Sr. Manager Finance Operations

Location: Catoosa

Job Description

Cherokee Nation Entertainment is seeking a strategic, analytical, and results-driven Manager, Finance Operations II to join our Finance leadership team. This high-impact role is responsible for improving financial operations across the enterprise through process optimization, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, collections management, and cross-functional collaboration.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence enterprise-wide initiatives, partner with operational leaders, and drive continuous improvement across multiple gaming and hospitality properties. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in gaming finance operations, revenue auditing, cage operations, process improvement, and project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve business processes and operational efficiencies through data analysis and performance measurement.
• Develop and implement improvement plans, including staff training and change management initiatives.
• Analyze financial and transactional data to identify trends, mitigate risks, and improve departmental performance.
• Evaluate systems and processes to maximize resource utilization and operational effectiveness.
• Maintain expert knowledge of Tribal, Federal, State, and Gaming regulations, including MICS, MTICS, and NIGC requirements.
• Conduct company-wide audits and site evaluations to ensure compliance and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that strengthen internal controls and support regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Gaming Commission representatives, internal departments, and external stakeholders to maintain compliance standards.
• Oversee the full collections lifecycle, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Manage high-risk collections matters, including chargebacks, returned items, business-loss scenarios, and escalated accounts.
• Coordinate with Legal on bankruptcies, litigation matters, and recovery efforts.
• Monitor bad debt recovery initiatives and maintain accurate reporting and documentation.
• Lead or support construction projects, renovations, system implementations, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, Legal, Risk Management, Operations, and external vendors to improve business processes and implement new solutions.
• Assist in developing and managing departmental budgets, capital expenditures, and strategic initiatives.
• Support operational leaders through training, analysis, and performance improvement recommendations.
• Prepare and present daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for executive leadership.
• Develop trend analyses, performance metrics, and operational insights to support decision-making.
• Provide recommendations that drive financial performance, operational efficiency, and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of related experience in Gaming Finance Operations, Cage Operations, Revenue Audit, or similar financial operations environment.
• Experience leading projects, training employees, or guiding the work of others.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with minimal supervision
• Experience working in multi-property gaming or hospitality environments.
• Knowledge of gaming regulatory requirements and internal control standards.
• Experience partnering with IT teams on system implementations and process improvements.
• Background in collections management, financial compliance, and audit functions.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Advanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with gaming systems and related software applications.
• Ability to build relationships across departments and influence positive change.
• Adaptability in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

About Us

Cherokee Nation Entertainment is one of the largest and most successful tribal businesses…