Strategic Controller - Lead Finance, GAAP & Compliance

Central Iowa Power Cooperative; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and Vision Insurance

Pension

401(k) with company match

Short-term and long-term disability

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) is seeking a Controller to lead the Accounting and Finance team in Cedar Rapids, IA, with travel to Des Moines as needed. The role manages general ledger, cash flow, budgets, and regulatory reports while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA, has 5+ years in accounting/finance, and can connect financial results to business strategy. CIPCO offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance; minimum 5 years related experience or equivalent.
• CPA designation required; electric utility knowledge preferred.
• Strong business acumen with ability to connect financial results to operations and strategy.
• Proven leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Strong communication and ability to explain financial information clearly.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process-improvement skills.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations, financial markets, and banking.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems/database skills.
• Adaptable, collaborative, and capable of leading change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Accounting team, including work assignments, priorities, performance management, hiring, training, coaching, and employee relations.
• Manage general ledger, financial reporting, cash flow, liquidity, loans, credit facilities, and payment controls.
• Prepare and/or review operating and cash budgets, tariff rates, indenture and loan covenant filings, and regulatory reports.
• Maintain effective internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP, financial policies, lender requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Coordinate financial statement audits and related activities.
• Perform back-office functions relating to financial hedging, including management of collateral and margin positions, mark-to-market valuations, and settlements.
• Maintain Asset Retirement Obligation estimates and other non-recurring valuations.
• Manage and maintain the department's standard operating procedure library.
• Oversee special reports and other accounting activities.
• Support strategic projects and assist the Director of Finance and CFO with Board financial reporting, policies, and compliance.
• Maintain professional knowledge through industry organizations, conferences, and training necessary to know best practices, identify current and future trends, and maintain and upgrade skills.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Process improvement

Adaptable

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA designation

Tools

Advanced Excel

Financial systems/database

Job description

Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) is seeking a Controller to lead the Accounting and Finance team in Cedar Rapids, IA, with travel to Des Moines as needed. The role manages general ledger, cash flow, budgets, and regulatory reports while ensuring GAAP compliance and strong internal controls.

The ideal candidate holds a CPA, has 5+ years in accounting/finance, and can connect financial results to business strategy. CIPCO offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.