Controller - Nisqually Indian Tribe

NATURE OF WORK: This position plans, organizes, directs, and controls the accounting and control function of the Financial Services Department and will be responsible for the development and compliance of the Tribe's financial plans and policies, its accounting practices, the conduct of its relationships with lending institutions and the financial community, the maintenance of its fiscal records and the preparation of financial reports.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee work done by other staff in Financial Services Department.
• Develop, analyze, and interpret statistical and accounting information in order to appraise the Tribe's fiscal soundness and operating effectiveness.
• Prepare reports that outline the Tribes financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present and future operations.
• Assist in budget development including the process of planning, organization, and administration.
• Assure integration of budget modifications into the current year's program budgets and accounting system.
• Prepare drawdowns from federal, state, or private funding source and assures compliance with regulations or other agreements.
• Monitor all budgets.
• Develop and implement an ongoing accounting and reporting system to assure grant and contract compliance and prepare all required financial reports.
• Provide input to the CFO on the performance of personnel in the Financial Services Department and recommend essential training.
• Assure contact is established on overdue accounts, taxes are deposited in a timely fashion and quarterly payroll reports are prepared and processed.
• Maintain the Tribe's system of accounts and keep books and records on all transactions and assets using the Tribe's Accounting Policies and Procedures manual.
• Forecast short-range and long-range cash requirements and obligations as a basis for maintaining adequate funds.
• Provide reports and interpret the results of operations to all levels of management.
• Assure protection for the assets of the Tribe through internal control, internal auditing, and ensuring proper insurance coverage.
• Assists CFO with external independent audit schedules.
• Responsible for monthly general ledger and bank reconciliations.

• Develop near-term and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements.
• Assure that the duties, responsibilities, and authority of each job are clearly defined, effective, and communicated to staff members.
• Monitor performance of direct reports and provide prompt and objective coaching and counseling.
• Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs, take advantage of opportunities, and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
• Ensure that the Tribe's management principles, policies, and programs are consistently practiced.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide orientation, training, and supervision to accounting personnel.

• Ability to present concise financial reports to the CFO, Administrators, Managers, Tribal Council, and funding agencies.
• Knowledge of, and skill in, the use of manual and automated accounting systems.
• Ability to identify and make recommendations for improving the effectiveness of policy or practices.
• Ability to perform multifaceted projects in conjunction with normal activities.
• Ability to establish credibility and be decisive.

• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, bookkeeping theories and practices, and office procedures.

• Knowledge of federal regulations for accounting and auditing compliance.

• Skill in the use financial management software and systems.
• Ability to manage financial databases and generate spreadsheets.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive financial reports and summaries.
• Ability to research, interpret, analyze, and explain detailed and complex financial data, legal documents, and government regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions and technical terminology.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team and to establish and maintain effective relationships with a variety of government employees and officials, and the general public.
• Ability and willingness to assume responsibility for accuracy and timeliness of work projects and to work independently.
• Ability to maintain and practice strict confidentiality regarding financial information, records, and other matters at all times.
• Skill in performing detailed and accurate accounting calculations.
• Ability to establish and maintain organized work methods.

• Ability to work with a wide-range of tribal programs and projects, and Tribal leadership to provide strategic guidance regarding policies and procedures and to clarify the Tribe's accounting process.

• Ability to plan, lead and coordinate work and projects of a technically demanding nature, under strict deadlines, and under limited supervision.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field from an accredited institution AND a minimum of two (2) years' experience as a Controller or in a comparable position with responsibility for accounts, budgeting, cost accounting, credit and collections, and finance OR an equivalent combination of appropriate experience and/or post-secondary education.
• CGFM, CPA/CMA preferred.
• Experience leading or supervisor lower-level staff.
• Must be able to pass a criminal history background check.

• Must have a valid Washington State driver`s license and insurable under the Nisqually Indian Tribe`s insurance policy.