Tribal Controller en Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians

Description

Summary

Under direction from the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), the Controller directs the Tribe’s governmental accounting and procurement functions at the Tribal Administration and Tribal enterprises, not including Casino. This position’s primary responsibility is to maintain the Tribe’s books and records under generally accepted accounting principles, continuously striving to adopt best practices. This position assists with the financial and grant audits, preparation of internal financial reports, preparation of annual operating and capital budgets. 

This position oversees all the following operational accounting functions: general ledger, fixed assets, payroll processing, accounts receivable, accounts payable and grant & program cost accounting. The Controller integrates and coordinates cross-functionally with staff regarding the accounting and administration of the Tribe’s grants, Tribal Member programs, Per Capita and Children’s Trust distributions. The Controller leads and directs the work of the accounting staff, providing expertise in governmental accounting with a strong understanding of internal controls and public policy protocols. 

The Controller will be required to lead cross-functional teams to implement business process improvements. The Controller must demonstrate the ability to manage staff and projects, possessing time management skills. The Controller will be a role model to support the Tribal Administration’s culture of integrity, commitment and accountability. The Controller will assist independent and internal auditors as needed. The Controller performs a variety of tasks including but not limited to formulation of policies and procedures, documentation of systems and internal controls. The Controller, at the direction of the CFO, will prepare a special analysis of Tribal Administration’s financial and accounting records as needed and present financial information to Tribal Council as needed.

Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of the Tribal Accounting department; develops, implements and monitors work plans to achieve department mission and goals; participates in the development of and monitors performance against the department’s budgets. Will be responsible for overseeing all financial planning, budgeting, financial reporting, and analytical functions for the Tribe’s governmental and enterprise operations, not including Casino. This position ensures the integrity of financial reporting, compliance with applicable tribal, federal, and state regulations, and the effective management of financial resources to support long-term sustainability. The Controller leads the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial models, providing strategic insights to senior leadership and Tribal Council.
• Manages and directs the preparation and maintenance of accounting records and the preparation of financial statements, schedules and reports for the Tribal Administration and for regulatory bodies; manages, oversees and reviews the work of employees preparing monthly and periodic accounting reports and schedules; manages intercompany transactions for transfers between enterprises. Manages and directs the work of employees responsible for general ledger, cost accounting, cash control, accounts payable and receivable and payroll; manages and participates in ensuring the smooth operations of the general ledger accounting; manages and administers the Tribal Administration Chart of Accounts.
• Reviews and monitors accounting operations to ensure compliance with GAAP, IRS or other regulatory requirements and accounting policies; manages and directs month-end and year-end closing activities.
• The Controller will provide supervision and direction to the Tribal Staff Accountant(s). This includes annual performance evaluations and administering progressive discipline, when necessary, in accordance with the Tribe’s Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Note: This description incorporates the most typical duties performed. It is recognized that other duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed. The inclusion of these duties would not alter the overall evaluation of the position.

If none of the applicants should meet the stated qualifications, applicants whose education and experience are less than the stated requirements, may be interviewed and hired provided the applicant hired submits a formal written training plan within (30) thirty days which can be completed within a reasonable time agreed upon by the supervisor and the applicant. Applicants who are hired and fail to meet the agreed upon formal training program, will be discharged upon failure to complete the specified training as so scheduled.

Indian Preference Policy: Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with Tribal Law. Verification must be submitted with this application, if claiming Indian Preference. Consideration will be given to non-Indian applicants in the absence of qualified Indian Preference eligible candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, or other non-merit factors.

Requirements

Qualifications/Education/Experience

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a major in accounting, finance, business administration or a closely related field
• At least seven current years of experience in progressively responsible professional accounting experience, preferably in a tribal, county or local government; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• GAAP and GASB accounting standards and requirements.
• Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor or Certified Management Accountant is preferred.

Competencies and Annual Requirements

• Establish and maintain internal control procedures and ensures that accounting standards are met.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive financial statements, reports and written materials.
• Oversees the accounting and administrative requirements for Tribal Member programs and other Tribal enterprises and makes sound recommendations for improvement. 
• Principles and practices of general, enterprise and governmental accounting including financial statement preparation and methods of financial control and reporting.
• Develop and implement financial procedures and controls.