Director of Finance & Administration

Director of Finance & Administration

Telecommunications and Internet Company – Southwest Colorado

Position Summary

The Director of Finance is responsible for leading all financial activities for a rural telecommunications and internet company serving Southwest Colorado. This position provides strategic financial leadership and oversight for accounting, budgeting, payroll, billing, forecasting, cash flow management, regulatory reporting, capital planning, grant administration, and financial support for broadband and fiber deployment projects. Overseeing admin & customer service teams.

The Director of Finance works closely with the Chief Executive Officer, General Manager, Board of Directors, department managers, outside auditors, lenders, and regulatory agencies to ensure the financial strength and long-term sustainability of the company.

This role is especially important in supporting the unique needs of a rural telecommunications provider, including broadband expansion, grant-funded projects, capital-intensive infrastructure investments, and compliance with state and federal telecommunications regulations.

About the Company

Farmers Telephone started as a mutual coop in 1920. It is now a for profit company based out of Pleasant View CO. Its subsidiary Farmers Telecommunications (dba FTI WIFI) is a growing CLEC based out of Cortez CO. With a unified customer view known as FTI WIFI the company currently serves Internet, Voice, Cell Phone service, across Montezuma, Dolores, & La Plata Counties in SW Colorado.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership

· Lead and manage all accounting, finance, treasury, and financial reporting functions.

· Develop and implement financial strategies that support the company’s short- and long-term goals.

· Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the CEO/General Manager and Board of Directors.

· Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.

· Maintain strong internal controls and financial policies to safeguard company assets.

· Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Budgeting and Forecasting

· Direct the annual budgeting process for all company operations, including telecommunications, internet, wireless, and fiber services.

· Prepare financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and long-range business plans.

· Monitor actual performance against budget and provide variance analysis and corrective recommendations.

· Support department managers in developing budgets and tracking expenditures.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

· Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and monthly close process.

· Ensure timely and accurate preparation of financial statements.

· Coordinate annual audits and work directly with external auditors.

· Manage banking relationships, debt schedules, and covenant reporting.

· Oversee preparation and filing of all required tax returns and regulatory reports.

Telecommunications and Regulatory Compliance

· Ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements related to telecommunications and internet operations.

· Oversee reporting for federal and state broadband grants, loans, and funding programs, including programs such as:

o BEAD

o ReConnect

o USDA Rural Utilities Service

o FCC Universal Service Fund programs

o Colorado broadband grants

· Coordinate preparation of required documentation, reimbursement requests, matching fund reporting, and grant compliance.

· Maintain knowledge of telecommunications industry accounting practices, depreciation schedules, plant accounting, and cost allocations.

· Assist with regulatory filings and reporting requirements with federal, state, and local agencies.

Capital Planning and Infrastructure Projects

· Lead financial planning for major capital projects including fiber deployment, wireless expansion, network upgrades, and facility improvements.

· Develop capital expenditure budgets and monitor project spending.

· Analyze project profitability, return on investment, and long-term financial impact.

· Support financing efforts for capital projects, including loans, grants, bonds, and lender presentations.

· Work closely with engineering and operations teams to evaluate project costs and timelines.

Cash Flow and Risk Management

· Manage company cash flow, working capital, and liquidity.

· Monitor borrowing needs and recommend financing strategies.

· Evaluate financial risks and implement risk management practices.

· Oversee insurance, bonding, and financial protections for company operations and construction projects.

Team Leadership

· Supervise and develop accounting and finance staff.

· Establish performance goals, provide coaching, and support professional development.

· Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and customer service.

· Work collaboratively with all departments to support company objectives.

· Currently position oversees company benefits, and some HR tasks.

QualificationsEducation

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

· CPA, CMA, MBA, or other advanced financial credential preferred.

Experience

· Minimum of 7–10 years of progressively responsible accounting or finance experience.

· Minimum of 3–5 years of management or leadership experience.

· Experience in telecommunications, broadband, internet service provider, utility, or infrastructure-related industries strongly preferred.

· Experience with grant-funded projects, capital construction, and rural utility finance preferred.

· Experience with financial management of broadband, fiber, wireless, or telecommunications operations is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis.

· Knowledge of telecommunications industry accounting, plant accounting, depreciation, and cost allocation methods.

· Familiarity with federal and state broadband funding programs and grant compliance requirements.

· Strong understanding of rural telecommunications operations and the challenges of serving remote communities.

· Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

· Ability to prepare and present financial information clearly to management and the Board of Directors.

· Proficiency with accounting software, spreadsheets, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Characteristics

· Strategic thinker with the ability to balance day-to-day financial management with long-term planning.

· Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

· Collaborative leader who works well with operations, engineering, sales, customer service, and executive leadership.

· Understanding of the mission and importance of providing reliable communications services to rural communities in Southwest Colorado.

Work Environment

· Position is based in Southwest Colorado.

· Primarily office-based with occasional travel to company facilities, project sites, meetings, and conferences.

· May require attendance at evening Board meetings or community meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

· Competitive salary based on experience plus annual bonus.

· Relocation package negotiable.

· Benefits include health insurance, retirement pension plan, paid time off, company vehicle or mileage reimbursement, training, and professional development.

· Free internet service if you live in a covered area.

· Discounted Cell service.

Reports To

Chief Executive Officer / General Manager

Supervises

Accounting, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and other finance department personnel as assigned.

Required Background check and drug test before employment.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person