Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
Position Available
Business Manager
Purpose
The Business Manager is an integral part of the cooperative’s leadership team and provides strategic leadership and direction for the cooperative's financial management, accounting, budgeting, risk management, human resources, and administrative services. The position ensures the financial integrity and sustainability of the cooperative while supporting the Board of Directors and General Manager in achieving the cooperative's strategic goals.
Essential Duties / Qualifications
• Develops and implements financial strategies aligned with cooperative objectives. Directs all financial functions including cash management, forecasting, financial planning and budgeting.
• Drives initiatives to administer credit facilities by analyzing borrowing needs, managing lender relationships and ensuring adherence to loan covenants and financing terms.
• Provides guidance, coaching and performance management to team members, fostering a collaborative environment focused on growth, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develops and delivers accurate, timely reports to the leadership team and the Board of Directors, to provide financial insights and guide organizational strategy and oversight.
• Maintains complete and accurate financial records and reports in accordance with cooperative policies and procedures and with the accounting requirements for Rural Utilities Service (RUS) electric borrowers.
• Responsible for the financial reporting and preparation of related reports with all federal, state and local agencies.
• Responsible for the internal control environment of the business department and managing financial audits, including the annual audit process, with external auditors.
• Assists in rate strategies and cost allocation to guide effective and compliant rate development.
• Collaborates with leadership and internal departments to support budgeting, proper accounting procedures, financial planning/forecasting and operational initiatives.
• Ensures the integrity, accuracy, confidentiality and security of member and billing data within all applicable systems.
• Responds to member inquiries regarding economic development opportunities and available funding sources.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvements and automation, including partnering with IT to evaluate and implement add-on financial software tools that integrate with the core accounting system.
• Ensures regulatory compliance and adherence to all applicable federal, state and local laws governing corporate finance, payroll processing and human resource administration.
• Maintains positive professional relationships with members, lenders, auditors, insurers, community and professional organizations and government agencies.
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated with the ability to organize and perform work accurately and efficiently.
The above responsibilities are a guide and are not all-inclusive for the position.
Education / Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in business related degree with 10 years of experience in accounting and finance, MBA or CPA a plus.
• Experience in cooperative accounting a plus, cooperative utility accounting highly preferred.
• Experience in the management of employees, providing direction and coordinating work activities.
• Experience utilizing comprehensive accounting platforms or ERP software required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid “Class C” driver’s license.
• Experience requirements may be adjusted if the appropriate formal education and applicable work experience are demonstrated.
Working Conditions
• Full-time position is located at the Cooperative’s Cando office.
• Salary position with a 40 – hour per week pay period with additional hours required when workload demands.
• Occasional travel within the Cooperative’s service area and throughout the state.
• Occasional overnight travel for training and meetings.
Physical Demands
• Work is performed primarily in a controlled office environment at a desk, involving prolonged sitting and frequent hand and finger movements.
• Regular use of standard office equipment.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or move weights up to 40 pounds.
Reporting / Supervision
Reports to: General Manager
Supervises Directly: Business and communication department employees
Indirect Supervision: Position works with all employees at all levels across the organization and interacts with members.
Application Timeline
Position open until filled.
To apply for the position, please fill out our NPEC application (see blue button below). Send in completed NPEC application and cover letter to tamia@nplains.com or mail to:
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
Attn: Tami Aljets
PO Box 180
Carrington, ND 58421
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Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer