Overview
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) oversees all financial operations of the Samish Indian Nation, including the management of accounting systems for its various activities and entities. The CFO is also responsible for establishing effective internal controls to safeguard the Nation’s financial assets and to ensure that all financial transactions are accurately documented and reconciled. The CFO will be directly supervised by the Chief Executive Officer and will collaborate with other Executive Leadership Team members to ensure that all day to day operations comply with policies and financial standards. In partnership with Samish Economic Development and Tribal Enterprises, the CFO provides financial leadership and oversight to support sustainable growth of the Nation’s business activities and ensures enterprise financial practices align with the Nation’s strategic priorities and risk tolerance.
The applicant is expected to exhibit Samish Employee Core Values.
Why work for Samish?
The Samish Indian Nation provides a very competitive compensation package, which includes medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, Life Insurance, optional supplemental coverage plans, a 401(k) Plan, paid vacation and sick leave, and approximately 16 paid holidays. Best of all, we offer a great environment with passionate and caring staff!
Benefits Summary
-Remote/Hybrid Work Arrangement potential
-Health insurance including medical, dental & vision
-Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance
-Annual & Sick Leave
-Paid holidays (up to 16+ days per year)
-Paid jury, bereavement & cultural leave
-Wellness & Employee Assistance Plan
-401(k) retirement plan
-Wage increases at 6 months, 1 year and annually (based on performance evaluation and available funds)
Principle Duties
Management
1. Oversees finance department and activities while providing effective oversight of key personnel and delegating responsibility and authority as appropriate.
2. Provides high level mentoring and supervision to direct reports ensuring all are supported while fostering strong relationship-building and career growth within the Samish Indian Nation.
3. Fosters a team-oriented, supportive work environment while providing clear expectations and accountability including effective communication.
4. Provides proper training to ensure effective communication, technology use, and the proper use of tribe-wide operating systems.
5. Coordinates with Human Resources Executive Director in the hiring of finance staff; handling of personnel issues; updating job descriptions, salary schedules, compensation structure, and employee benefit packages.
Executive Financial Oversight
1. Financial Management & Reporting
1. Directs and oversees all accounting, budgeting, treasury, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting functions. Ensures compliance with Generally Accepted Privacy Principles (GAPP), Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards and Practices (GASP), and applicable standards.
2. Budgeting, Grants, Audit & Compliance
Leads the development of the annual operating and capital budgets. Provides executive oversight of federal, state, and private grant financial management, including compliance with 2 CFR Part 200. Coordinates annual audits and oversees corrective actions.
Executive Leadership Team
1. Serves as a member of the executive leadership team, providing strategic financial guidance to the Chief Executive Officer. Advises on the financial implications of Tribal policies, strategic initiatives, enterprise activities, capital projects, and long-range planning.
2. Be an effective and positive team member fostering a team approach to decision making and guidance to the tribal government.
3. Provides support to other team members within their areas of responsibility.
4. Provides cross coordination and backup to other team members when they are out of office.
Executive Financial Oversight of Tribal Enterprises operated under Samcor Corporation
1. Provides executive financial oversight of Tribal Enterprises operated under Samcor Corporation, ensuring financial transparency, accountability, and alignment with Samish Indian Nation’s strategic priorities, fiscal policies, and financial risk tolerance.
2. Reviews and monitors Tribal Enterprises operated under Samcor Corporation financial reports and audits; advises Samish CEO and Samcor CEO on financial performance, risks, and long-term sustainability; and coordinates with Samcor leadership and external auditors on financial and compliance matters, as appropriate. This role provides oversight and advisory functions and does not assume day-to-day operational management of Samcor or any financial decision-making.
External Relations
1. Monitors state and federal level policy and regulatory changes that impact tribal fiscal operations.
2. Reviews and analyzes tribal fiscal policies and procedures for compliance with federal and state requirements and make recommendations for revision as appropriate.
3. Seeks guidance with external legal team to strategize best practices and legal opinions when needed.
4. With guidance from the Tribal Council, Samish CEO, Samcor CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and department heads, organizes tribal response to local, state, and federal initiatives and issues.
5. Attends relevant public, government, and special interest meetings, conferences, and negotiations.
6. Maintains positive relations with community members; local, state, regional, and federal entities; and others to accomplish tribal objectives and preserve/promote good public relations.
7. Performs other related duties, as required in order to meet business needs.
Required Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field. Years of experience and other qualifications may be considered.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of financial and grant management systems and best-practice solutions, along with a high level of competency managing all aspects of computerized accounting systems and proficiency with Office 365 programs.
3. Must have proven experience with grant finance administration and coordination of audits and regulatory reviews.
4. Must have excellent interpersonal, supervisory, and budgetary skills and be able to produce positive results while coordinating with subordinate directors, tribal contractors, attorneys, and other key personnel.
5. Must respond to challenges and resolve problems positively and resourcefully.
6. Must be able to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, and legal documents.
7. Must be able to prepare reports and effectively present information to Council, management and public groups.
8. Must have organized work habits which will assure timely and accurate submission of reports, grant requests, budgets and other time sensitive materials.
9. Must be able to lift/carry up to 20 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Masters of Accountancy (MAcc) in government accounting or other relevant graduate degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field.
2. Tribal or Not-For-Profit accounting oversight responsibilities.
**Obtaining full COVID-19 vaccination no later than 60 days from the hire date will be a condition of employment for all Samish employees**
Applicants must be a Washington State resident or willing to relocate to Washington State.
