Finance Director

JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for all financial and fiscal management for Navajo Technical University. Provides leadership and coordination in the administrative, business planning, accounting, and budgeting efforts of NTU. Oversees the management of the day-to-day operations of the financial and related functions of the organization. Ensures that all accounting and financial operations are executed following the system of internal controls, and all applicable tribal, state, and federal regulations and following Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.

This position description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required or assigned to this position.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures excellent customer service with all internal and external customers.
• Oversees financial and accounting system controls and standards and ensures timely financial and statistical reports; advises the VP of Operations, President, and Board of Regents concerning financial reporting, planning, practices, financial stability and liquidity, and financial growth.
• Establishes, revises, and maintains a business management organization to effectively accomplish the University's goals and objectives.
• Reviews and recommends approval of grants, contracts, and awards for which the University receives revenue in exchange for specified services. Develops and oversees the implementation of a management information system to track and coordinate all programs funded by outside agencies at the Institution.
• Develops and implements an effective system of cash management and investment that maximizes return on idle funds, anticipates cash needs, and assures effective and efficient cash flow.
• Oversees the overall financial results of NTU including strategic planning, operations, and cash management.
• Maintains relationships with financial institutions and the investment community.
• Establishes major economic objectives and policies; directs the preparation of reports that detail NTU's financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and future operations.
• Ensures effective internal controls, optimum efficiencies, improvement of processes, and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
• Prepares and reviews proformas and budgets of new and existing operations and departments; recommends an annual budget for Board approval; achieves the financial objectives of the organization by exercising control and implementation over the budgetary processes of all facilities and capital budgets.
• Oversees and ensures all financial reporting requirements are complete to funding, state, and federal agencies.
• Contributes to the organization's effectiveness by offering information and opinion as a member of the executive management team; integrating objectives with other functions; accomplishing related results as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all privileged information.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Host regular staff meetings to ensure communication among personnel regarding departmental activities.
• Oversees the supervision of staff, including work allocation, scheduling, training, and problem resolution.
• Increases Finance's staff effectiveness by recruiting, hiring, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, evaluating and disciplining, and terminating personnel appropriately; communicates values, strategies, and objectives.
• Obtains, develops, and maintains necessary personnel, training, and equipment to achieve financial, operational, and compliance expectations.
• Preparing and maintaining departmental budgets and overseeing compliance throughout the fiscal year; timekeeping and approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Ten years of progressive work experience in governmental and fund accounting, auditing, finance, and computerized accounting.
• Five years in a supervisory or management capacity.
• Master's Degree preferred.
• Certified Public Accountant Certification preferred.
• Valid and clean state driver's license.
• Must be able to pass a background check, with NO prior convictions of any felonies.

The Navajo Nation Preference in Employment Act applies to all hiring, promotions, or transfers of individuals into this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements including Tribal Sovereignty and Tribal Employment Right Ordinances.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of management accounting, finance, and business administration.
• Knowledge of the standards, policies, practices, and procedures of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and Governmental Accounting Standards.
• Knowledge of the development, preparation, and control of budgets.
• Knowledge of managerial and statistical analysis techniques and reporting procedures.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Skill in operating business computers and office machines, including in a Windows environment, specifically Word, Excel, Access, presentation software (such as PowerPoint), and PC-based computerized accounting software.
• Skill in preparing, reviewing, and analyzing operational and financial reports.
• Skill in providing leadership to, supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.
• Skill in analyzing problems, projecting consequences, identifying solutions, and implementing recommendations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to create and present effective financial reports, speeches, and presentations.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to work independently and meet strict timelines.
• Ability to make solid decisions and exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to be persuasive and tactful in controversial situations.
• Ability to manage many priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret applicable federal, state, tribal, county, and local laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Ability to ensure user compliance with the requirements of the contracts and grants.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the Navajo and English language.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently sits.
• Employee occasionally must stand, walk, bend, stoop, and squat.
• Use hands for the dexterity of motion and repetitive movement of both hands.
• Have normal auditory, and visual acuity, and verbal communication skills.
• The employee must occasionally carry up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is typically performed within an office.
• Tight time constraints and multiple demands are common.
• Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.