Chief Financial Officer

Vernonia, Oregon, West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) is seeking an experienced, hands-on Chief Financial Officer to lead and manage the financial operations that support safe and reliable electric service across NW Oregon. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong accounting and finance professional who brings both technical expertise and practical leadership to a mission-driven cooperative. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable managing the big picture and rolling up their sleeves to handle day-to-day accounting and financial responsibilities. Reporting to the General Manager/CEO, the Chief Financial Officer is responsible for accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audits, and financial analysis. The CFO also serves as a trusted financial advisor to the General Manager and Board of Directors, providing clear, accurate financial information to support sound decisions and long-term financial stability. The CFO directly supervises the Billing Clerk and provides financial oversight of key processes across the Cooperative, including accounts payable, payroll, member payments, cash receipts, and work orders. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, a collaborative approach, and the ability to work effectively with employees across departments. At WOEC, our work supports reliable electric service and the communities we serve. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by strengthening financial operations, improving processes, safeguarding Cooperative resources, and helping ensure the long-term success of an organization that values people, service, accountability, and trust. What you'll Do: As WOEC's Chief Financial Officer, you'll play an important role in both the daily financial operations and long-term financial health of the Cooperative. This position combines financial leadership, hands-on accounting, and collaboration with employees and management throughout the organization. Key Responsibilities include:

Lead accounting and financial reporting. Manage and actively perform accounting functions, maintain accurate financial records, prepare financial statements, and ensure the integrity of the Cooperative's financial information. Manage budgets and financial planning. Coordinate annual operating and capital budgets, monitor financial performance, develop forecasts, and provide analysis to support sound financial decisions. Oversee cash management and financial resources. Monitor cash flow, banking activities, investments, debt obligations, and financial commitments to support the Cooperative's ongoing stability. Maintain strong internal controls. Establish and monitor accounting procedures, reconciliations, and financial controls that safeguard Cooperative assets and promote accuracy and accountability. Provide oversight of financial processes for billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, member payments, cash receipts, work orders, and utility plant accounting, including transactions performed by employees in other departments. Coordinate audits and financial compliance. Lead the annual financial audit, prepare supporting documentation, coordinate required financial and regulatory reporting, and monitor compliance with lender requirements and financial policies. Support management and the Board. Prepare and present financial reports, explain financial results and trends, and provide recommendations that support planning, financial stewardship, and decision-making. Lead and support employees. Directly supervise and develop the Billing Clerk while working collaboratively with other employees and managers to maintain effective financial processes. Improve financial operations. Identify practical opportunities to strengthen accounting procedures, internal controls, reporting, technology, and overall efficiency.

This is a hands-on position. The successful candidate will be comfortable personally performing detailed accounting work while maintaining responsibility for the Cooperative's overall financial operations. What We're Looking For: We're looking for a knowledgeable, dependable financial professional who takes pride in accurate work, sound judgment, and responsible financial management. The right candidate will bring strong accounting skills, the ability to work independently, and a practical approach to solving problems. Just as important, they'll be approachable, collaborative, and comfortable communicating financial information to people with different levels of accounting knowledge. What Will Help You Succeed: Beyond technical accounting experience, we're looking for someone who brings the right approach to working in a small, service-focused cooperative. You'll be successful in this role if you:

Are hands-on and detail-oriented. You're willing and able to perform the work yourself, understand how transactions affect the financial statements, and take ownership of accuracy and results. Lead with integrity and accountability. You handle confidential information responsibly, follow through on commitments, and understand the importance of safeguarding Cooperative resources. Communicate clearly. You can take complicated financial information and explain what it means in a straightforward, understandable way. Work well with others: You build productive relationships across departments, provide helpful financial guidance, and recognize that effective financial operations depend on teamwork. Balance the big picture with daily priorities. You can contribute to long-term financial planning while staying on top of reconciliations, reporting deadlines, audits, and routine accounting responsibilities. Use sound judgment. You identify risks, ask questions, solve problems, and know when an issue needs additional attention or management involvement. Look for ways to improve. You recognize opportunities to make financial processes more accurate, efficient, secure, and effective. Value cooperative service. You understand that responsible financial management helps support reliable electric service, employees, and the members and communities WOEC serves.

Work Environment: This position is primarily office-based and involves regular computer work, financial analysis, reporting, and communication with employees, management, and outside organizations. The CFO works closely with the General Manager/CEO, Board of Directors, employees, auditors, financial institutions, lenders, and other Cooperative partners. Occasional work outside normal business hours may be necessary to attend Board meetings, meet financial reporting deadlines, coordinate audits, or support Cooperative operations during emergencies. Some travel for meetings, conferences, or training may also be required. About WOEC: West Oregon Electric Cooperative (WOEC) has 23 employees who provide electric service to approximately 4,600 meters and 3,800 members. We offer a competitive pay and benefits package including a defined contribution retirement plan, continued professional development training, and more! We have an excellent team in place that is dedicated to our mission of providing safe and reliable electric service to our membership! WOEC’s service territory is heavily forested and covers approximately 1,200 square miles in parts of 5 counties. WOEC’s headquarters is located in Vernonia, Oregon. How to Apply: To apply, visit https://www.westoregon.org/about-us/careers/ Please submit your resume and cover letter along with your application Applications will be accepted through November 30th, 2026. Compensation & Benefits We offer a competitive salary, based on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. WOEC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment against any applicant or current employee based on any status or class protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field. Progressively responsible experience in accounting, finance, budgeting, financial reporting, or a related field, including experience performing or overseeing significant accounting and financial functions. Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, reconciliations, cash management, and internal controls. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify financial trends, investigate discrepancies, and recommend practical solutions. Ability to independently manage complex accounting responsibilities while balancing multiple priorities and deadlines. Ability to communicate financial information clearly and work effectively with employees, management, and the Board of Directors. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and the ability to work effectively with accounting and financial software. Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required for Cooperative business.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working for an electric cooperative, electric utility, or similarly regulated or capital-intensive organization. Knowledge of utility accounting practices, including work orders, capital additions, retirements, and utility plant accounting. Experience preparing financial reports and presenting information to executive management, boards of directors, auditors, lenders, or regulatory agencies. Experience coordinating annual financial audits and preparing supporting schedules and documentation. Experience with cash management, debt, financing, financial forecasting, and capital budgeting. Familiarity with cooperative lending, regulatory, tax, and financial reporting requirements. Experience with NISC or comparable utility billing, accounting, or enterprise software. CPA, CMA, MBA, or another relevant professional designation or advanced degree.