GENERAL SUMMARY

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as the senior executive responsible for the financial leadership, fiscal integrity, and long-term financial sustainability of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. Reporting to the Chief Tribal Administrator, the CFO provides executive oversight of all Financial Services operations and serves as a principal financial advisor to Tribal Administration and Tribal Council, as requested. The CFO is responsible for establishing and maintaining sound financial management practices, internal controls, and compliance systems in accordance with Tribal Policies, applicable laws, audit standards, and federal regulations. This position ensures transparency, accountability, and stewardship of tribal resources while supporting organizational priorities and Tribal sovereignty.

This role requires maintaining confidentiality, ensuring the accuracy and security of records, and fostering positive relationships with employees, customers, and community members. Strong written and verbal communication skills, along with exceptional customer service, are essential. Regular attendance is required, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be necessary to meet project deadlines. A professional, well-groomed appearance is expected at all times.

Please note: NSORNA Nisqually's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act requires all individuals who have ever been convicted of a sex offense to register with our Public Safety Department. This is true whether or not you have to register with another jurisdiction.

This position has regular contact with or control over Indian Children and Vulnerable Adults. In compliance with Federal Law, this position will not be filled by an applicant with any felonious offense or any of two or more misdemeanor offenses under Federal, State, or Tribal law involving crimes of violence; sexual assault, molestation, exploitation, contact, or prostitution; crimes against persons; or offenses committed against children.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary responsibilities are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform. This list of responsibilities' is intended to be representative of the duties performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed if such duties relate to the position.

• Direct and provide executive oversight of complex financial and accounting functions for the Tribe in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) GASB standards, and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.
• Cooperation with the external audit program, including interface with auditors, fulfillment of audit scope, response to finding(s), and oversight of corrective action implementation.
• Analyze and prepare financial statements; quarterly financial information and annual reports for Tribal membership.
• Provide oversight of the indirect cost process for final approval of an annual rate.
• Support the Tribes overall mission, vision, and strategic priorities through financial leadership and stewardship within the Financial Services Division.
• Implement, consolidate, manage and monitor NIT asset management systems, investments, various accounts, credit management, debt collection, and property and inventory management and control.
• Direct financial affairs, advise senior management on fiscal and budget issues, and provide strategic financial planning both short term and long term.
• Provide leadership, direction and management of the finance services and accounting teams.
• Ensure efficient and effective utilization of personnel, funds, materials, facilities, and time.
• Develop, implement, and maintain organizational policies, procedures, and practices.
• Monitor program deliverables, perform program audits, and implement corrective action plans.
• Assure consistent interpretation and application of laws, compacts, agreements, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Lead, manage, and develop subordinate program managers; ensure appropriate training and development of division staff.
• Develop performance measures and procedures and evaluate the performance of financial services programs.
• Lead the development and management program budgets, funding sources, and work plans to ensure fiscal responsibility and budget accountability.
• Oversee the development, preparation, and submission of contract and grants applications and management of associated funds and deliverables, including timely renewals as appropriate.
• Lead and develop administrative processes and procedures for grant and other funding opportunities.
• Determine grant compliance requirements; coordinate with other agencies to establish and maintain grant eligibility.
• Represent the department to the Nisqually community; facilitate communication and maintain effective working relationships between the department and Chief Tribal Administrator, program staff, the public, and outside agencies.
• Provide regular status reports on significant activities, risks, and issues, and advise the Chief Tribal Administrator on requirements and recommended actions.
• Promote the development of Tribal members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning and operational excellence.
• Assist Tribal Council Treasurer with preparation of constitutionally-mandated reports to Tribal Membership.
• Ensure compliance with financial aspects of federal Self-Governance compacts.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Tribal Administrator or Tribal Council, consistent with governance authority and policy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration or a related field required.
• Masters Degree, Certified Public Account (CPA), CGFM or equivalent professional Certification required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible financial management experience, including senior leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience in governmental or tribal finance, audit compliance programming, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, GASB, internal controls, and federal grant regulations.
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's license and maintain a driving record that meets the minimum requirements established by Nisqually Indian Tribes vehicle insurance provider.
• Successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
• The ability to work with vulnerable populations including adults and children.
• Must pass a State and National (FBI) criminal history background check prior to employment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of the Nisqually Indian Tribe's history ,customs, traditions ,ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Experience working with Federally Recognized Tribes.
• Knowledge of grants management and federal/state funding compliance.
• Experience with Tribal Self-Governance compacts under Public Law 93-638.
• Strong risk management, strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
• Knowledge of Tribal, federal, state, and local regulations and requirements.

SUPERVISION

This position has department wide oversight of Financial Services and supervises and evaluates directly or indirectly all financial personnel. This Position reports to the Chief Tribal Administrator

COMPETENCIES

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Tribal laws, governance structures, policies, and procedures, and their interaction with applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of governmental accounting and auditing standards, including GAAP, GASB, and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards, as applicable.
• Knowledge of federal grant and contract financial requirements, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200), cost allocation, and compliance monitoring.
• Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal control systems, including multi-year forecasting and sustainability planning.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks, risk management principles, and audit remediation practices.
• Knowledge of procurement, contracting, and financial oversight requirements within a regulated governmental environment.
• Knowledge of human resource and supervisory principles as they relate to financial operations, internal controls, and organizational accountability.

Skills

• Skill in executive-level financial analysis, problem solving, and risk identification within a complex governmental organization.
• Skill in policy interpretation and implementation, ensuring financial operations align with Tribal policy and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Skill in negotiation and conflict resolution involving competing fiscal, operational, and organizational interests.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with Tribal leadership, Tribal membership, staff, external auditors, regulators, funding agencies, and partners.
• Skill in written and verbal communication, including preparation and presentation of financial reports and recommendations to executive leadership and Tribal Council.
• Skill in managing and prioritizing multiple complex financial functions while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and deadlines.
• Skill in the effective use of financial systems and standard office technology to support reporting, controls, and decision-making.

Abilities

• Ability to provide executive leadership and supervision over financial directors, managers, and staff to achieve organizational goals.
• Ability to promote cross-functional collaboration and act as a bridge between finance and program teams, facilitating joint planning sessions and aligning budgets with cultural and strategic objectives.
• Ability to design, implement, and oversee internal controls that safeguard Tribal assets and ensure compliance.
• Ability to plan strategically, establish fiscal goals and objectives, and direct implementation through policy-driven processes.
• Ability to oversee development and administration of budgets, grants, and contracts in compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality, integrity, and professional judgment in handling sensitive financial and personnel information.
• Ability to lead organizational change, promote accountability, and support continuous improvement within Financial Services and externally with programs and departments.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and provide sound financial advice to executive leadership and Tribal Council, as requested.