Framing The Search Assignment

Position: Controller

Client: a 100-year-old grower-owned cooperative in Washington 

The Challenge

A 100-year-old grower owned cooperative in Washington state with 900 employees across 6 locations sought a Controller due to the retirement of a 29-year-tenured employee.

The Controller search was uniquely complex due to the technical rigor, multi-entity environment, and historical significance of the company’s current growth trajectory.

The ideal candidate needed to quickly take ownership of core accounting functions—including revenue and cost accruals, intercompany reconciliations, and daily banking oversight—while laying the groundwork for a more efficient, accurate month-end close process.

The Controller would be responsible for monthly financial reviews, cost management across multiple facilities, and reconciliation of long-term debt, all while supporting the budgeting and forecasting functions. This position also required someone capable of navigating the financial nuances of a newly formed joint venture.

The new Controller would not only be instrumental in supporting this expansion but also serve as a true #2 to the CFO, allowing leadership to shift focus from accounting oversight to long-term strategy and operations.

The Solution

3P Partners head hunted and placed a local Controller who was a strong fit due to her extensive hands-on experience managing the financial operations of multiple entities in the apple industry.

This Controller had prior experience overseeing the month-end close, financial reporting, and systems implementation for six entities, including year-end consolidations for three entities. She brought a strong foundation in GAAP, audit readiness, and process improvement, having streamlined AP close timelines and led technology transitions to improve efficiency.

Her CPA designation, MS and BS in Accounting, and current pursuit of a CMA reflect a commitment to professional development, and her leadership history includes both strategic oversight and team management.

Most importantly, she expressed enthusiasm for returning to a larger-scale operation where she could grow into a #2 finance role, directly supporting the CFO as the company embarks on a historic joint venture and major capital expansion.

The 3P Difference

We are the industry-leading food and agribusiness executive search firm. We approach experienced candidates who are not actively looking for a new position to give you access to a broader, more qualified talent pool. Our reputation relies on our ability to deliver high-quality service and timely results.

The Results

The client was extremely pleased with our collaborative hiring process and ability to identify a candidate who not only had extensive industry experience but was a great cultural fit.