Controller

DescriptionPosition Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Consolidation

Develop and supervise a staff of five

Monitor 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 units

Ensure 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 & Audit

• Ensure 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 & Analysis

• Support 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 Leadership

• Supervise, 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.

Other

Drive continuous improvement of the financial close process, reporting timelines, and accounting operations through standardization, automation, and best practices

Support 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.

Qualifications

Required

• Active CPA license.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and GASB; familiarity with fund accounting.
• Experience consolidating financial statements across multiple related entities.
• Proficiency with accounting software and advanced Excel skills
• Prior supervisory experience

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of public accounting experience
• Tribal 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.

QualificationsCore Competencies

High ethical standards and ability to maintain confidentiality

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills, including group presentations

Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple entities

Cultural awareness and respect for tribal sovereignty and governance

How to Apply: Please submit your resume to <[email hidden]> 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: (619) 443.6612.