Company: Cranney Farms
Location: Oakley, Idaho
Industry: Diversified Agriculture
About Cranney Farms
Founded in 1907,
Cranney Farms is a multi-generation, family-owned and operated agricultural business located in Southern Idaho. The farm manages approximately 15,000-20,000 acres of irrigated farmland and operates a diversified portfolio of agricultural enterprises, including:
- Fresh and processing potato production
- Seed potato production and sales
- Sugar beets, malt barley, wheat, corn, and mustard seed
- Beef cattle ranching and feedlot operations
- Vertically integrated and affiliated agribusinesses, including ownership and supply partnership with Teton Valley Brands
Cranney Farms employs approximately 60 year-round employees and up to 270 seasonal employees during peak months. The family places a strong emphasis on honesty, hard work, family, faith, and community involvement.
Position Summary
Cranney Farms is seeking a
Controller to lead and continuously improve the company’s accounting operations, internal controls, and financial reporting for a diversified, multi-entity agricultural business.
This is a
hands-on accounting leadership role focused on accuracy, discipline, and process strength. The Controller will own the integrity of the books, the close process, and the reliability of internal and external financial reporting. While the CEO retains responsibility for higher-level capital strategy, financing decisions, and owner-level financial matters, the Controller will serve as the senior accounting leader and a trusted operational partner to management.
Success in this role will be measured by
clarity, consistency, and confidence in the numbers-and by the Controller’s ability to strengthen systems, controls, and workflows that management can rely on. This position is well-suited for an experienced accounting professional who values operational excellence, accountability, and collaboration over executive title progression.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting & Financial Operations
- Direct and oversee all day-to-day accounting activities, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and bank reconciliations.
- Supervise and develop the finance and accounting team (currently three staff members), ensuring accuracy, accountability, and timely reporting.
- Oversee monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes to ensure accurate and timely financial statements.
- Manage complex and custom financial settlements with customers, landlords, and major vendors, including crop shares, reimbursements, advances, and reconciliations.
- Supervise bank reconciliations and cash management processes.
Internal Controls, Policies & Compliance
- Develop, document, and monitor internal controls and accounting policies to improve accuracy, consistency, and risk management.
- Ensure compliance with applicable legal, financial, payroll, fuel tax, and agricultural regulations.
- Oversee external reporting requirements, including GAAP-based financial statements and tax support schedules.
- Serve as the primary accounting liaison with external CPAs for tax preparation, audits, and reviews.
Financial Planning, Analysis & Cost Management
- Assist in the development, coordination, and ongoing monitoring of the annual operating budget in partnership with the CEO and management team.
- Prepare internal financial reports and management analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning, providing timely variance analysis and insights.
- Identify cost savings, process efficiencies, and opportunities for improved financial performance.
- Support capital planning analysis and post-investment performance tracking.
Banking, Lender & Financial Coordination
- Coordinate financial information and reporting requirements with the company’s primary operating lender.
- Assist with preparation of borrowing base reports, covenant reporting, and lender requests related to operating lines of credit.
- Support coordination of financial information with capital lenders in connection with equipment, facility, and land financing.
- Work closely with the CEO to ensure lenders receive accurate, timely, and consistent financial information.
Systems, Technology & Process Improvement
- Act as the primary user contact and internal administrator for accounting and financial software systems.
- Improve accounting workflows, documentation, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Partner with leadership to streamline office processes and strengthen data integrity.
- Ensure proper use, maintenance, and continuous improvement of accounting technology systems.
Team & Office Leadership
- Provide leadership and direction to accounting and finance staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Coordinate closely with administrative staff whose roles intersect with financial and accounting responsibilities.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 7+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, or agribusiness?related roles.
- Strong technical accounting skills with hands-on experience managing general ledger and close processes.
- Proven ability to design, implement, and maintain internal controls.
- Experience supervising accounting or finance staff.
- High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Proficiency with accounting software, spreadsheets, and financial reporting tools.
Preferred
- CPA or strong public accounting background.
- Experience in agriculture, agribusiness, or similarly complex, asset-intensive industries.
- Familiarity with farm accounting, crop settlements, landlord arrangements, and seasonal labor structures.
- Experience supporting tax preparation and GAAP financial reporting.
- Knowledge of Farm Financial Standards Council guidelines.
- Spanish language skills (preferred but not required).
Core Competencies
- Accounting Excellence: Deep understanding of accounting principles and best practices.
- Process Improvement: Ability to identify weaknesses, implement controls, and improve efficiency.
- Leadership: Capable of supervising, mentoring, and holding staff accountable.
- Communication: Able to translate numbers into clear insights and implications.
- Judgment & Integrity: Willing to surface issues, raise concerns, and maintain high ethical standards.
- Adaptability: Comfortable working in a dynamic, seasonal, and relationship-driven agricultural environment.
Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based at the Oakley, Idaho location, with periodic interaction across farm, ranch, and operational sites. The Controller must be comfortable working in an agricultural setting with exposure to typical farm and ranch conditions.
Why Cranney Farms?
Cranney Farms offers the opportunity to work in a long-standing, values-driven family business with diverse operations and meaningful community involvement. This role is well-suited for a Controller who wants to make a tangible impact by strengthening accounting discipline, improving financial clarity, and supporting a growing agricultural enterprise.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Health insurance
- Matching retirement benefit
- Relocation assistance may be considered