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. FINANCIAL REPORTING: Lead and execute the month-end close process. Deliver accurate, U.S. GAAP-compliant financial statements and maintain a complete, audit-ready general ledger with timely reconciliations and clear account documentation. Finalize results within the established close calendar so the CFO and leadership team receive reliable, decision-ready financial information. Work with operations and commercial teams to validate activity, resolve discrepancies, and explain material variances.

  2. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE & RECEIVABLE OVERSIGHT: Oversee and support the accurate and timely execution of all A/P and A/R activities, including vendor and freight payments, credit monitoring, and aging review. Ensure transactions are properly recorded and reconciled to the general ledger, maintaining strong cash flow and minimizing financial risk. Work closely with the Accounting Clerk to assign, review, and validate work, escalating material issues to the CFO as appropriate.

  3. INVENTORY & COST ACCOUNTING: Lead inventory valuation and cost accounting across grain and finished goods within AGRIS and QuickBooks. Perform and review regular inventory movement and book-to-physical reconciliations, recording required quantity and valuation adjustments as part of the close process to ensure accurate financial reporting. Maintain reliable cost records and collaborate with operations and commercial teams to investigate discrepancies and support accurate margin reporting.

  4. PAYROLL GOVERNANCE, ACCURACY & FINANCIAL ALIGNMENT: Ensure accurate payroll execution by reviewing and approving payroll inputs and by reconciling payroll results to the general ledger. Coordinate with the company’s PEO to ensure correct processing, tax filings, and regulatory compliance. Maintain strong internal controls and address discrepancies promptly.

  5. SYSTEMS, PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & INTERNAL CONTROLS: Continuously strengthen accounting process, internal controls, and AGRIS/QuickBooks workflows to improve accuracy, efficiency, and data integrity. Identify control gaps or inefficiencies within the close process and transactional cycles and implement practical improvements that enhance reliability and audit readiness.

  6. TEAM LEADERSHIP & CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION: Lead and support the Accounting Clerk by setting clear expectations, reviewing work for accuracy and timeliness, and reinforcing disciplined accounting practices. Build effective working relationships across operations, commercial, and administrative teams to ensure accurate financial data flow and alignment between business activity and reported financial results.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and structured month-end close processes
  • Working knowledge of inventory and cost accounting principles
  • Ability to analyze financial statements and identify material variances and operational trends
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP systems
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines within a defined close calendar
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
  • Ability to improve processes and strengthen data integrity
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with operations and commercial teams
  • Demonstrated integrity, sound judgment, and ability to handle confidential information

CORE COMPETENCIES

Financial Acumen

Planning & Organizing

Building Talent

Monitoring Information

Decision Making

Communication

Quality Orientation

Continuous Improvement

Building Partnerships

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Education:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
    • CPA or CMA preferred, but not required.
  • Experience:
    • 6-8 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in agribusiness, manufacturing, grain handling, ingredients, &/or related industries
    • Experience leading month-end close and preparing financial statements in an operational environment
    • Experience with inventory and cost accounting
    • Experience supervising or reviewing the work of accounting staff
    • Experience working within ERP systems; AGRIS and/or QuickBooks experience preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Valid driver’s license required; travel up to 10% of the time to company locations or external meetings.
  • Occasional extended hours may be required during peak periods such as month-end close, year-end close, budgeting, audit preparation, or special projects.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is:

  • Frequently required to sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work, reviewing financial documentation, or participating in meetings.
  • Regularly required to talk, hear, and see to communicate with team members, review financial data, and use accounting systems.
  • Regularly required to use hands and fingers for keyboarding, data entry, handling documents, and operating standard office equipment.
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms, including during visits to operational or administrative areas of the company.
  • Occasionally required to travel between company locations, which may involve driving a vehicle.

Specific vision abilities required include:

  • Close vision for reviewing spreadsheets, reconciliations, and computer screens
  • Color vision and depth perception for reviewing system indicators or paper documentation
  • Ability to adjust focus between electronic and printed materials

The noise level in the work environment is typically consistent with a standard office setting, with occasional exposure to moderate facility noise during onsite visits.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • The role is performed primarily in a professional office environment, involving frequent computer and desk work, meetings, and interactions with team members and leadership.
  • The noise level in the office environment is generally quiet to moderate.
  • The employee may occasionally visit other company locations, including grain facilities or operational areas, where noise levels may be higher, and where appropriate safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
  • Travel between locations is typically minimal and planned in advance.