Description

Who We are as a TribeThe Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake is a federally-recognized native sovereign nation. Our primary purposes relate to the overall wellbeing of our Tribal Members and our families. We have active programs and relationships with our Pomo tribal neighbors in Lake County California that will help us preserve our Pomo culture. Many of these activities help us rediscover lost traditions, spiritual beliefs and help revive our dying languages. Because we know that the world is a different place than when our ancestors were here, our Tribe works very hard to learn different ways of achieving economic self-sufficiency. We engage in a variety of economic development strategies which would not only benefit our families but also our neighbors. We strive to make sure that wherever we do business, it is done in a manner which respects our neighbor’s and larger community’s needs. In this vein, our Tribe looks forward to working with you.

Purpose of the Position
The Controller, under the general direction of the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake Executive Council, is responsible for the planning, organization, direction, control, and compliance of the accounting activities for the Tribe. The Controller will also be working closely with the Executive Council Treasurer. Incumbent is responsible for all accounting functions for the Tribe. Responsible for collecting and compiling financial data in accordance with governmental / fund accounting (GASB) principles. Leads the preparation of forecasts, tax filings, financial, budget, auditing, and other reports. Ensures that the Tribe complies with accounting regulations and standards and adheres to company policies and procedures.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Manage all financial activities of the Tribe, including accounting operations, purchasing operations, payroll management, and asset management.
• Advise the Tribal Treasurer and Executive Council on financial matters.
• Establishes and prepares monthly financial reports and other detailed analyses as requested by the Tribal Treasurer and Tribal Executive Council.
• Lead the Tribe-wide fund budget process to prepare annual budget and provide the budget to the Tribal Executive Council for review and approval.
• Lead completion of the annual external audit. Ensure questions and requests from auditors are responded to in a timely manner. Review and approve all final adjusting journal entries and prepare draft financials for auditor consideration.
• Coordinate the development of an Indirect Cost Proposal providing all necessary information to contractors, ensuring compliance and accuracy. Work closely with contractors to gain negotiated rates with the National Business Center.
• Directly supervises the Fiscal Department staff, and is responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Budgeting, , Grant Compliance, General Ledger, Banking, Payroll, Purchasing, and Finance Support.
• Reviews weekly check runs, weekly payroll reports, and time sheets submitted by the Assistant Fiscal Officer to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Direct workloads, training and cross-training, evaluations, and compliance within the Fiscal Department.
• Ensure internal controls are established, documented, and followed, and segregation of duties exists between staff to mitigate fraud risk.
• Ensure financial systems are established and documented which minimize risk and prevent fraud.
• Coordinates with other department leaders (Administrators) regarding accounting matters including budgets, compliance, and reporting.
• Ensure proper accounting is maintained for Fixed Assets and real property.
• Coordinate all insurance coverage to adequately protect the assets and the interest of the Tribe.
• Oversee the issuance of annual information returns (i.e., 1099, 945, etc.).
• Serves as second in command in the absence of the Tribal Administrator. Acting in his/her place regarding situations that may arise, including employee concerns and management, fielding requests from Tribal Government or Tribal members. Reporting all incidents and actions to the Tribal Administrator upon their return.
• Manage cash to ensure timely vendor disbursements and payroll needs are met. Notify the Tribal Treasurer when issues are identified.
• Ensure accuracy in banking and complete monthly reconciliations under the supervision of the Tribal Treasurer.
• Manage grants management operations to ensure financial reporting is completed prior to deadlines, follow-up on awarding agency requests, and monitor grant compliance.
• Oversee the accounting and distribution of all payments made within Tribal programs. Ensuring applications meet the standards set forth within the program guidelines and that proper documentation is submitted to withstand testing through independent auditors.
• Assist the Tribal Treasurer as needed with learning the accounting functions of the Tribe, running financial reports, performing analysis on accounts, understanding financial information received from other entities, and preparing reports to the General Membership and the Tribal Executive Council.
• Maintain accounting and financial management policies, ensuring compliance with all OMB and GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures) and making recommendations for updates to the Tribal Executive Council as needed.
• Oversee Tribal distributions to membership, coordinating eligibility, allocation, and reporting. Specifically, Revenue Sharing Trust Fund (RSTF) and other tribe-wide disbursements, (i.e., holiday stimulus, etc.).
• Stay abreast of all new Federal regulations and compliance issues that may impact the Tribe's ongoing grants.
• Ensuring compliance with Tribal policies, federal regulations, and budget restrictions.
• Serves as Purchasing agent, ensuring timely receipt of needed items and compliance with Tribal policies, budget restrictions, and procurement standards.
• Serves as Billing agent for ULPWD (Upper Lake Pomo Water District), which includes monthly billing, accounts receivable, and all necessary collections.
• Works with the Tribal Executive Council and other Administrators as needed to identify needs to implement the Tribal Executive Council's 5-year plan, which can include creating new department structures, budgets, and compliance efforts.
• Assists employees, Tribal Executive Council, and Tribal members with various requests for information and documentation (i.e., income verifications, program eligibility documents, and tax reporting.)
• Serves as a key member of the Emergency Response Team, coordinating the financial efforts and assisting with implementing the Tribe's response to emergency situations (i.e., natural disasters, etc.).
• Demonstrate sensitivity to Tribal history, lifestyle, and culture.
• Regular, reliable attendance during normal business hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Possesses experience working with accounting software applications, including file downloads and data conversion techniques. Specifically, Abilia MIP, the financial software used by the Tribe, as well as QuickBooks used by the ULPWD (Upper Lake Pomo Water District).
• Possesses advanced computer skills such as the Internet, popular software programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PPT, Access), Acrobat Adobe, and similar programs.
• Modern office practices and techniques.
• Possesses experience working with Internet programs used by the Executive Council and Tribal Administration (Zoom, Teams, Webex, etc.).
• Possesses considerable knowledge of governmental accounting and budgeting practices, general laws, and administrative policies.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS), GASB and OMB Super Circulars experience.
• Possesses knowledge of office and internal control management practices.
• Able to present fiscal and other information effectively and respond to questions from officials and colleagues.
• Able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Departmental Administrators, Tribal Executive Council, as well as with external organizations, membership, customers, and government entities.
• Able to lead, motivate and work closely with people of all skills and backgrounds.
• Able to work independently and make appropriate decisions.
• Able to read and interpret complex financial and statistical information as well as Tribal ordinances and policies.
• Able to prepare and distribute extensive reports in a timely fashion.
• Possesses outstanding organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Able to handle numerous tasks and responsibilities, anticipate and meet deadlines, prioritize directives, and respond promptly and professionally to internal and external requests.
• Able to supervise department staff and evaluate staff performance.
• Ability to communicate with management and staff on a productive basis.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to and cultural awareness of tribal traditions and beliefs.
• Must have the ability to maintain the utmost level of confidentiality and ethical accountability.
• Able to use common sense and critical thinking to problem-solve.
• Able to cross-train employees to ensure long-term financial security for the Tribe.
• Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by communicating effectively both orally and in writing with professionalism, excellent grammar, respect, and courteousness.
• Possess a balance of assertiveness and diplomacy along with adaptability to communicate on all levels.
• Knowledge of the basic principles and terminology of general fund and government accounting.
• Principles and practices of business and accounting data processing and of automated financial/accounting systems, particularly related to the processing of accounting information and interpretation of other input/output documents.
• Ability to effectively perform assigned technical accounting and financial management work.
• Prepare complex computerized financial and statistical reports.

