Controller

JOB SUMMARY: The Finance Controller is responsible for assisting the Chief Financial Officer in overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the Kiowa Tribe and ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. The Finance Controller manages general ledger activities, financial reporting, account reconciliations, internal controls, month-end and year-end closing processes, and audit preparation. 

The Finance Controller works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, Finance Department personnel, program directors, management, and other Tribal departments to ensure compliance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, procedures, accounting standards, grant requirements, and funding restrictions. 

The position provides financial analysis and guidance to support sound fiscal management and assists the Chief Financial Officer with the development, implementation, and monitoring of financial policies, procedures, systems, and internal controls. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversees the daily accounting operations of the Finance Department, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Ensures the general ledger is maintained accurately and that financial transactions are properly classified, recorded, supported, and reconciled.
• Directs and/or performs monthly, quarterly, and annual closing procedures, ensuring financial records are complete and accurate.
• Prepares and reviews monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and management reports for review by the Chief Financial Officer and Tribal leadership.
• Reviews account reconciliations, including bank accounts, investment accounts, receivables, payables, payroll-related accounts, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Monitors accounting transactions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established policies, procedures, budgets, and applicable accounting standards.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal accounting controls to safeguard Tribal assets and promote accurate financial reporting.
• Identifies financial control weaknesses, accounting discrepancies, and potential risks and recommends corrective actions to the Chief Financial Officer.
• Assists with the development, implementation, and maintenance of Finance Department policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Assists the Chief Financial Officer with the preparation, monitoring, and administration of the Tribe's annual operating budget.
• Monitors departmental expenditures and assists program managers and directors with understanding financial reports, budgets, and available funding.
• Reviews financial activity for compliance with approved budgets and identifies significant variances or unusual transactions.
• Provides financial analysis and recommendations to the Chief Financial Officer regarding revenues, expenditures, cash flow, and other financial matters.
• Coordinates and assists with the Tribe's annual financial audit, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, reconciliations, and responses to auditor requests.
• Serves as a primary Finance Department contact for external auditors, financial institutions, consultants, and other authorized financial professionals as assigned.
• Assists with the preparation and review of audit workpapers and ensures requested financial documentation is accurate and provided timely.
• Assists with ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and Tribal financial reporting requirements, including requirements associated with grants and other restricted funding.
• Reviews grant-related financial activity, as assigned, to ensure expenditures are properly recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Assists with the preparation of financial reports required by funding agencies, Tribal programs, governing bodies, and other authorized entities.
• Reviews accounting processes and recommends improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, accountability, and financial transparency.
• Participates in the implementation, maintenance, and improvement of accounting and financial management systems.
• Assists with system testing, financial reporting development, data validation, and implementation of accounting system enhancements.
• Maintains appropriate documentation and financial records in accordance with Tribal recordkeeping requirements and applicable laws and policies.
• Provides guidance, training, and technical assistance to Finance Department staff regarding accounting procedures, financial controls, and reporting requirements.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned Finance Department personnel in accordance with Tribal policies and procedures.
• Reviews work performed by accounting staff and provides appropriate direction, coaching, and corrective guidance when necessary.
• Promotes a professional, ethical, collaborative, and customer-service-oriented environment within the Finance Department.
• Maintains confidentiality of financial, personnel, Tribal, and other sensitive information.
• Assists the Chief Financial Officer with special financial projects, financial analyses, forecasts, and other assignments.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education: 

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a closely related field. 

Preferred Experience: 

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible accounting or financial management experience, including experience with general ledger accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, budgeting, and audit preparation. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or other relevant professional certification.
• Experience working in Tribal government, Tribal enterprises, governmental accounting, nonprofit accounting, or another similarly regulated environment.
• Experience supervising accounting or finance personnel.
• Experience with federal grants and restricted funding.
• Experience implementing or administering financial management/accounting systems.

Equivalent Experience:

• A combination of education, professional certification, and progressively responsible accounting experience may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements, subject to applicable Tribal policies.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable under the Kiowa Tribe's motor vehicle policy.
• Must be willing to submit to and pass drug testing.
• Must be willing to submit to a background investigation which reflects a good moral character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• All work will be completed in an office setting.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of five (5) lbs.
• Must be able to sit and stand for long intervals based upon the needs of the position.
• May be required to travel in-state and out of state based upon the needs of the position.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Kiowa Tribe does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

 According to the Kiowa Tribe Human Resources Policies and Procedures, the Kiowa Tribe recognizes Kiowa Preference first, other federally recognized tribes second and other races last.  

Indian Preference applies in accordance with Indian Preference Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC Section 472), BIA Form 4432, Tribal Identification or Certificate Degree of Indian Blood must be submitted with employment application to receive Indian Preference.