Financial Controller

Wildhorsepass; Chandler (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gila River Development seeks a Financial Controller to lead accounting operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and strengthen internal controls. The role oversees the accounting staff, manages month-end close, and coordinates audits with internal and external teams.

You will guide budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to support strategic decisions. Ideal candidates bring extensive accounting and leadership experience, with a strong grasp of tax compliance and US regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance roles.
• Minimum 5 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for client meetings and events.
• Valid AZ driver's license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll accurately and timely.
• Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Monitor cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting activities to ensure financial stability and sustainability.
• Respond to management as assigned with accurate and timely work to facilitate the financial needs.
• Participate in a wide variety of special projects and compile a variety of special reports when necessary.
• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Coordinate with external and internal auditors for the annual audit process and address any audit findings or recommendations.
• Generate financial reports for management, board members, and other stakeholders as required.
• Collaborate with department heads to develop annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor budget performance and variance analysis to identify areas for improvement and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision‑making.
• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all tax returns, including sales tax and payroll tax, where applicable.
• Stay abreast of changes in tax laws and regulations and implement necessary updates to ensure compliance.
• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and development.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Internal controls

Cash flow management

Team leadership

Audit coordination

Regulatory compliance

Tax compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Master's degree in accounting/finance

CPA certification

Tools

Accounting software

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

Summary

The Financial Controller position will oversee the accounting activities for Gila River Development (GRD). The Financial Controller will oversee the accounting staff and be responsible for compliance with all appropriate accounting and financial standards.

Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll accurately and timely.
• Ensure compliance with accounting principles, standards, regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Develop and implement accounting policies and procedures to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Monitor cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting activities to ensure financial stability and sustainability.
• Respond to management as assigned with accurate and timely work to facilitate the financial needs.
• Participate in a wide variety of special projects and compile a variety of special reports when necessary.

Financial Reporting

• Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Coordinate with external and internal auditors for the annual audit process and address any audit findings or recommendations.
• Generate financial reports for management, board members, and other stakeholders as required.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Collaborate with department heads to develop annual budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor budget performance and variance analysis to identify areas for improvement and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision‑making.

Tax Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate filing of all tax returns, including sales tax and payroll tax, where applicable.
• Stay abreast of changes in tax laws and regulations and implement necessary updates to ensure compliance.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor accounting staff, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and development.
• Conduct performance evaluations, set goals, and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Supervisor Responsibility

Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes hiring, work allocation, training, problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance; provides guidance and feedback for assigned staff.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Work will be performed primarily in an office environment.

• Work will be performed both inside and outside on a regular basis, in most weather conditions.
• No noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday shifts are required as a normal part of this position.
• Occasional local day travel, local travel to managed businesses.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk extended period. The employee occasionally is required to bend, climb, stoop, lift, carry, push, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move 15 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance roles.
• Minimum of 5 years in a supervisory or managerial capacity.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for client meetings and events.
• Valid AZ driver's license, provide a 39-month satisfactory MVR report.
• Obtain a Tribal operator driving permit at the time of hire.
• A satisfactory result obtained through a test for illegal drugs.
• Acknowledge and agree to maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant certification.
• Master's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• Proven experience in financial management, with a solid understanding of financial analysis, budgeting, and fiscal strategy.
• Strong technical capacity with proficiency in using accounting software, spreadsheets, and word processing programs at an advanced level.
• Demonstrated ability in performance management, effectively guiding teams and improving departmental productivity.
• High standards of ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining confidentiality in financial matters.
• Communication proficiency, with strong and effective written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex financial information clearly.
• High level of personal effectiveness and credibility, ensuring reliability and trust in financial reporting and decision‑making.
• Ability to maintain a friendly and professional demeanor in interactions with colleagues, clients, and leadership.
• Ability to exhibit a high level of professionalism in all areas of responsibility, serving as a role model for other team members.
• Exceptional time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines consistently.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to assess complex financial data and offer strategic solutions.
• Honesty and trustworthiness in managing sensitive financial information, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accuracy.
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity, with an ability to work effectively in a diverse organizational environment.
• A sound work ethic paired with substantial administrative and management skills to support the operational and strategic needs of the department.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities while managing the numerous details involved in various projects.
• Knowledge and experience working with Gila River Indian Community or other Native American Communities.
• Proficient in accounting software, and Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills.