Chief Financial Officer

SCOPE OF WORK: The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the Tribe’s senior financial executive and is responsible for the strategic leadership, administration, and oversight of all financial operations of the Tribe and its governmental programs, enterprises, grants, and related entities. The CFO provides executive-level leadership in financial planning, budgeting, accounting, treasury management, investments, debt management, procurement oversight, audit coordination, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

The CFO ensures the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the Tribe’s financial systems and operations in accordance with Tribal laws and policies, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, federal grant requirements, and applicable federal and Tribal regulations.

The CFO serves as a strategic advisor to Tribal leadership and works closely with the Executive Director, Tribal Chairman, Tribal Council, department directors, auditors, funding agencies, and financial institutions to support the Tribe’s long-term financial sustainability, economic growth, and audit compliance.

SUPERVISION

The Chief Financial Officer reports directly to the Executive Director, who provides administrative direction and conducts performance evaluations. The CFO provides direct supervision and leadership to the Finance Department, including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, property &procurement, and other assigned financial personnel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ethical Financial Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for all Tribal financial operations, ensuring responsible stewardship, transparency, accountability, and long-range fiscal sustainability. 
• Advise Tribal leadership on financial strategies, economic conditions, funding opportunities, and organizational risks while upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and fiduciary responsibility. 
• Develop and implement long-term financial plans that support Tribal priorities, sustainability, and economic growth initiatives. 
• Demonstrate unwavering ethical conduct, integrity, professionalism, and strict confidentiality in all financial matters, and be required to sign and adhere to a confidentiality agreement and all applicable ethical standards and policies.

Budget Development and Fiscal Oversight

• Direct the preparation, administration, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets.

• Monitor revenues, expenditures, fund balances, and cash flow to maintain fiscal stability, ensure adherence to approved budgets, and comply with all applicable federal regulations and financial reporting requirements. 
• Conduct financial analysis and recommend corrective actions for budget variances and operational inefficiencies.

Accounting and Financial Reporting

• Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports, and prepare and provide additional financial reports and analyses as requested by Tribal leadership.
• Maintain compliance with GAAP, GASB, and applicable financial reporting standards.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain effective internal controls, financial policies, and procedures to safeguard Tribal assets.
• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies to strengthen organizational accountability and operational integrity.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and financial oversight throughout all departments and programs.

Audit and Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate annual financial audits and corrective action plans.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal and federal financial regulations and grant requirements.
• Oversee preparation and submission of required financial reports, tax filings, and compliance documentation.

Treasury, Investments, and Debt Management

• Oversee treasury functions, including cash management, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, and liquidity management.
• Monitor financial markets and recommend investment and financing strategies consistent with Tribal policies and objectives.
• Maintain relationships with lending institutions, financial advisors, and funding agencies.

Grants and Program Financial Administration

• Oversee financial management of federal, state, and Tribal grants and contracts.
• Ensure grant expenditures are allowable, properly documented, and compliant with funding requirements.
• Provide financial guidance and support to program directors and department managers.

Procurement and Operational Oversight

• Oversee procurement and purchasing controls to ensure compliance with Tribal procurement policies and fiscal accountability standards.
• Monitor financial operations and administrative processes to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and improved service delivery.
• Support implementation and modernization of financial systems and technology solutions.

Payroll and Tax Administration

• Direct payroll administration and ensure compliance with payroll laws, tax reporting requirements, retirement contributions, and employee benefit obligations.
• Manage preparation, reconciliation, and submission of Forms 1099, payroll tax filings, and other required tax documentation and governmental reports.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, and professional development for Finance Department staff.
• Establish performance expectations, evaluate employee performance, and promote accountability and teamwork.
• Foster a culture of professionalism, ethical conduct, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Communication and Stakeholder Relations

• Prepare and present financial reports, recommendations, and analyses to Tribal Council, committees, executive leadership, auditors, and funding agencies.
• Translate complex financial information into understandable terms for non-financial audiences.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal departments, external agencies, auditors, and community stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend Tribal Council meetings, finance committee meetings, and other meetings as assigned or required.
• Oversee and ensure the development, coordination, and delivery of financial-related training and guidance for all Tribal departments and employees to promote fiscal accountability, compliance, and sound financial practices throughout the organization. 
• Maintain confidentiality of all financial, legal, personnel, and organizational information.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Tribal leadership.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or closely related field preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, certifications, and progressively responsible professional experience will be considered. 
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including senior leadership and supervisory experience in government, Tribal government, nonprofit, or public sector finance.
• Experience with governmental accounting standards, fund accounting, grant management, and federal funding compliance required.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, Uniform Guidance, and governmental financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, treasury management, audit coordination, and internal controls.
• Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
• Proficiency in financial management systems, accounting software, Microsoft Office applications, and advanced spreadsheet analysis.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment and ethical conduct.
• Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
• Must successfully pass a background investigation.