CFO

NAFOA; Port Angeles (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe seeks a Chief Financial Officer to oversee financial operations for the tribal government and its enterprises. The role encompasses planning, reporting, cash management, investments and budgeting to support strategic goals.

This exempt, full-time position requires a Bachelor’s in accounting/finance, at least five years in a senior financial role, and experience with tribal government processes. DOQ salary with benefits; based at the Tribal Center in Port Angeles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business.
• Five+ years in a senior financial role.
• Experience in tribal government context preferred.
• Ability to pass background checks and comply with drug-free workplace policies.
• WA driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, fiscal reporting, debt management and tax administration.
• Manage treasury, cash flow and investments for the Tribe and enterprises.
• Develop financial policies and ensure separation of duties.
• Coordinate with enterprise General Managers and external accounting firms.
• Prepare and review budgets, audits and annual revenue reports.

Skills

Leadership

Financial planning

Strategic thinking

Communication

Analytical skills

Excel

Risk management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance/business

Tools

Accufund

QuickBooks

Kanso

Excel

Job description

Overview

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is primarily responsible for overall financial operations of the tribal organization and its business enterprises including financial management and planning, record-keeping, and financial reporting. This position is expected to direct the tribe’s and enterprises financial goals, objectives and budgets.

Position Status

Exempt, Full-time w/Benefits Salary Level: DOQ

Supervised by

Executive Director

Work Schedule

Flex, M-F, 8am-4:30pm

Work Location

Tribal Center,Accounting Office

Essential Functions of Job

• Plans, directs, coordinates and is ultimately responsible for the activities relating to accounting, fiscal report, debt management, treasury functions including cash management, investments, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and tax administration, real estate, risk management, and purchasing for the Tribal government and its enterprises.
• Maintains all financial and managerial accounting systems and records.
• Develops and implements financial policies and procedures to ensure Accounting staff has clear expectations and separation of duties exists within department.
• Negotiates and manages Indirect Cost Agreements annually in coordination with outside consultant.
• Oversees all Tribal cash flow and investments.
• Coordinates with the General Managers of each Enterprise and with the Out-Sourced Accounting firm and their service contracts and serves on the executive teams for the enterprises supporting their banking, credit and cash flow management needs.
• Adheres to Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and GASB for audit preparation.
• Reviews and approves all audits of the Government and its Enterprises.
• Provides technical assistance to the Business Committee in all periodic budget development, preparation, execution and evaluation processes.
• Provides training and instruction so that each Program Manager/Director can produce financial reports in Accufund in sufficient detail to ensure that each Program Manager/Director has oversight of their own program budgets and expenditures.
• Adheres to all required financial report preparation and timelines in coordination with the Grant Administrators and Program Manager and Directors.
• Assists Accounting department in approving expenditures for grants and contract accounts to ensure compliance with all restrictions and specifications of sponsor and Tribe.
• Ensures efficient services designed to meet the needs of the tribe and community members.
• Provides recommendations and analysis to Business Committee upon request.
• Assists with policy development and strategic goals & objective development as needed.
• Represents the Tribe, when so designated, with outside agencies and other governments.
• Serves as a member of the Investment, 401K, Benefits and Insurance Committees.
• Works with HR manager and Facilities manager with all property, casualty, liability and health benefit insurance renewals.
• Manages the yearly and quarterly tax reporting as needed.
• Oversees the annual revenue reports and their allocation for third party billing, I.H.S., BIA and other major revenue sources.
• Reviews the monthly bank reconciliations.
• Supervises the database access for Accufund, Quickbooks, Kanso and bank portals.
• Supervises the grant writers and program managers compliance with the Tribe’s missions and goals and budgetary needs during the grant application process.
• Supervises the Controller, Grant Administrator and Senior Accountant and assigns task in all areas of the Finance departments needs.
• Administers banking, credit and debt agreements with banks and credit union.
• Serves as Tax Officer for the Tribe collecting all taxes and ensurting all reporting is correct.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance or business.
• Five or more years’ experience in a senior financial position.
• Supervisory and administrative experience working for an Indian Tribal Government.
• Experience and understanding of PL638, the Indian Self-Determination and Buy Indian Acts.
• Five or more years managing the tribal government budget process.
• Must be able to pass a background check with
• NO prior convictions for: child-related offenses; theft, fraud, bribery, extortion, perjury, embezzlement or conspiracy to commit any of the same; or any felonies;
• NO prior civil judgments for dishonesty, fraud, misappropriation of property or funds, or conversion; and
• NO reported instances of negligence in carrying out essential job functions.
• Must be able to comply with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Drug Free Workplace policies.
• Must possess a Washington State driver’s license within 30 days of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles, practices and standards of accounting.
• Knowledge of risk management & insurance in tribal and enterprise administration.
• Knowledge of Government accounting Cost Principles.
• Knowledge of purchasing & materials management.
• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used in collecting, analyzing, interpreting and reporting data.
• Knowledge of tribal and federal regulations in various areas.
• Skill in managing personnel and management teams.
• Skill in problem analysis and resolution.
• Skill in leading the work of others.
• Ability to inspire and motivate others to perform well.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others.
• Expertise with Excel Power Queries, Pivot Tables and Excel features.
• Ability to delegate work assignments and set clear expectations for subordinates.

Physical Requirements

• Moderate lifting, occasionally 15-40 pounds
• Must be able to work at a desk 8 hours a day
• Must be capable of occasionally driving up to 8 hours in a single day

Other Requirements

• Must have UA testing and background test completed prior to employment.

*As with all positions of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, this position is Indian Preference in hiring.

OPENING DATE: July 15, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

CONTACT: Human Resource Department

2851 Lower Elwha Road

Port Angeles, WA 98363

[phone]

Revised 06/30/2026