ABOUT CLARKSON GRAIN COMPANY

For over 50 years, Clarkson has been an industry pioneer in the production and supply of identity-preserved grains, oilseeds, and ingredients for food and feed industries worldwide. We work directly with end users to identify, select, and supply hybrids, varieties, and performance characteristics that improve end-product quality, enhance market access, increase process yield, and strengthen client differentiation. Clarkson’s transparent and fully traceable system connects Midwest farmers to premium domestic and international markets. Through our aggregation and cleaning facilities, corn and soybeans are prepared for final use; cleaned, conditioned, and shipped in bulk or bagged for delivery worldwide.

Clarkson Specialty Lecithins (CSL) was founded in 2002, offering the world’s first certified organic soy lecithin. It used an entirely natural process without any synthetic solvents, offering commercial quantities with excellent quality. Clarkson Specialty Lecithins produces organic and non-GMO lecithins from soybeans and sunflower.

The ‘Clarkson Way’ is our long-proven approach to serving customers, supporting farmers, and managing quality with care, consistency, and integrity. It reflects the discipline, practicality, and customer-driven problem-solving that have defined Clarkson for more than five decades.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE - GRAIN, LECITHIN, FREIGHT, AND AFFILIATED LLCS: Ensure timely and accurate accounts payable processing for vendor invoices related to grain, lecithin, freight, and affiliated LLCs by confirming that required purchase orders or approvals are in place, matching final invoices to purchase orders and supporting documentation, and recording invoices promptly in the accounting system. Create purchase orders for the Cerro Gordo main administrative office and enter monthly intercompany accounts payable transactions as required. Resolve discrepancies through effective communication with internal stakeholders (e.g., Accounting Manager, CFO, merchandisers) and external vendors to validate charges and ensure vendors are paid appropriately and on time, supporting strong vendor relationships and sound cash management.
  2. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE: Support effective cash flow management by accurately entering customer and intercompany invoices and actively monitoring aging accounts receivable balances. Follow up with customers and internal stakeholders (e.g., merchandisers, CSL-Sales & Business Development Manager, CSL-Accounts Manager) to resolve discrepancies, escalate past-due items, and support timely collection in accordance with established terms.
  3. VENDOR STATEMENT RECONCILATIONS AND DATA ENTRY RECOGNITION: Provide an accurate and timely check and balance between the company's books and its bank account(s) by reviewing them for errors, omissions, and potential fraudulent behavior.
  4. INVENTORY RECONCILITATION: Support accurate inventory reporting by monitoring daily grain inventory inbound and outbound activity reported by the plants and preparing weekly and monthly grain inventory book-to-physical reconciliations. Prepare month-end inventory reconciliation materials for lecithin operations, including the inventory prep document and third-party inventory reconciliation support. Identify, document, and escalate inventory variances in a timely manner to maintain inventory integrity and support accurate financial reporting and informed operational decisions. 
  5. PURCHASE ORDER AND INVOICE PROCESSING FOR NON-SUPPLIER PURCHASES: Ensure timely and accurate data entry and coordination of purchase orders, receiving documentation, and invoices related to non-supplier purchases (e.g., office expenses, services). Verify that required documentation and approvals are in place, match invoices to purchase orders and receiving records as applicable, and follow up with internal stakeholders to resolve discrepancies prior to processing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professional phone etiquette, and the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to work professionally and collaboratively with individuals of varying personalities, roles, and communication styles.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to maintain complete and well-documented records.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment with multiple interruptions and changing priorities.
  • Solid organizational skills and a strong sense of accountability for completing work accurately, efficiently, and on time.
  • Working knowledge of basic accounting processes, including invoice processing, reconciliations, and transactional data entry.
  • Proficiency with standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Excel and Word) and the ability to learn accounting or ERP systems.
  • Ability to identify discrepancies, apply sound judgment, and escalate issues appropriately.
  • Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and willingness to learn new processes, systems and responsibilities.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion, with the ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Managing Work

Leveraging Feedback

Quality Orientation

Earning Trust

Applied Learning

Customer Orientation

Collaborating

Initiating Action

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • High School diploma/GED required; Associates degree in accounting, business management or related field preferred. Relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
  • 1-3 years of experience in an accounting clerk, accounts payable/receivable, or transactional accounting role preferred.
  • Experience with accounting or ERP systems (e.g., AGRIS, QuickBooks, or similar), preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word, including data entry, basic formulas, and document management; ability to use Outlook or similar email/calendar tools.
  • Customer service or internal support experience, with the ability to communication professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Understanding of or interest in agriculture, food, grain, commodity-based businesses, preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to travel occasionally to operational locations, as needed for training, collaboration, and/or business support; must maintain a valid driver's license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those required for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, see, and hear, and to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally be required to stand, walk, reach, or lift and/or move office materials weighing up to 10–20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the ability to focus on computer screens and printed materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the responsibilities of the job, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the employee will encounter.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

The position is primarily performed in an office environment. The noise level is typically moderate and consistent with an active office or trade floor setting. The role involves regular interaction with accounting, commercial, and operational personnel, with limited exposure to non-office environments.