Finance Manager

Ocean Spray is hiring for a(n) Finance Manager, Grower Finance! We’re a team of farmers, thinkers, creators, and doers. Whatever your title, whatever your role — it always comes back to this: we’re a farmer-owned co-op where everyone rolls up their sleeves to get the job done. Three maverick farmers started it all — and we’ve been making our own way ever since. 

Position Location: We're all about flexibility! This will be a hybrid role based out of our corporate headquarters in Lakeville, MA or our Seaport Boston, MA location with Mondays and Fridays remote. 

The Finance Manager, Grower Finance is responsible for managing cooperative financial agreements with our grower-owners. The primary focus of the role is calculating and distributing patronage proceeds, managing grower-owner equity, analyzing implications of policy changes, and applying contractual obligations. The Grower Finance Manager is a key member of the Ocean Spray finance team reporting to the Director, Treasury and working as a business partner to the Cooperative Development & Grower Relations team.

A Day in the Life...

• Manage the distribution of corporate proceeds to grower-owners​ and ensure timely and accurate disbursement to growers in accordance with the provisions included in the Cooperative Marketing Agreements (CMAs).
• Manage the financial aspects of Cooperative Marketing Agreements (CMAs) with grower-owners to ensure appropriate application of contractual obligations including grower contract changes, policy implications of proposed actions, and related functions​.
• Work cross-functionally with Senior Leadership in Cooperative Development & Grower Relations, Finance and Legal functions to ensure smooth functioning of the cooperative.
• Prepare distribution schedules to accompany quarterly proceeds payments, which includes estimates for quarterly distributions based on the latest financial forecast.  The distribution schedules are reviewed regularly with Ocean Spray senior leadership team and the Board of Directors.
• Supervise and lead the grower finance team giving direction on all aspects of grower payments, equity reporting and related functions. Ensure accuracy and alignment with commitments and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
• Co-owner of the GBS application and is responsible for the content and accuracy of information.  Works with Tech to ensure the stability of the platform as well as continue to enhance functionality and reporting. (GBS is a custom Ocean Spray grower extranet tool). Identifies feature updates and enhancements to the Grower Extranet to improve grower communications.
• Manage, as Transfer Agent and Registrar, the shareholder services function and the development of corporate capitalization via grower-owner equity​.
• Responsible for analysis and reporting of all patronage related information to management, grower-owners and external regulatory agencies​.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain the processes and systems necessary to ensure the highest compliance standards are met​.
• Communicate with grower-owners as questions arise related to continuous pool payments, equity, incentives, or other financial related topics.
• Coordinate and distribute 1099 forms (1099-PATR, 1099-DIV and 1099-INT) annually to grower-owners to support the preparation of their U.S. Federal and State income tax.
• Coordinate and distribute to grower-owners the tax benefit for domestic manufacturing activities under Section 199A(g) of the Internal Revenue Code.
• Partner with accounting and FP&A team to provide grower finance inputs for quarterly debt covenant calculations and forward-looking forecasts.
• Prepare materials for Board meetings including payment schedules, bridges, Board votes related to equity, and other materials as needed.

What We Are Looking For:

• 5+ years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or finance.
• Experience in treasury, banking, accounting, finance or related field.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), financial reporting, tax, legal and audit disciplines.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate cross-functionally and across all levels of the organization.  This role requires the ability to establish credibility, build constructive relationships and impact cross-functionally at all levels in the organization. It also requires the ability to synthesize, simplify and present complex information and concepts to non-financial audiences including grower-owners.
• Independent thought-leader; self-motivated and self-directed work style
• Must be knowledgeable in standard business software (MS Office, ERPs) to at least an intermediate level, and with the aptitude to quickly become an advanced user.

Education:

Bachelor's or University Degree (Required)

Work Experience:

At least 5 Years of Experience

Annual Salary:

$96,200 - $132,220

The base salary range information above serves as a guideline of the position’s typical hiring range.  We value and appreciate what makes you unique and will consider a variety of factors when determining an offer.  These factors include, but are not limited to, your skills and experience, external and internal benchmarks, as well as overall company considerations.  Certain positions may be eligible for short-term and long-term incentive rewards. We also offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits program that supports all aspects of your health and well-being.

Benefits:

• Complete insurance package on Day-1 that includes a plethora of health and wellness programs

• • Health, Dental and Vision insurance

  • Health savings account

  • Flexible spending account

  • Life and accident insurance

  • Employee assistance program

  • Telehealth services

  • 1:1 health coaching

  • Supportive benefits for all the stages of your life

• 401(k) with up to 6% Company matching; additional potential discretionary match at year-end

• Short-Term Incentive/Performance bonuses

• Flexible scheduling options

• Vacation pay, up to three weeks of time (pro-rated for your first year of employment)

• Holiday pay for 12 holidays

• Career development and growth opportunities

• Tuition/Education assistance programs

• Access to LinkedIn Learning

• Scholarship programs for children of employees

• Parental leave

• Bright Horizons Family Solutions – Back-up care, tutoring, etc.

• Adoption assistance

• Bereavement leave

• Up to $300 fitness reimbursement

• Up to $300 massage reimbursement

• Employee appreciation events

• Employee discounts

• Charitable giving

Who We Are:

You might have our iconic cranberry juice in your fridge or have gotten into heated holiday debate about what’s better - canned or fresh cranberry sauce. But did you know that the hardworking people growing the superfruit in our products are 700 family farmers that own our cooperative? They entrust us with what is most precious to them to create new and innovative products that will delight consumers and grow this beloved brand today and into the future.

Team members, farmers, consumers and communities alike--we value what makes us unique and strive to connect our farms to families for a better life by living our values:

• Grower Mindset – We embrace our grower-owners innovative spirit and heritage through confidence, learning and focus on the future.
• Sustainable Results – Guided by purpose, we are focused on delivering results for our grower-owners.
• Integrity Above All – We are ethical, doing the right thing for our grower-owners, customers, consumers and each other
• Inclusive Teamwork – We build diverse and inclusive teams that strengthen our cooperative.

For MA Applicants – It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Any employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.