Chief Financial Officer (CFO) & Head of Administration
Company: Green Prairie Seed / Real World Wildlife Products
Reports To: Owners
Location: Arthur, IL
Employment Type: Full-Time
Company Size: 15 – 30 Employees
Position Summary
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a strategic business partner to the CEO and leadership team, responsible for the financial health, operational infrastructure, human resources administration, and business systems of the company. This hands-on leadership role combines executive-level financial management with responsibility for HR, technology assessment, process improvement, and administrative operations.
The CFO will oversee all financial planning and analysis, accounting, budgeting, cash flow management, compliance, and risk management while ensuring the company has the people, processes, and systems necessary to support growth and operational excellence.
This position requires both strategic thinking and a willingness to execute day-to-day operational responsibilities within a small business environment.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategic Planning
- Develop and execute the company's financial strategy in alignment with business objectives.
- Provide financial guidance and recommendations to the CEO and ownership team.
- Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes.
- Develop financial models to evaluate growth opportunities, investments, and strategic initiatives.
- Prepare and present monthly financial reports, KPIs, and business performance metrics.
- Analyze profitability, margins, cash flow, and operational performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
Financial Management & Controls
- Oversee all accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting activities.
- Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial policies.
- Manage cash flow, banking relationships, credit facilities, and treasury functions.
- Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and external financial reviews.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations.
- Monitor and manage financial risks and insurance programs.
Human Resources Leadership
- Serve as the senior HR leader for the organization.
- Oversee recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and employee retention initiatives.
- Develop and maintain employee policies, handbooks, and compliance programs.
- Manage compensation, benefits, payroll administration, and performance review processes.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and HR regulations.
- Support managers in employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning.
- Foster a positive company culture and employee engagement programs.
- Lead workforce development and succession planning initiatives.
Systems, Technology & Process Improvement
- Assess the effectiveness of current business systems, software platforms, and operational processes.
- Identify technology gaps and recommend solutions that improve efficiency and scalability.
- Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of ERP, accounting, HRIS, CRM, and other business systems.
- Manage relationships with technology vendors and service providers.
- Develop technology roadmaps aligned with company growth objectives.
- Establish reporting dashboards and business intelligence tools to improve decision-making.
- Ensure data integrity, cybersecurity awareness, and business continuity planning.
- Champion automation initiatives that reduce manual processes and improve accuracy.
Operational Leadership
- Collaborate with department leaders to improve business processes and operational performance.
- Establish company-wide KPIs and performance measurement systems.
- Support contract review, vendor management, and procurement activities.
- Assist leadership in organizational planning and resource allocation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
- Participate in strategic planning and growth initiatives, including acquisitions, expansions, and new business opportunities when applicable.
Leadership Expectations
The CFO is expected to:
- Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and ownership team.
- Build cross-functional relationships throughout the organization.
- Balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
- Make data-driven recommendations and decisions.
- Demonstrate strong business judgment and ethical leadership.
- Lead organizational change and system implementation projects.
- Develop scalable processes that support future growth.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
- 7+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
- Experience managing accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow.
- Experience overseeing HR functions and employment compliance.
- Strong understanding of business systems and process improvement methodologies.
- Experience implementing or upgrading business software systems.
- Advanced proficiency with financial reporting and spreadsheet analysis.
- Strong communication and leadership skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a small-business, hands-on environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent professional certification.
- Experience in a company with 10–100 employees.
- Experience in the Agricultural Industry
- ERP, HRIS, or CRM implementation experience.
- Experience leading organizational growth and operational scaling initiatives.
- Knowledge of cybersecurity, data governance, and business continuity planning.
- Project management certification or experience leading major system implementations.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Financial
- Budget accuracy
- Cash flow performance
- EBITDA and profitability improvement
- Working capital management
- Financial reporting timeliness and accuracy
Human Resources
- Employee retention rate
- Employee engagement scores
- Compliance and policy adherence
- Benefits and compensation effectiveness
Systems & Operations
- Successful implementation of strategic systems
- Process automation and efficiency gains
- Reduction in manual workflows
- Technology adoption and utilization rates
Pay: $70,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
