Senior Accountant; CPA

Position: Senior Accountant (CPA)
Location: California

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 work papers; 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;…