have experience in setting high standards, achieving goals, setting fiscal controls, forecasting and understanding, or quickly get up to speed regarding, the USDA commodity board industry. This leader will be a strategic business thinker with experience as a capable and communicative leader. Join us in shaping the future of the blueberry industry by applying today!
View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/51693d3b-42c6-45c6-a055-646c3d55bfef
THE JOB
The Vice President of Finance and Administration will champion the financial and operational success of both organizations – NABC and USHBC. In close collaboration with the President, the Vice President (VP) will work internally as a strong and confident financial and administrative executive partner. This position will assist with the management of all staff across the organization and have a team of fiscal staff, and will be responsible for a complex, heavily compliance-driven budget of approximately $14 million. The VP will be at the forefront of NABC and USHBC’s growth, and ensure that internal financial and operational controls are managed reliably and effectively. The VP will develop and manage the annual budget and financial forecasting, ensure accuracy, allocate funds, produce financial reports, ensure the timely collection and accuracy of fees, and assist with developing a strategic plan. They will present to executives, board and committee members, and will work with internal and external compliance and regulatory auditors.
As an executive leader, the VP will actively partner with the Director of Organizational Development, People and Culture to create and support a positive, respectful and innovative work environment. The VP will also serve as a mentor for departmental staff, providing opportunities for professional development as they grow in their careers. They will manage expectations and serve as a liaison with outside vendors in the areas of IT, finance, compliance and human resources. Above all, the VP will manage operations with a futuristic mindset, with an in-depth understanding of the role they play in the future.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will have experience with a commodity checkoff or similar complex funding and regulatory environment, such as local, state, or federal financial professionals with a background in complex and multi-funding streams. They should also be a proven financial adviser and operations executive. They should also have excellent leadership skills to manage a team of other financial staff, including two managers, effectively oversee other vendors to ensure the accuracy of their work, and work collaboratively with other NABC/USHBC executives and staff. The VP will strive to use the budget as a tool to create new possibilities and advise on financial decisions, taking calculated risks while demonstrating good judgment and a willingness to try new strategies. Experience with government accounting, grants management and/or highly regulated compliance accounting is vital in this role. The successful candidate will be able to analyze industry-wide trends and ensure that relevant guidelines are followed. They will work in conjunction with the Director of Business Intelligence in building forecasts and projecting future revenues. The VP will lead with integrity, emotional intelligence and strong organizational development skills, and have a proven history of leading highly effective teams. They will be a flexible, open-minded and collaborative executive leader, who will also be a strong presenter and public speaker, and keep executives, boards and committee members informed.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or a closely related area.
Experience: Seven (7) to ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in finance and/or business administration, including at least two years of supervisory experience.
HIGHLY DESIRED:
Education: Master’s degree in business administration, finance, or a closely related area.
Certification: CPA status.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
An annual salary of $185,000 - $215,000 DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package.

• Relocation to the area is required, with relocation assistance negotiable. A hybrid work schedule may be considered for the right candidate!

HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by June 3rd at: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board
SECURE THE DATES:
Virtual interviews will begin mid to late June of 2024.
Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any questions:
Email to: levi@wbcpinc.com
541-664-0376
866-929-WBCP (9227) – toll-free