Senior Accountant (CPA)

Chemehuevi Tribe
Lake Havasu City, AZ
POSITION

Title: Senior Accountant (CPA)
Department: Administration / Finance
Reports to: Tribal Secretary
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $95k – $105k DOE/DOQ; includes benefit package
Location: Havasu Lake, CA (on site).
Posting: Open until filled

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Accountant (CPA) is a key professional position responsible for high level governmental fund accounting, grants compliance, and timely financial reporting for the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe. Working alongside the Lead Accountant and in coordination with program managers, the Senior Accountant ensures strong internal controls, accurate books and records, and compliance with applicable Tribal policies, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, GAAP/GASB for governments, and federal grant requirements (e.g., 2 CFR Part 200). The role supports monthly and year end close, cash management, budget development and monitoring, audit preparation, and continuous improvement of the Tribe’s financial systems and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Accounting & Reporting
  • Own the monthly close calendar and deliver accurate, timely financial statements (entity wide and by fund/program), including statement of net position, activities, and changes in fund balance.
  • Prepare and/or review journal entries, account reconciliations, variance analyses, and schedules; maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts in alignment with governmental fund accounting standards.
  • Maintain and reconcile bank, investment, and clearing accounts monthly; monitor cash flow and prepare cash forecasts.
  • Prepare budget to actual reports for the Secretary Treasurer, Tribal Administrator, Program Directors, and Project Managers; assist with budget development, amendments, and transfers in accordance with Tribal budget policy.
Grants & Compliance
  • Administer and monitor grants and cooperative agreements (federal, state, and other), including drawdowns/reimbursements, allowable cost determinations, time & effort/allocations, match tracking, and subrecipient monitoring where applicable.
  • Prepare and maintain the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) and support single audit readiness as applicable under 2 CFR Part 200 Subpart F.
  • Ensure procurement, contracting, and record retention practices align with Tribal policy and Uniform Guidance requirements.
  • Prepare required financial reports to funding agencies accurately and on time.
Payroll, A/P, A/R, Fixed Assets
  • Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations, and labor allocations; coordinate with HR on personnel actions while preserving segregation of duties.
  • Supervise or review A/P and A/R processes, vendor management, W-9/1099 compliance, and timely payment cycles; ensure proper approval workflows and documentation.
  • Maintain fixed asset register, capitalization policy application, depreciation schedules, and year end roll forward; support inventory controls.
  • Oversee sales/use tax, property tax, and other compliance filings as applicable.
Internal Controls & Policy
  • Evaluate, document, and improve internal control procedures consistent with Tribal policy and recognized frameworks; ensure appropriate segregation of duties.
  • Maintain and update financial policies and procedures; deliver staff trainings and desk guides to promote consistency and accountability.
  • Coordinate with IT regarding financial system controls, backups, and data security.
Audit & Year End
  • Serve as primary point of contact with external auditors; prepare PBC (Prepared By Client) lists and schedules; resolve audit findings and implement corrective action plans.
  • Lead year end closing, accruals/deferrals, and workpapers; support GASB implementations (e.g., leases and subscription based IT arrangements) as applicable.
Systems & Tools
  • Administer or support MIP Fund Accounting (or comparable governmental fund accounting system) and Paylocity (or comparable payroll system); evaluate opportunities to optimize modules, integrations, and reporting.
  • Develop standard and ad hoc reports and dashboards for leadership and programs.
Leadership & Collaboration
  • Work alongside the Lead Accountant; provide professional guidance, coaching, and coverage to accounting staff; may provide day to day direction to accounting personnel as assigned by the Secretary Treasurer.
  • Partner with Program Directors and Project Managers to plan, monitor, and report on program finances; provide training on fiscal requirements and documentation standards.
  • Present financial information to the Secretary Treasurer, Tribal Administrator, and Tribal Council, as requested.
Other
  • Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards; identify and disclose conflicts of interest consistent with Tribal policy.
  • Perform related duties as assigned by the Secretary Treasurer, Executive Committee, or Tribal Council.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field from an accredited institution. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Licensure: Active, unencumbered Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in any U.S. jurisdiction. If not California licensed, ability to obtain reciprocity within 12 months of hire.
  • Experience: Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including governmental fund accounting and grants management; prior experience with tribal governments or other governments strongly preferred.
  • Systems: Proficiency with computerized accounting systems (e.g., MIP Fund Accounting) and payroll (Paylocity or comparable), and with Microsoft 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams). Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups) required.
  • Knowledge/Skills: GAAP/GASB for governments; Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) grants administration; month end close discipline; internal controls; excellent written and verbal communication; strong analytical and organizational skills; ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain accuracy.
  • Supervision: Experience leading or mentoring accounting staff and managing workloads and deadlines in a multi fund environment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Must pass preemployment drug test and comply with the Tribe’s Drug Free Workplace Policy.
  • Must successfully complete a background check; bondable for handling Tribal funds. Credit check may be required consistent with Tribal policy and applicable law.
  • Valid driver’s license and insurable under the Tribe’s vehicle insurance.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel for trainings or audits.
  • Commitment to confidentiality and protection of sensitive Tribal information.
  • Compliance with all Tribal policies, including ethics, conflicts, records retention, and IT security.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Office environment with frequent computer use; may require lifting up to 25 lbs.
  • Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
HOW TO APPLY

