Accounting Specialist
Position Type: Full-time Exempt (Salaried)
Location: Hybrid / Hawaiʻi Island (one in-person day per week required)
Reports to: CEO
Salary: $56,000 to $66,560 per year
To apply, email your resume and cover letter by January 1st, 2025 to: dana@eatbreadfruit.com
About the Position:
The Co-op Accounting Specialist will manage Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op’s (HUC) finances and contribute to the development of budgets and strategic plans. Specific responsibilities include entering non-inventory transactions, processing weekly bank deposits, managing accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliations and General Excise Tax filings, annual 1099s filings, and collaborating with outsourced CPAs on income tax filings and financial reviews. This individual will also work closely with the CEO to design and implement diverse fundraising campaigns, and shall prepare monthly financial reports to be presented to co-op management, the Board, investors, and members.
The ideal candidate shall have a strong accounting background, an understanding of social enterprises (nonprofit or for-profit), and experience with fiscal grant management. This position requires attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Growth opportunities: This position offers significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement. The Accounting Specialist shall have the opportunity to grow into a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role within the organization over the subsequent 2–5 years. This pathway will involve increased leadership responsibilities, strategic financial oversight, and deeper engagement in shaping the company’s financial vision and sustainability.
About the Organization:
Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Co-op (HUC) is a farmer-owned business working to revitalize ‘ulu (breadfruit) as a viable crop and dietary staple by empowering farmers as change-makers in Hawaiʻi’s food system. Formed in 2016 with nine small, diversified growers on Hawaiʻi Island, we have grown to over 180 member-farms across Hawai‘i. Our mission is to strengthen Hawai‘i’s food security through the revival of ‘ulu and to mālama ʻāina – care or protection of the earth – by using environmentally responsible production methods.
Essential Functions:
- Manage day-to-day financial operations, including bank deposits, AP/AR and account reconciliations.
- Prepare and deliver monthly financial reports (balance sheets, P&L, cash flow analysis, budget-to-actual comparisons).
- Facilitate annual financial reviews and tax filings with third-party CPAs.
- Collaborate with the CEO to design and implement fundraising campaigns targeting grants and investments.
- Contribute to the development of the annual budget and 5-year financial plan.
- Provide financial analysis and insights to support decision-making by co-op management and the Board of Directors.
- Assist with fiscal grant management and compliance.
Competencies:
- Proficiency with accounting software including QuickBooks and Bill.com, and with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Strong organizational, analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
- Detail-oriented and capable of producing accurate, timely financial reports.
- Knowledge of financial practices within cooperatives, agriculture, or social enterprises is a plus.
- Can work both collaboratively and independently in a hybrid work environment.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position has no regular direct reports but may be requested to oversee or collaborate with contractors or interns as needed.
Work Environment:
The position is primarily remote but requires weekly visits to the co-op facility in either Kailua Kona or Hilo, Hawaiʻi Island, for bank deposits. Occasional attendance at other co-op facilities, farms, or events may be required.
Physical Demands:
The role requires extended periods of sitting and computer use, with occasional travel to local facilities.
Required Education and Experience:
- Undergraduate degree in accounting, finance, business or a related field.
- 3+ years of accounting experience, including financial reporting and reconciliation.
- Familiarity with federal and state grant management and compliance.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- CPA certification, MBA, or equivalent experience.
- Experience working with cooperatives or agricultural organizations.
- Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks or similar accounting software.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time and year-round, with flexible scheduling as approved by the CEO.
Travel:
Weekly travel to one of the co-op’s Hawaiʻi Island facilities in a personal vehicle. Other travel may occur occasionally. Travel costs will be reimbursed at the current GSA rate for use of a Personally Owned Vehicle (POV).
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
None required for this position.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
To apply, email your resume and cover letter by January 1st, 2025 to: dana@eatbreadfruit.com
Compensation & Benefits:
The co-op’s current wage guideline for Specialist Position salaries is between $56,000 and $66,560 per year, with full medical benefits, accrued PTO, paid holidays, and a 20% discount on all co-op products. Through HUC’s partnership with ProService, employees also gain access to additional perks, including access to great offers from local businesses such as discounted movie tickets or health and fitness deals; a 401(k); a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that allows for the use of pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible out-of-pocket expenses and lower IRS reported income, which saves you money; and voluntary insurance options that are portable and can be taken with you should your employment status change.
To apply, email your resume and cover letter by January 1st, 2025 to: dana@eatbreadfruit.com
The ʻUlu Co-op strives to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture focused on continuous learning and welcomes individuals with work and lived experiences that align with and complement the organization’s mission and vision. The co-op does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law and is an employment-at-will company. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
