Finance Executive Director

Valliant Consulting Group•Anacortes, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Samish Indian Nation is seeking a Finance Executive Director to lead its accounting team and ensure the Nation's finances are accurate, compliant, and well-managed. This role reports to the Chief Financial Officer and involves close collaboration with accounting staff and other departments to oversee month-end close, general ledger functions, account reconciliations, capital assets accounting, and interfund payables and receivables. The position also contributes to the Senior Officer Team, offering guidance to tribal government, advising on financial systems and policies, and representing the Nation externally.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
Five or more years of accounting or related experience
Background in not-for-profit, local government, or tribal government is strongly preferred
High proficiency with Microsoft Office
Knowledge of fund accounting software or the ability to learn it quickly
Experience with accurate data entry, reconciliation, and file management

Responsibilities

Lead and develop the accounting team, including supervision, delegation, mentoring, and fostering a team-oriented environment.
Provide training on tribe-wide financial systems and collaborate with HR and CFO on personnel matters.
Manage the month-end close process and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
Analyze the general ledger, reconcile accounts, and prepare/approve journal vouchers.
Maintain capital asset records and systems for interfund payables.
Assist in preparing for annual financial statement and single audits.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements and tax filings.
Provide financial guidance to tribal government as part of the Senior Officer Team.
Collaborate with the Executive Director Team to optimize funding for departments and activities.
Contribute to policy changes, strategic planning, business process improvements, and other broader organizational initiatives.
Carry out policies approved by the Tribal Council and recommend changes.
Advise on financial systems, policies, and procedures, deliver reports, and assist in updating strategic and work action plans.
Provide recommendations on funding, new initiatives, and process improvements.
Assess the accounting department's organization to support the Nation's growth.
Monitor state and federal policy and regulatory changes, review tribal policies for compliance, and recommend revisions.
Support Samcor staff with accounting functions.
Advise leadership on responses to local, state, and federal issues.
Attend relevant meetings, conferences, and negotiations.
Build and maintain positive relationships with community members and external partners.