Submit:
  1. cover letter,
  2. resume,
  3. three professional references, and
  4. proof of active CPA licensure to the TERO Office at [email protected] or by mail to the address above.
Incomplete applications may not be considered.

This description is not a contract and may be modified by the Tribe at any time.

Employment is at will consistent with Tribal law and policy.

Posted 2025-11-13

Recommended Jobs

SANITATION TECHNICIAN

Upper Crust Bakery
Phoenix, AZ

Hourly Rate: $13.50 to $16.00 Completing comprehensive and general cleaning duties to ensure facility equipment is cleaned and sanitized in the assigned department. Following and maintaining a…

View Details
Posted 2025-07-30

Senior Software Engineer

Confidential
Chandler, AZ

We are a proud work-from-office company. If you're ready to work on-site in a dynamic, global company, we’d love to hear from you. Position Summary  We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer t…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-25

Chart Processing Specialist

Robert Half
Phoenix, AZ

Job Description Job Description We're looking for a detail-oriented Chart Processing Specialist to join our team! This role is key in managing the receipt, processing, and delivery of medical c…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-31

Data Center Technician

PhoenixNAP
Phoenix, AZ

Job Description Job Description A Data Center Technician is the technical liaison between the technology teams, customer and the 24x7 Data Center Environment. As a data center technician, you wil…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-28

Demand Planner

Petsmart
Phoenix, AZ

About the Team Our Merchandise Planning and Allocation (MP&A) teams are the driving forces behind making the organization’s product visions available to our consumers through calculated and st…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-30

Inpatient Surgical Oncology APP with BMDACC

Banner Health
Gilbert, AZ

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is proud to be recognized as a CHLM APP Employer of Excellence The Division of Surgical Oncology at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center is continually growing.  As…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-07

Estates and Trusts Attorney

Cantor Law Group
Phoenix, AZ

Job Description Job Description Description:   Death is Certain, A Good Estate Plan Isn’t— Join Cantor Law Group, Arizona’s Top Estates and Trusts Legal Team   Are you the kind of lawyer who…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-08

Press Operator Phoenix, AZ

Domtar
Phoenix, AZ

Job Description Job Description Press Operators' 2nd shift-  RESPONSIBILITIES: • Set-up and run press to meet job specifications • Ensure set-up meets specifications • Operate press at mo…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-30

Locum Cardiothoracic Physician Assistant

Palm Careers
Arizona

We are hiring an experienced cardiothoracic physician assistant in Beautiful Southwestern Arizona!!   Need covered June 21st to June 29th and then moving forward "use as needed" part time availabi…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-03

Occupational Therapist

LAURALEES SPEECH THERAPY LLC
Mesa, AZ

Job Description Job Description   Benefits/Perks Competitive Compensation Make your own schedule Simple IRA contribution Job Summary We are seeking an Occupational Therapist to jo…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-17