Tribal Chief Financial Officer


Details

Job Description

GENERAL PURPOSE: The Tribal Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a senior executive leader responsible for providing strategic direction, administrative oversight, and operational guidance across the Finance, Contracting, and Property/Procurement Departments. This role is critical to ensuring the effective development, implementation, and administration of the Financial Management System, while maintaining accountability, ethical management, and compliance with Tribal, State, and Federal laws and regulations. The CFO interfaces with Tribal Management System program and departments to ensure tribal resources are managed in an accountable and ethical manner to achieve long-term financial sustainability.

Skills & Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: Copies of official transcripts must accompany the application Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited university or college, with five years of supervisory experience in Government Fund Accounting, program management, budgeting, and contract and grant administration. • Must be able to be bondable. • Experience managing P.L. 98-638 contracts, budgeting, reporting, and accounting processes, including Indirect Cost Agreements. • Familiarity with OMB rules and regulations governing contract and grant administration. • Experience managing investments and trust accounts. • Proficiency in general ledger, cash flow, and budget management systems. • Knowledge of Springbrook Accounting software or other accounting software. • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports both verbally and in writing. Preferred Qualifications • A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. • Master’s degree in accounting from an accredited university or college, with five years of supervisory experience in Governmental Fund Accounting, program management, budgeting, and contracts and grants administration. • Experience working with tribal governments

Duties & Responsibilities

SUPERVISION: The CFO will be supervised and evaluated by the Executive Director or Deputy Executive Director and receive general policy directions from the Fort Hall Business Council. This position provides leadership and mentorship to front-line managers and finance staff personnel, exercising significant independent judgment and decision-making in compliance with Tribal Management Systems, professional ethics, and applicable laws. The CFO is expected to lead by example, inspire high performance, and cultivate a culture of accountability and excellence across all departments under their purview.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Executive Leadership & Administrative Oversight • Provide strategic leadership and administrative guidance to the Finance, Contracting, and Property/Procurement Departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives. • Serve as the primary advisor to the Fort Hall Business Council on financial matters, offering expert recommendations and solutions to support informed decision-making. Directly manage and evaluate Finance Department personnel, the Senior Contracting Officer, and the Property/Procurement Manager, fostering professional growth and development. • Oversee the management of the Contracting, Grants and Property/Procurement programs. The CFO will work directly with the Tribal Credit Department Director to ensure adherence to policies and procedures for lending procedures. • Act as a key liaison between tribal leadership and department managers, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across all levels of the organization. Policy Development & Compliance • Lead the development, implementation, and administration of Financial Management System Policies and Procedures, ensuring compliance with Tribal, State, and Federal regulations. • The CFO will work collaboratively with the Executive Office to prepare the annual Indirect-Cost Rate Proposal that is required to be submitted to the appropriate Cognizant Agency. The CFO will be responsible for monitoring that approval and remain aware of potential variations in indirect cost rates across the Tribal government structure. • Oversee and schedule annual updates to the Tribal Accounting Manual, Property/Procurement Manual, Travel Manual, and Contracts/Grants Manual and any other departmental manuals under their direct supervision to ensure continuity, best financial practices, and meet regulatory requirements. • Coordinate the annual budgeting process with the Fort Hall Business Council and tribal department supervisors/managers, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities. • Ensure compliance with Governmental A-133 requirements, General Accepted Accounting Principle (GAAP), the Combined Financial Statement Audits for purposes of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34 and other audit requirements, maintaining the highest standards of financial accountability. Financial Reporting & Systems Management • Provide comprehensive quarterly financial status reports to the Fort Hall Business Council, covering tribal government funds, contracts, grants, indirect cost pools, general funds, investments, and trust accounts. • Direct the development and implementation of automated accounting reporting systems, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. • Establish and enforce fiscal policies, accounting controls, and audit requirements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), OMB guidelines, and the Single Audit Act. • The CFO will be responsible for maintaining an accounts receivable and accounts payable office that effectively manages both revenue and expenditures in a timely manner. Budget and Investment Management • The CFO will provide budget oversight and financial management for over 250 unique government accounts, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency in financial transactions. • Collaborative manage tribal investments with external service providers, ensuring compliance with funding source requirements, and conduct quarterly updates with the Council and Investment Fund Managers. • Actively manage the Tribes' Children's Gaming Trust and Self-Insured Employee Health Plan, ensuring proper accounting and adequate funding for future operations. Provide strategic oversight of cash flow management, investment strategies, and financial planning to ensure the long-term financial health of the organization. Collaboration and Quality Assurance • Foster a culture of collaboration and teamwork across departments, working closely with staff and department supervisors/directors to ensure quality control and accuracy of program records and financial reports. • Prepare and present an annual report for the Tribal Members at the Annual Meeting, highlighting key financial achievements and challenges. • Interface with grant agencies and Tribal Management System personnel to ensure compliance with regulations and policies governing personnel, finance, contracting, administration, records, facilities, and property. Ethical Leadership and Performance Management • Model high standards of honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all employment-related matters, both on and off the job. • Inspire and motivate department personnel and peers to achieve organizational goals, monitoring program performance and providing guidance and incentives. • Take corrective action when fiscal, contracting, human resource, or administrative issues are identified, ensuring swift resolution and continuous improvement. Strategic Guidance & Support • Provide technical and personnel support to other Tribal entities as needed, including reviewing, commenting, and recommending improvements to financial processes and systems. • Actively participate in strategic planning initiatives, offering financial expertise to support the achievement of organizational objectives. • Serve as a trusted advisor to tribal leadership, offering insights and recommendations to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency. Additional Responsibilities: • Perform other duties as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, ensuring the organization’s financial systems and processes remain robust and effective.

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