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Assistant Controller

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Select Milk Producers is one of the nation’s largest and most progressive dairy cooperatives, with 32 wholly owned subsidiaries, 12 processing plants, and 8 joint ventures including Fair Oaks Farms, Continental Dairy Facilities, Continental Dairy Facilities Southwest, Mill Haven Foods, Select Custom Solutions, GreenLink and Select Services. With over 1,000 employees, the Select Milk family of companies impacts all aspects of the dairy farm business and at the heart of our family of companies, is you.

"We strive to go above and beyond what’s expected in providing for our families, leading our employees, caring for our land and animals, serving our customers, producing quality milk, and serving one another. This commitment is more than our business, it’s in our culture and our character. We believe in being accountable, in doing what’s right, in performing at our best, in setting a higher standard."

Select Milk Producers and its subsidiaries offer attractive compensation and a best-in-class benefits package that includes but is not limited to medical, vision, dental, life insurance, and more that can be tailored for you and your family. Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) up to 6% company match, life and disability insurance, and paid holidays & vacation. We are proud to promote an equal employment opportunity workplace.

What Select offers you:

Comprehensive benefits package focusing on your physical, financial and emotional health to include the following perks as well as the standard benefit offerings (health, dental, vision, etc.):

Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays Off
Uniform Program
Shoe Allowance
Onsite gym
Career Advancement Opportunities
Leadership Development
Opportunities to support our local communities
Chance to apply best practices in sustainability and environmental initiatives
Commitment to producing high quality nutritious products and providing nourishment around the world

What this role is all about:

We are looking for an Assistant Controller in La Crosse, WI.

The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in supporting the financial health of both Select Custom Solutions and Mill Haven Foods. Reporting to the Senior Controller, this position is responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting operations across our manufacturing facilities. The Assistant Controller is responsible for preparing timely and accurate financial statements, assisting with month-end and year-end close processes, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, company policies, and relevant regulations.

This role works cross-functionally with teams in Operations, Sales, Supply Chain, and IT to deliver meaningful financial insights that support data-driven decision-making. A strong emphasis is placed on cost accounting, budgeting, variance analysis, and inventory management—key components within our dynamic manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and able to thrive in a fast-paced setting while supporting the strategic goals of both SCS and MHF.

Job Duties:

Supervise, coach, and mentor accounting staff to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and professional development. Promote a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
Assist in the preparation and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
Oversee and manage all aspects of the general ledger, ensuring accurate and timely month-end and year-end closing processes, including accruals, adjustments, and consolidations.
Lead the reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts and proactively investigate and resolve any discrepancies or variances.
Prepare, review, and post journal entries across all general ledger accounts to ensure completeness and accuracy of financial data.
Managing and executing treasury function in terms of daily cash flow, projections, financing, and debt obligations
Partner with leadership to support the development of annual budgets and rolling forecasts. Analyze variances and provide meaningful commentary to support financial performance reviews.
Support the implementation and monitoring of internal controls and company policies
Assist with internal and external audits, providing documentation and support as required
Lead initiatives to track and report on accounting and finance department KPIs. Recommend and implement solutions to improve data quality and reporting timeliness.
Conduct process improvement tracking and reporting
Provide backup support to the Controller and act as a liaison during their absence
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Responsible for employee relations including work direction of employees, hiring, training, performance reviews, administering policies and procedures, disciplinary action, and compensation recommendations.
Direct implementation of departmental objectives, goals and policies.
Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, procedures and guidelines.
Ensure that policies and procedures are being followed.
Understand adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.
Safety Protocol:
Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
Support safety policies and programs.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications:

Education Required:

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.

Experience Required:

Minimum five (5) years of progressive professional accounting or related business experience required.
Minimum five (5) years of related experience within food processing or manufacturing highly preferred.
Experience managing and developing staff required.
Experience with ERP and Business Intelligence systems, required
Microsoft Business Central ERP experience highly preferred.
Proven proficiency in all aspects of accounting functions
Strong analytical skills for financial analysis and reporting required.
Knowledge of GAAP, internal audits, and cost accounting principles, practices and techniques preferred.

Certification/Licensure Required:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) preferred.

Where you’ll be working:

Our La Crosse, WI, plant is home to approximately 330 employees. This facility supplies the food, beverage, and nutritional industries with innovative functional ingredients and superior quality contract manufacturing services.

La Crosse, WI, is nestled between the Mississippi River and the rolling river bluffs. This town is home to a plethora of colleges, high-quality health care, community events, and cultural opportunities. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities there are many opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, skiing, and boating. The town hosts multiple events annually and is famously known for their Oktoberfest celebration as well as offering a minor league baseball team. Visit the La Crosse Chamber site https://www.lacrossechamber.com/ for more information on local events.

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Average salary estimate

$70000 / YEARLY (est.)

min

max

$60000K

$80000K

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What You Should Know About Assistant Controller, Select Milk Producers

Select Milk Producers, one of the nation’s premier dairy cooperatives, is searching for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to join our team in La Crosse, WI. As part of a company that values accountability and community, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the financial health of our subsidiaries, Select Custom Solutions and Mill Haven Foods. Reporting directly to the Senior Controller, your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing accounting operations, preparing accurate financial statements, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. Collaboration is key, as you will work with various teams such as Operations, Sales, and Supply Chain to provide financial insights that drive data-driven decisions. With a strong focus on cost accounting, budgeting, and variance analysis, you’ll thrive in our dynamic manufacturing environment. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have the opportunity to mentor and develop accounting staff. Our benefits package is impressive, offering health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement. If you’re a proactive professional who thrives in fast-paced settings and is ready to contribute to high-quality dairy production, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Assistant Controller Role at Select Milk Producers

What responsibilities does the Assistant Controller at Select Milk Producers in La Crosse, WI have?

The Assistant Controller at Select Milk Producers is responsible for managing daily accounting operations, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulations. You'll also oversee month-end and year-end processes, lead journal entry preparation, and conduct balance sheet account reconciliations.