Senior Financial Costing Analyst

Background:

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to helping communities around the world build economies by strengthening local agriculture, helping agribusinesses create jobs and linking farmers to markets. Since 1981, it has implemented over 315 integrated dairy, livestock and crops development programs in nearly 80 countries — creating lasting impact by linking farmers, businesses, and the public and private sector in local and global contexts. Land O’Lakes Venture37’s long-standing affiliation with Land O’Lakes, Inc. sets it apart. Land O’Lakes, Inc. is one of America’s largest farmer-owned cooperatives. It supports Land O’Lakes Venture37 project implementation with nearly 100 years of expertise in dairy, animal nutrition, crop inputs and agricultural insights and technologies. This gives Land O’Lakes Venture37 development projects a unique global view of agriculture, food and the power of well-functioning market systems. Land O’Lakes, Inc. supports these efforts as part of its enterprise purpose of Feeding Human Progress at home and around the world.

Position Summary:

This position will primarily be responsible for working with the New Business Development team developing costing budgets that support proposals to donors. S/he must ensure that accurate proposal budgets and budget notes are submitted to donors in accordance with the proposal submission deadlines and must develop budget templates which both align with donor requirements and with V37 internal financial systems. This position works closely with the New Business Development team and technical staff and consultants to create winning proposals that include accurate costing budgets and with the Accounting and Finance Team to ensure that budgets are prepared consistent with V37 accounting policies and practices. This position will provide training, support and guidance to other staff preparing NBD budgets and will review and approve all NBD budgets prepared by others.

In addition to NBD proposal budget preparation, this position will assist with supporting the existing project portfolio by preparing financial analysis of actual and projected results verses budgeted results for active projects. This may include working with field accountants and Chiefs of Party to review and adjust forecasts to match the technical workplan, identifying when a budget realignment is needed and working with the programs team to model the proposed new budget, and developing and delivering ongoing tools and training to worldwide staff on budgeting and forecasting topics and areas for improvement. This position may also assist with the organizational annual organizational budgeting process for V37 as needed, including working with current projects on budget development, modeling the proposed indirect pools availability, and preparing reports and analytics for V37 management.

This position is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota or Washington DC and may require up to 15% travel.

NBD Cost Proposals:

• Prepare budgets that align with submitted proposals for potential new projects.
• Develop customized templates which meet donor specifications for budget submissions, utilizing advanced spreadsheet techniques in Excel.
• Create and/or modify budget spreadsheet templates and budget narratives in accordance with donor requirements.
• Ensure that the V37 budgeting standards are followed.
• Develop and maintain budgeting guidance materials.
• Conduct staff training on cost proposal development

Forecasting, Budgeting and Analysis:

• Create and communicate processes, workflows and templates for the seamless forecasting and reporting of project spending.
• Work on financial modeling related to predicting future outcomes.
• Work with project management to analyze and explain variances to actual spending (revenue).
• Coordinate and lead the annual business planning process for V37.
• Conduct periodic training for worldwide staff on budgeting and forecasting.
• Create spreadsheets and tools to aid in financial analysis and forecasting.
• Other projects as assigned.

Required Experience/Knowledge:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• At least five (5) years prior financial analysis and budgeting experience.
• Demonstrated budget development experience.
• Sound general accounting knowledge with budgeting and financial analysis skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Excellent organizational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to work with English as Second Language (ESL) staff in global locations.
• Advanced Excel skills and working knowledge of other MS Office Suite programs.
• Ability to work independently and adjust quickly to change in a fast paced environment.

Land O’Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including pre- and post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

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