Director of Finance in Grand Forks, North Dakota at Northern Plains Railroad, Inc.

Company: Northern Plains Services, Inc.

Business Unit: NPS

Department: Finance

Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM M-F

Summary:

The Director of Finance serves as a strategic and operational leader within the organization, partnering closely with the VP of Finance & Business Strategy and other executive leadership to drive financial performance, long-term planning, and organizational growth. This role is responsible for ensuring the day-to-day excellence, accuracy, and efficiency of all accounting and finance operations while also providing forward-looking financial analysis, forecasting, strategic modeling, and investment evaluation.

The Director of Finance oversees and develops the finance and accounting team, ensures strong internal controls and financial integrity, and delivers meaningful financial insights that support executive decision-making. This position plays a key role in identifying financial opportunities and risks, assessing capital investments and acquisitions, and recommending best practices that strengthen the company’s financial position and operational effectiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities are, but are not limited to:

Direct and oversee all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions of the organization.

• Provide leadership and accountability for the overall performance, development, and effectiveness of the finance and accounting team.
• Review and provide oversight of financial work prepared by accounting staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.
• Act as a key advisor to executive leadership by translating complex financial data into actionable business insights.
• Influence operational and strategic decision-making through data-driven recommendations and financial analysis.

Financial Strategy, Planning & Reporting

• Develop long-range financial forecasts and scenario planning models to support organizational strategy and growth initiatives.
• Build and maintain advanced financial models to evaluate operational performance, capital investments, acquisitions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Assess financial viability, risk exposure, and internal rate of return (IRR) for capital expenditures and investment opportunities.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and communicate findings effectively to executive leadership.
• Recommend and implement best practices in financial modeling, forecasting, and reporting processes.
• Partner with leadership to support strategic planning and develop contingency and backup plans for changing business conditions.
• Present financial analyses, forecasts, and strategic recommendations in a clear, factual, and compelling manner to senior leadership.

Accounting Operations & Systems

• Maintain overall accountability for the integrity and accuracy of the general ledger and financial reporting processes.
• Ensure accounting operations support timely and accurate financial visibility for organizational leadership.
• Evaluate and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and operational processes to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Strong experience with ERP account platforms, reporting systems knowledge, data/analytics capability, and finance process automation skills.

Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Ensure Compliance with GAAP and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Implement and monitor accounting policies and procedures consistent with GAAP.
• Ensure that internal controls over financial operations are maintained & effective
• Oversee internal audit functions and ensure adherence to control standards
• Coordinate with third party accountants to ensure compliance, accurate audits and timely tax filings.

Treasury, Banking & Capital Management

• Support strategic cash flow planning and capital allocation decisions.
• Analyze organizational financial performance to support sustainable growth and long-term financial health.
• Assist in evaluating financing strategies, investment opportunities, and business expansion initiatives.
• Support oversight of capital investments and the annual capital budget.

Real Estate & Specialized Financial Oversight

• Provide analysis related to acquisition, management, and disposition of commercial real estate assets.

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead Mentor and develop the finance and accounting team by establishing clear expectations, promoting accountability, and supporting professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, high-preforming finance team focused on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Drive a culture of accuracy, responsiveness, ownership and change management.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, HR and IT to support business objectives.

Other

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Competencies:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Strong knowledge of financial planning and analysis, strategic budgeting and forecasting, risk management, and a high-level understanding of industry wide economics.).
• Ability to prepare and review complete financial statements for a multi-business unit structure, including footnotes.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Power BI, financial systems, and project management tools.

Leadership & Management

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Accountable for team performance and results.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other senior leaders and managers.

Communication & Influence

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to build credibility and drive alignment across leadership teams.
• Ability to translate complex financial concepts into practical business recommendations.

Works style & execution

• Highly detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain control over competing tasks.
• Displays a high level of integrity and ethics
• Conscientious with a strong focus on quality and accuracy
• Team oriented mindset with a focus on overall company success.
• Strong work ethic and sense of ownership.

Other requirements

• Valid Drivers licensee.
• Must maintain insurable driving status in accordance with company policies.

Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to meet the physical demands listed below:

• Be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity and visual acuity needed (use of computer equipment for long periods of time)
• May require travel to various facilities and provide additional services.

Environmental:

• Position involves working in an office setting and traveling to meet with customers. Incumbent is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions or noise levels. The job requires the individual to follow NPRS and its affiliated companies’ federal standard safety procedures and to avoid possible injuries.

Education and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree In Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field required. (MBA or CPA is preferred)
• 15 years of progressive experience preferred in financial or accounting leadership roles, including team management.

Requirements of Joining Our Team:

Our comprehensive pre-employment process ensures the well-being and integrity of our team. To join our organization, candidates are required to:

    1.    Provide professional references to validate qualifications and character.

    2.    Complete a comprehensive background check to confirm suitability for the position.

We value transparency and the safety of our employees and customers, and these steps are essential in upholding our commitment to excellence.

This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned. This Job Description may change at any time as declared by Management.

NPRS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected under local, state, or federal statute, ordinance, or regulation. NPRS is a tradename used by Northern Plains Railroad, Inc. (NPR), Northern Plains Services, Inc. (NPS), and All Rail, Inc. (All Rail).