Farm Business Consultant

Illinois FBFM; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural consulting firm in Ottawa seeks a Farm Business Consultant to support farmers with business decisions, analyze financial data, and provide tax preparation assistance. Key responsibilities include conducting annual assessments and advising on farm succession and financial strategies. Strong analytical and communication skills, along with a Bachelor’s degree, are essential. This is a full-time role offering competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual pay adjustments

Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

Employer contributions to 401(k)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, Ag Education, Accounting, or Finance.
• Knowledge of farm operations and finance principles.
• Ability to travel regionally for farm visits.

Responsibilities

• Assist members in completing financial records annually.
• Conduct periodic visits to update information.
• Prepare comprehensive production and financial reports.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics Navision

Job description

Farm Business Consultant (formerly known as Field Staff)

Job Summary:

We are Illinois Farm Business Management (FBFM). We advise and consult Illinois farmers on making smart business management decisions.

As a Farm Business Consultant, you will support farmers with their short- and long-term business goals, analyze their business and family records, financial and production data. You will interpret reports, offer counseling on management issues, and assist with income tax preparation and management. Our role is to be unbiased, valuable advisors to farmers. Responsibilities include analyzing and assessing financial health, educating and counseling on farm business decisions, and promoting best financial practices in the agriculture industry.

Duties:

• Assist members in completing comprehensive production and financial records annually
• Conduct periodic visits to update information
• Prepare annual tax plans
• Establish effective workflows with support staff
• Prepare income and payroll tax returns
• Generate annual analysis reports
• Contribute to revenue generation for FBFM
• Build and maintain relationships with members through excellent service
• Gather detailed farm production and financial data
• Analyze data to identify weaknesses, causes, and solutions
• Assist with income tax planning and preparation
• Advise on topics like farm succession, estate planning, diversification, and expansion
• Stay updated on developments in agriculture, tax, and business
• Collaborate with professionals such as lenders, attorneys, and other FBFM staff
• Recruit new members
• Provide all services offered by FBFM
• Participate in ongoing education to maintain expertise
• Manage tasks to meet deadlines

Important Qualities:

• Strong analytical skills for business assessment
• High attention to detail
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills
• Effective communication and problem-solving abilities
• Self-motivated with good time management
• Interest in working with farm families on business and tax matters
• Ability to handle peak workload from November to April
• Clear communication skills to explain recommendations
• Proficiency with software tools for data analysis and tax preparation
• Professional workplace effectiveness
• Detail-oriented with strong math skills
• Willingness to work longer hours in fall and winter, with flexibility during other seasons

Required Qualifications and Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business, Ag Education, Accounting, Business Finance, or related fields
• Background or knowledge of farm operations, agriculture industry, and finance principles
• Ability to travel regionally for farm visits
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation

Preferred Skills:

• Master’s degree in relevant fields
• Enrolled Agent (EA) certification with the IRS
• Experience with current software applications and tax return preparation
• Experience working with farm business operations
• Willingness to reside in the service area

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Annual pay adjustments
• Vacation, sick, holidays, and personal days
• Health, dental, vision, life, LTD insurances
• Employer contributions to 401(k)

Illinois FBFM

Required Experience: Contract

Key Skills: Business Consulting, Business Intelligence, Sales Experience, B2B Sales, Information Management, Network Administration, Business Analysis, Microsoft Dynamics Navision, Outside Sales, Strategic Planning, Database Administration, Public Speaking

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: Years

Vacancy: 1