Jobs › Dairyland Power Cooperative

Mgr, Accounting

Dairyland Power Cooperative · La Crosse, WI · $117,800–$176,700 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about an internal control you designed or improved. What risk did it address?

What they are checking: Whether they think about controls in terms of real risks, not just paperwork.

Tell me about a time you developed someone on your team into a stronger accountant.

What they are checking: Whether they coach and grow staff, which is a core part of leading this team.

What would you do

The external auditors find an issue in your area. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they work openly with auditors and fix the root cause instead of getting defensive.

A senior accountant on your team keeps missing deadlines. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they address performance directly and fairly, even with experienced staff.

About the work

Walk me through how you run a month-end close with a team that covers payroll, AP, AR, inventory and general ledger.

What they are checking: Whether they can coordinate a full close across functions and keep it accurate and on time.

How do you review a team member's reconciliation, and what makes you dig deeper?

What they are checking: Whether they review work with judgment and know the warning signs of errors.

How would you handle accounting for joint plant contracts with other owners?

What they are checking: Whether they understand shared ownership accounting, which this role names specifically.

How does accounting at an electric cooperative differ from other industries you've worked in?

What they are checking: Whether they understand cooperative and utility accounting, like RUS requirements and patronage capital.

How would you explain a financial result to a non-finance leader who's worried about it?

What they are checking: Whether they can interpret and communicate data clearly for decision makers.

What data would lenders need from you to support loan financing, and how do you make sure it's right?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the stakes of reporting for financing and covenants.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Hiring Salary Range: $117,800 - $176,700 Compensation is determined by a combination of factors, including but not limited to education, work experience, and certifications. The actual offer may vary, reflecting the candidate's unique blend of experience, educational background, and skill level. The Impact you will make in this Role: Assist in the planning, organizing and leading of the operations of the Accounting Department, including payroll, cash management, general ledger, inventory, asset management, accounts payable, accounts receivable and billing. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Lead a team of accountants, including senior-level staff. Review team work requirements and projects for completion on a timely basis. Hire, evaluate, coach and develop team personnel. 2. Lead and direct daily accounting activities. Responsible for the preparation, analysis and reconciliation of financial statements, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with accepted accounting principles. 3. Responsible for required tax and government filings and joint plant contracts, including data to support loan financing. 4. Coordinate and support all related audit work for internal and external auditors. 5. Assist in the development, implementation and administration of internal controls and accounting procedures. 6. Provide, interpret and communicate data from accounting records as required from management and other functions. Support requests from and may communicate directly with other key stakeholders such as Executive Management, the Board of Directors, distribution cooperative managers and staff, and attorneys. Acts as a business partner with other functions to provide optimal solutions for the accounting and operational interface. 7. Support, participate and assist in leading the implementation of change management initiatives, including work with financial systems. Support strategic financial initiatives as requested. 8. Proactively work with staff and cross functional stakeholders to improve and create new processes and controls for the greater good of all in the company 9. Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Education & Experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA, CMA or MBA preferred. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience required. Experience must include working collaboratively with various groups, including Executive Management and cross-functional teams. Experience with a utility and/or a cooperative business model preferred. Project management experience preferred. Skills: • Solid knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) • Comprehensive knowledge and experience with general accounting functions and corporate financial processes • Knowledge of business taxes • Technical skills; experienced in working with and understanding financial systems; • ERP implementation experience and AI process improvements a plus • Must have demonstrated supervisory/management skills including areas of employee development and training • Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills • Advanced attention to detail • Advanced analytical, problem-solving and prioritization skills Licenses and Certifications : CPA, CMA or MBA preferred. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Environmental Demands : The majority of time is performed in an office setting (indoors). May periodically travel to plant or transmission locations. Position will include some travel, at times overnight. Other Job Characteristics: Ability to work independently and maintain accuracy under pressure and meet required deadlines. Handle confidential materials and maintain confidentiality

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