Controller

POSITION TITLE: Controller
DEPARTMENT: Finance
LOCATION: Longview, Washington
REPORTS TO: CFO
STATUS: Salaried; Full-Time
WAGE RANGE: $149,968.00 - $187,304.00

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled (First Review 5/15/2026)

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Manages and oversees the Accounting Department's daily operations and ensures that all financial and budgetary information is accurate, timely, and in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Protects tribal assets by ensuring adherence to established internal controls. Establishes fiscal support opportunities for departments through the management of grant administration. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Accounting department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Improves staff effectiveness by coaching, counseling, training, and recommending disciplinary action for employees; planning, delegating, monitoring, and appraising job tasks and results in a timely manner.
• Hosts regular staff meetings to ensure communication between personnel, departments, and accounting-related activities.
• Participates in interviewing and hiring of accounting staff.
• Manages grant funding staff.
• Directs and controls all internal accounting activities in the accounting department.
• Maintains, corrects, and improves the internal control environment to safeguard company assets and protect the integrity of the general ledger.
• Reviews and approves all expenditures, including funded programs, contracts, and grant projects and programs.
• Maintains the integrity of the financial accounting system, including all accounting transactions related to the general ledger, accounts payable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Develops and implements standardized accounting policies, procedures, and ordinances in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles and governmental regulations.
• Maintains the governmental budgeting process, including tribal and grant funds.
• Compiles budgetary reports and provides analysis as to the budgetary performance and status of the programs.
• Analyzes and makes recommendations based on historical results, trends, exceptions, and comparisons to budget and prior periods.
• Develops a monthly report of all receipts and expenditures, and the nature of all tribal funds for use by the CFO, COO, Tribal Manager, and presentation to Tribal Council.
• Meets and coordinates activities with external and internal auditors, as needed, to ensure the Tribe’s records comply with accounting standards and governmental regulations.
• Establishes and administers cost-effective and efficient standards for control of purchasing and property management.
• Pursues grant funding for the continuation or expansion of department or program services and functions; refers applicable grant and funding sources to other CIT departments and programs.
• Contributes to team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional forms of government and tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of management and fund accounting, finance, accounting, and business administration.
• Knowledge of standards, policies, practices, and procedures of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or community funding sources.
• Knowledge of development, preparation, and control of budgets.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs in a Windows environment, including accounting software such as MIP.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to comprehend grant funding process, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to create and present effective speeches and presentations.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with co-workers at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• CPA license is preferred
• Seven years of progressive work experience controlling centralized accounting activity for multiple fund programs and/or accounts.
• Three years of management experience required.
• A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
• A valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening/investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education, and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks, including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at a long distance.

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in an office setting with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common. Travel may be required for training, meetings, conferences, presentations, and other events.