Education and Experience
Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited University with a major in Accounting and five (5) or more years working as an individual contributor for a business or government organization with responsibility for using knowledge of GAAP or Government accounting in one or more of the following accounting functions: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, revenue, asset management, and cost OR in lieu of education, candidate should possess eight (8) or more years of working as an individual contributor for a business or government organization with the same responsibilities as previously stated.
• 1 or more years of experience in working with computerized accounting systems in support of all facets of the accounting function.

• All offers are contingent upon signing a confidentiality agreement and satisfactory completion of drug screening and background checks. Employer observes federal standards for controlled substances.
• Required to possess a valid driver’s license and maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Tribe’s insurance carrier.

Preferred:

• 3 years of experience in governmental accounting or fund accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Prior experience implementing accounting software.
• Knowledge of or prior use of the following software tools is a plus: Abila MIP, QuickBooks and Microix.
• Previous experience working with Tribal ordinances or IRS guidelines as they apply to Tribal governments or entities is a plus.

Certificates And Licenses

• CPA certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel work-related items.
• The employee is regularly required to stand and walk.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• Prolonged periods in a stationary seated position, such as working on a computer.
• Frequently move, transport, and manipulate equipment or packages up to 15 pounds.
• Verbal communication sufficient to exchange accurate ideas and information.
• Hours worked may vary depending on special projects or as needed by the Department, including some evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays.

Indian Preference
Native American Indian preference shall apply to the position in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000e-2(i)), regulations of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (41 C.F.R. § 60-1.5(a)(7)), and/or other relevant laws. Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification of Indian eligibility with their application. 

Qualifications