Controller

Barona-Band-of-Mission-Indians; Lakeside (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Barona-Band-of-Mission-Indians seeks a Controller to manage accounting operations, monthly close, and financial reporting for the tribal government and its enterprises. The ideal candidate will bring public accounting rigor with tribal government experience, focusing on intercompany transactions, fund accounting, and enterprise consolidation.

The role involves supervising staff, ensuring GAAP and GASB compliance, coordinating external audits, and strengthening internal controls across multiple

Qualifications

• Active CPA license.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB; familiarity with fund accounting.
• Experience consolidating financial statements across multiple related entities.
• Tribal government/tribal enterprise accounting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and supervise financial reporting and consolidation processes.
• Monitor accounting standards and implement new pronouncements.
• Coordinate annual external audit and single audit of federal funds.
• Maintain internal controls and track intercompany transactions.
• Prepare budgets and provide variance analysis to CFO.

Skills

CPA

GAAP knowledge

GASB knowledge

Excel

Intercompany accounting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Accounting software

Advanced Excel

Job description

Position SummaryThe Controller is responsible for accounting operations (including the monthly close process), financial reporting, internal control, and compliance for the tribal government including enterprises and the economic development fund. The ideal candidate brings public accounting rigor combined with tribal government/enterprise experience and a strong understanding of intercompany transactions, fund and tribal accounting, and enterprise consolidation.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesFinancial Reporting & ConsolidationDevelop and supervise a staff of fiveMonitor emerging accounting standards and lead the implementation of new accounting pronouncements.Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statement preparation for the tribal government and consolidation of all component unitsEnsure accurate accounting for intercompany distributions, including monthly casino distributions and gas station earnings retained until distribution is requested.Maintain fund accounting for the economic development fund, including tracking of tribal capitalization contributions, reinvested earnings, and per-capita/member dividend distributions.Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger activity.Compliance & AuditEnsure compliance with GAAP, GASB (for governmental fund reporting), and any applicable gaming commission/NIGC regulations.Coordinate and manage the annual external audit process and single audit of federal funds.Maintain and continuously strengthen internal controls appropriate to a tribal government with multiple business enterprises and ensure segregation of duties.Monitor compliance with tribal ordinances, gaming compacts, and applicable federal regulations (IGRA, IRS, Treasury).Budgeting & AnalysisSupport the CFO in developing the annual consolidated budget across government operations and the economic development fund.Provide variance analysis and financial reporting to CFO and management.Monitor cash flow, including timing of casino and gas station distributions to the government.Support the CFO in preparation of quarterly presentations to Tribal Council and General Membership.Special projects as assigned by CFO.Team LeadershipSupervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff (AP, payroll, general accounting staff).Establish and document accounting policies and procedures.Serve as a key liaison between government departments and central government finance department.OtherDrive continuous improvement of the financial close process, reporting timelines, and accounting operations through standardization, automation, and best practicesSupport tax reporting matters specific to tribal governments and member dividend distributions (e.g., IRS General Welfare Doctrine considerations, per-capita distribution reporting).Assist with grant accounting and reporting as applicable.Perform other duties as assigned.QualificationsRequiredActive CPA license.Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related fieldStrong knowledge of GAAP and GASB; familiarity with fund accounting.Experience consolidating financial statements across multiple related entities.Proficiency with accounting software and advanced Excel skillsPrior supervisory experiencePreferred ExperienceMinimum of four (4) years of public accounting experienceTribal government/tribal enterprise accounting.Tribal gaming enterprise accounting and NIGC/gaming compact compliance.Economic development fund structures, capitalization, and dividend distributions.Tribal sovereignty issues as they relate to financial operations and taxation.Core CompetenciesHigh ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentialityStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsExcellent communication skills, including group presentationsAbility to manage competing priorities across multiple entitiesCultural awareness and respect for tribal sovereignty and governanceHow to Apply: Please submit your resume to [e-mail] or obtain a job application from the front desk at the Barona Tribal Government Building. If you have any questions regarding the current job opening please feel free to contact Human Resources at: [phone].