FINANCE DIRECTOR

Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership and Administration

• Provide strategic financial leadership and guidance to the tribal Council and Tribal Administrator to support organizational goals and long-term financial sustainability.
• Direct and oversee the daily financial operations of the tribal government and assigned tribal enterprises.
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that safeguard Tribal assets and promote fiscal accountability.
• Monitor cash flow, banking relationships, investments, and financial performance to ensure the tribe's financial stability.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Direct all governmental accounting activities in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, tribal policies, and applicable laws.
• Review and approve financial transactions, journal entries, reconciliations, and accounting records.
• Ensure the accuracy of bookkeeping entries, expenditures, purchases, payments, account balances, and financial documentation.
• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports for tribal leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of financial performance and recommend corrective actions when necessary.

Budget Administration

• Direct the development and administration of the tribe's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Collaborate with department directors to develop budget proposals and monitor expenditures throughout the fiscal year.
• Conduct budget-to-actual analyses and recommend budget amendments as needed.
• Provide technical assistance to departments regarding budget preparation, procurement, travel requests, and other financial matters.

Grants and Contract Management

• Oversee the financial administration of 50+ tribal grants and contracts from application through closeout.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, tribal, and funding agency requirements.
• Prepare and submit financial reports required by granting agencies within established deadlines.
• Monitor grant expenditures and contract budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance.
• Assist departments in budget development and financial reporting for grant-funded programs.

Procurement and Financial Controls

• Review and approve purchase orders, payment requests, and financial transactions in accordance with tribal procurement policies.
• Approve and monitor high-value financial transactions, including electronic fund transfers, bank wire transfers, and vendor payments.

Audit and Compliance

• Coordinate annual financial audits and provide requested documentation to independent auditors.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans to address audit findings and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with tribal financial policies, federal regulations, grant requirements, and other applicable laws.
• Maintain effective internal controls designed to safeguard tribal assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.

Payroll and Benefits Administration

• Oversee payroll operations to ensure compliance with federal and tribal payroll regulations.
• Ensure payroll records are accurate and maintained in accordance with applicable laws.
• Monitor payroll processes and employee benefits administration for compliance and accuracy.

Supervision and Leadership

• Direct, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate Finance Department personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Promote continuous professional development and operational excellence within the Finance Department.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with tribal departments and external agencies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Oversee the annual tribal profit‑sharing process, ensuring required documentation is received, eligibility is verified, and individual invoices are prepared for qualifying Tribal members.
• Conduct daily reviews of cash balances and banking activity to identify significant variances and ensure adequate liquidity.
• Attend tribal Council work sessions, administrative meetings, finance meetings, and meetings with federal, state, and local agencies as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of governmental accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and fiscal management.
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards.
• Knowledge of Tribal financial administration, procurement, payroll, grants management, and federal funding requirements.
• Knowledge of applicable federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), when administering federal awards.
• Strong knowledge of financial management systems, automated accounting software, and Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel.
• Ability to analyze complex financial information and prepare comprehensive financial reports.
• Ability to develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of professional and administrative staff.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, analytical, and decision‑making skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Tribal leadership, employees, Tribal members, auditors, funding agencies, and the public.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated experience in cash flow management, strategic financial planning, and fiscal oversight.
• Must be detail‑oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Must successfully pass and maintain a DPS/FBI fingerprint background investigation.
• Must not have two (2) or more misdemeanor convictions or any felony conviction in accordance with Tribal employment requirements.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a closely related field is required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental accounting, finance, or fiscal management.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of supervisory or executive‑level management experience.
• Experience managing budgets, financial reporting, payroll, grants, procurement, and audit coordination.
• Experience working with Tribal governments or other governmental entities is preferred.