Agricultural Controller
| Job Title | Agricultural Controller |
| Job ID | EH-11051 |
| Job Type | FullTimeRegular |
| Location | Wisconsin |
| Salary Range | $0 - $150000 |
| Comission / Bonus | Performance-based annual bonus opportunity |
| Benefits | 401(k) plan with 3% company match + Company-paid life and disability insurance + Health and dental insurance (75% employer-paid for employee only) + Participation in industry conferences and agricultural finance networks + Professional development allowance and support for continuing education + Relocation Assistance |
Job Title: Agricultural Controller
Position Overview
A confidential multi-entity agricultural producer is seeking a hands‑on, operationally minded Agricultural Controller to take ownership of the core Ag operating entities within a diversified, multi‑entity farm business. This is not a purely delegative or oversight role. The successful candidate will be comfortable rolling up their sleeves, performing transactional accounting work when needed, and gradually helping modernize and improve financial structure, reporting, and decision support.
This role functions as the financial lead (Controller / CFO‑equivalent) for the primary Ag entities (farm, ranch, grain, Ag‑related operating companies), while partnering closely with an existing senior finance leader who oversees numerous non‑Ag and commercial entities. The role requires humility, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively in a small, long‑tenured office environment.
Who Will Succeed in This Role
This position is best suited for a candidate who:
- Thrives in small‑team, family‑business environments
- Is comfortable performing both transactional and strategic accounting work
- Builds trust through collaboration rather than authority
- Is willing to learn existing processes first before driving change
- Understands agriculture is seasonal, imperfect, and relationship‑driven
This is not a fit for candidates seeking a high‑level, purely managerial role with minimal hands‑on responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
Core Accounting & Financial Operations
- Own day‑to‑day accounting for core Ag operating entities, including GL, reconciliations, month‑end close, and financial reporting
- Maintain Direct responsibility for payroll in the near term (non‑negotiable), with potential evolution as the organization grows
- Prepare and review monthly and year‑end financials for internal leadership and external CPA/tax partners
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness across multi‑entity accounting structures
Working Role Expectations
- Perform transactional work (AP/AR, journal entries, clean‑up) as needed, especially during onboarding and peak operational periods
- Learn existing systems and workflows through close collaboration with current staff before recommending changes
- Support and gradually refine role separation for AP, AR, and payroll as the structure evolves
Financial Leadership & Decision Support
- Develop and improve budgeting, forecasting, and cash‑flow modeling for Ag operations
- Provide actionable financial insight to ownership to support operational and capital decisions
- Assist with cost analysis related to crop production, livestock, grain operations, and input purchasing
- Improve management reporting and financial visibility over time
Process Improvement & Systems
- Conduct an internal review ("audit") of accounting processes after the onboarding period (3–6 months)
- Recommend practical, scalable improvements aligned with a growing Ag business
- Participate in long‑term planning for system modernization (ERP exposure a plus, not required)
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
- Experience with multi‑entity accounting environments
- Willingness to perform hands‑on accounting work
- Strong interpersonal skills suited for small, close‑knit teams
Preferred:
- Agriculture, agribusiness, or manufacturing accounting background
- Experience in farm, ranch, grain, or commodity‑driven operations
- Exposure to payroll processing and internal controls
- ERP or system‑implementation experience (Ag‑specific ERP a plus)
- CPA or advanced certification a plus, not required
Culture & Fit Considerations (Important)
- This role works closely with long‑tenured team members
- Success depends on collaboration, patience, and relationship‑building
- Change is welcomed, but must be earned through trust and understanding
- Candidate must be comfortable starting as a contributor before evolving into broader leadership
Why This Opportunity
- Opportunity to shape financial operations for a growing, diversified Ag business
- High visibility and partnership with ownership
- Long‑term potential to expand financial leadership scope
- Stable, values‑driven family organization
Hansen Agri-PLACEMENT is searching for an experienced Agricultural Controller for this progressive Wisconsin-based Ag Producer. Due to significant business growth and expansion across the company's multiple agricultural entities, the organization has created this role to provide dedicated financial leadership for its core Ag operations.
The Controller will have full P&L responsibility for multiple divisions, reporting directly to ownership and executive leadership. This role is being established as the current CFO transitions focus to other areas of the organization. The role is being established as the current CFO transitions focus to other areas of the organization. The Controller will work alongside an existing bookkeeping team, including an office manager supporting farm and grain operations and a part-time team member assisting with ranch accounting and overflow work.
This role requires hands-on accounting involvement to address current gaps while simultaneously designing and implementing improved systems and workflows. The position offers direct access to ownership, meaningful influence over financial and operational strategy, and the opportunity to build modern, scalable financial systems that support the unique realities of agricultural operations.