The Pueblo of Laguna Department of Education is seeking an experienced and collaborative financial leader to oversee all financial operations of the organization. Reporting to the Superintendent, the Executive Director of Finance & Accounting provides strategic leadership and long-range planning for accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, auditing, grants management, and fund accounting, while ensuring compliance with Tribal, State, Federal, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
This position partners closely with school and organizational leadership to support sound financial decision-making, long-term planning, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong analytical skills, a commitment to operational excellence, and the ability to provide strategic financial guidance that supports organizational growth.
Responsibilities / Essential Functions:
- Financial Leadership:
- Directs and oversees all finance and accounting operations including budgeting; financial policy development, compliance, and reporting; audit coordination; fund accounting; and internal controls.
- Ensures compliance with Tribal, State, Federal, and grant regulations.
- Reviews, approves and reconciles financial data and transactions in accordance with (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards.
- Formulates grant applications to ensure completeness of proposals, with an emphasis on budget and budget justifications.
- Interdepartmental Collaboration:
- Formulates and presents grant applications and financial reports to board and tribal government.
- Provides oversight in budgeting and partners with department managers, Principals, Board of Directors, Superintendent and grant coordinators on budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal decision-making. .
- Team Leadership & Development:
- Manages, develops, mentors, and evaluates Finance team for continual improvement.
- Provides and ensures adequate financial training for LDoE staff.
- Strategy & Development:
- Develops, implements, and enforces financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
- Advises executive leadership on the impact of long-range financial planning, capital planning, and organizational sustainability.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Thorough knowledge of governmental accounting, GAAP, fund accounting, and grant administration.
- Strong analytical, financial planning, and problem-solving skills. Inspires and motivates others to perform well; accepts feedback from others.
- Displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment and makes timely decisions.
- Ability to interpret financial information and communicate complex concepts to non-financial audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's Degree in Accounting/Finance and CPA are required.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably within a governmental, Tribal, educational ,or nonprofit environment.
- Licensed School Business official and Procurement Officer preferred.
- Experience with Ivisions or other financial software is desired.
- Must have working knowledge of GAAP, governmental fund accounting, financial software, grant-funded budgets, and applicable Tribal, State, and Federal financial regulations.
This search is being conducted by Valliant Consulting Group. Native preference applies.