The Tribal Comptroller is responsible for directing and overseeing the Tribe’s accounting operations and financial reporting functions. This position supervises accounting staff and is accountable for maintaining accurate financial records; preparing financial statements, budgets, and supporting schedules; and ensuring the integrity of financial data across the Tribe’s financial systems.
Under the direction of the Tribal Administrator, the Comptroller implements financial policies and procedures, maintains effective internal controls, identifies and mitigates financial risks, and supports annual audits and ongoing financial performance reviews. This role serves as a key financial leader, providing strategic insight to support the Tribe’s financial health and long-term sustainability.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may change at any time in accordance with organizational needs and applicable law.
Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a closely related field required; Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or MPA) preferred • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required • Minimum of 8 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including financial reporting, audits, and internal controls • At least 5 years of leadership experience managing accounting or finance teams • Experience in complex, highly regulated, governmental, tribal, or grant-funded environments preferred Core Competencies: • Deep knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal control frameworks • Demonstrated experience leading audits and managing financial compliance processes • Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis • Proven ability to analyze complex financial data and provide actionable recommendations • Effective leadership and team development skills, with the ability to drive accountability and performance • Strong communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to leadership and nonfinancial stakeholders • High level of integrity, accuracy, and professional judgment • Proficiency with financial systems and enterprise software, with adaptability to new technologies Leadership & Cultural Competencies: • Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making aligned with organizational priorities • Demonstrates integrity, ethical leadership, and accountability in all financial practices • Applies a systems-thinking approach, aligning financial operations with organizational goals • Builds collaborative relationships across departments and with leadership • Supports continuous improvement and operational excellence • Demonstrates understanding of Tribal Sovereignty and its application within financial and regulatory frameworks • Respects and upholds Native American culture, values, and community priorities Ver.682026MAS Page 2 of 3 Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe 483 Great Neck Rd. S. Mashpee, MA 02649 Phone 508-477-0208 Fax 508-477-1218 Supervisory Responsibilities: Provides leadership, direction, and evaluation of accounting staff in accordance with applicable laws and Tribal policies. Promotes accountability, professional development, and continuous improvement. Work Environment: The work environment described here is representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Physical Demands: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. Pre-Employment Requirements: • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal offender record inquiry and pre-employment drug screening, in accordance with applicable Tribal policy and federal law.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following statements describe the primary functions of this position. • Develop and sustain a high-performing, service-oriented accounting function that supports the Tribe’s governmental operations, community priorities, and long-term financial stewardship. • Direct and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, revenues, expenditures, payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and cash management, and banking activities. • Ensure compliance with applicable Tribal laws, policies, and procedures, while maintaining adherence to relevant federal requirements, grant conditions, and regulatory obligations. • Maintain accounting operations in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), sound internal controls, and governmental and grant-related financial management standards, as applicable. • Align financial operations, reporting, and resource stewardship with the Tribe’s strategic goals, sovereignty, selfdetermination, and community priorities. • Lead the development, administration, monitoring, and analysis of the Tribe’s annual budget, including operating, governmental, and grant-funded programs. • Prepare financial forecasts, revenue and expenditure projections, and other analyses to support strategic planning, sustainability, and informed decision-making. • Oversee financial management of grant-funded programs by supporting budget development, expenditure tracking, financial reporting, cost allocation, and compliance with award requirements. • Coordinate and support the annual audit process and other financial reviews, including preparation of schedules, reconciliation of accounts, response to inquiries, and implementation of corrective actions or recommendations. • Establish, evaluate, and continuously strengthen internal controls, financial policies, procedures, and accountability measures to safeguard Tribal assets and promote fiscal integrity. • Lead accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes and ensure the integrity of financial records and reporting. • Prepare and present financial statements, budget-to-actual reports, variance analyses, grant financial reports, and other financial information for Tribal leadership and other authorized stakeholders. • Analyze financial performance, trends, and risks, and provide recommendations to support sound decisionmaking, fiscal responsibility, and operational effectiveness. • Identify financial, compliance, and operational risks and implement mitigation strategies to protect Tribal resources and maintain organizational resilience. • Collaborate with Tribal departments, program leaders, and executive leadership to support financial planning, operational effectiveness, and compliance across governmental and grant-funded activities. • Ensure data integrity, reliability, and confidentiality across financial systems, records, and reporting processes. • Provide financial leadership, guidance, training, and technical support to staff, managers, and other stakeholders, as appropriate, to strengthen financial accountability throughout the organization. • Promote responsible stewardship of Tribal and grant resources, cost control, transparent financial practices, and continuous improvement across finance operations.