Senior Accountant (CPA)

POSITION

Title: Senior Accountant (CPA)
Department: Administration / Finance
Reports to: Tribal Secretary
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $95k – $105k DOE/DOQ; includes benefit package
Location: Havasu Lake, CA (on site).
Posting: Open until filled

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant (CPA) is a key professional position responsible for high level governmental fund accounting, grants compliance, and timely financial reporting for the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. Working alongside the Lead Accountant and in coordination with program managers, the Senior Accountant ensures strong internal controls, accurate books and records, and compliance with applicable Tribal policies, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, GAAP/GASB for governments, and federal grant requirements (e.g., 2 CFR Part 200). The role supports monthly and year end close, cash management, budget development and monitoring, audit preparation, and continuous improvement of the Tribe’s financial systems and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Own the monthly close calendar and deliver accurate, timely financial statements (entity wide and by fund/program), including statement of net position, activities, and changes in fund balance.
• Prepare and/or review journal entries, account reconciliations, variance analyses, and  schedules; maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in alignment with governmental fund accounting standards.
• Maintain and reconcile bank, investment, and clearing accounts monthly; monitor cash flow and prepare cash forecasts.
• Prepare budget to actual reports for the Secretary Treasurer, Tribal Administrator, Program Directors, and Project Managers; assist with budget development, amendments, and transfers in accordance with Tribal budget policy.

Grants & Compliance

• Administer and monitor grants and cooperative agreements (federal, state, and other), including drawdowns/reimbursements, allowable cost determinations, time & effort/allocations, match tracking, and subrecipient monitoring where applicable.
• Prepare and maintain the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and support single audit readiness as applicable under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F.
• Ensure procurement, contracting, and record retention practices align with Tribal policy and Uniform Guidance requirements.
• Prepare required financial reports to funding agencies accurately and on time.

Payroll, A/P, A/R, Fixed Assets

• Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations, and labor allocations; coordinate with HR on personnel actions while preserving segregation of duties.
• Supervise or review A/P and A/R processes, vendor management, W-9/1099 compliance, and timely payment cycles; ensure proper approval workflows and documentation.
• Maintain fixed asset register, capitalization policy application, depreciation schedules, and year end roll forward; support inventory controls.
• Oversee sales/use tax, property tax, and other compliance filings as applicable.

Internal Controls & Policy

• Evaluate, document, and improve internal control procedures consistent with Tribal policy and recognized frameworks; ensure appropriate segregation of duties.
• Maintain and update financial policies and procedures; deliver staff trainings and desk guides to promote consistency and accountability.
• Coordinate with IT regarding financial system controls, backups, and data security.

Audit & Year End

• Serve as primary point of contact with external auditors; prepare PBC (Prepared By Client) lists and schedules; resolve audit findings and implement corrective action plans.
• Lead year end closing, accruals/deferrals, and workpapers; support GASB implementations (e.g., leases and subscription based IT arrangements) as applicable.

Systems & Tools

• Administer or support MIP Fund Accounting (or comparable governmental fund accounting system) and Paylocity (or comparable payroll system); evaluate opportunities to optimize modules, integrations, and reporting.
• Develop standard and ad hoc reports and dashboards for leadership and programs.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Work alongside the Lead Accountant; provide professional guidance, coaching, and coverage to accounting staff; may provide day to day direction to accounting personnel as assigned by the Secretary Treasurer.
• Partner with Program Directors and Project Managers to plan, monitor, and report on program finances; provide training on fiscal requirements and documentation standards.
• Present financial information to the Secretary Treasurer, Tribal Administrator, and Tribal Council, as requested.

Other

• Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards; identify and disclose conflicts of interest consistent with Tribal policy.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Secretary Treasurer, Executive Committee, or Tribal Council.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred.
• Licensure: Active, unencumbered Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in any U.S. jurisdiction. If not California licensed, ability to obtain reciprocity within 12 months of hire.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including governmental fund accounting and grants management; prior experience with tribal governments or other governments strongly preferred.
• Systems: Proficiency with computerized accounting systems (e.g., MIP Fund Accounting) and payroll (Paylocity or comparable), and with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams). Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) required.
• Knowledge/Skills: GAAP/GASB for governments; Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) grants administration; month end close discipline; internal controls; excellent written and verbal communication; strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy.
• Supervision: Experience leading or mentoring accounting staff and managing workloads and deadlines in a multi fund environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must pass preemployment drug test and comply with the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.
• Must successfully complete a background check; bondable for handling Tribal funds. Credit check may be required consistent with Tribal policy and applicable law.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance.
• Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel for trainings or audits.
• Commitment to confidentiality and protection of sensitive Tribal information.
• Compliance with all Tribal policies, including ethics, conflicts, records retention, and IT security.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with frequent computer use; may require lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit:

1. cover letter,
2. resume,
3. three professional references, and
4. proof of active CPA licensure to the TERO Office at View email address on theapplicantmanager.com or by mail to the address above.

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

This description is not a contract and may be modified by the Tribe at any time.

Employment is at will consistent with Tribal law and policy.