Controller - 1093

Job Summary: 

Primary responsibilities involve managing the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the GPTLHB Accounting and Finance operations to ensure that they operate efficiently and comply with applicable laws and organizational policies. This position will work closely with the VP/CFO and the Senior Leadership to ensure the proper management of all federal, state contracts including completing of all cost reporting requirement of the funding agencies and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Incumbent is responsible for the internal budget formulation and monitoring of the health systems financial operations, payroll, budget endorsement and fiscal control.  Incumbent will ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded and reconciled in a timely manner.  This position will partner with the VP/CFO to provide strategic recommendations to the executive leadership based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis that are in alignment with the strategic goals. 

Essential Functions:

Financial and Operational Management

• Safeguard assets and assure accurate and timely recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal audits, controls and checks across all departments.
• Assures that management of all the financial aspects of the GPTLHB and the health system is effective and efficient and in accordance with accounting and governmental standards.
• Completes and submits to CMS annually the required Medicare Cost Reports.
• Performs general ledger maintenance responsibilities. These include, but are not limited to, bank reconciliations, year-end closing adjustments, journal entries and account balance analysis.
• Manage the accuracy and productivity of day-to-day operations of accounts payable, cash disbursements, invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll, perpetual inventory integrity, fixed asset records, general & entity accounting, and cost accounting.
• Ensure cost recovery on all grants and awards.
• Provide financial analysis tools to evaluate special projects, programs, capital expenditures, etc. when necessary.
• Manage commercial banking relationships to facilitate an appropriate credit.
• Support month-end and year-end close process.
• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
• Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Assists with budgeting, and the implementation of budgets, so as to monitor progress and present operational metrics both internally and externally.
• Ensure that finance staff maintains financial record systems in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and OMB Uniform Guidance and monitor the use of all funds.
• Assists with the preparation of all financial reporting materials and metrics for funding organizations and GPTLHB board of directors; prepare and communicate monthly and annual financial statements.
• Coordinate all audit activities.

Financial Analysis and Planning

• Coordinate the preparation of the budget and financial forecasts and report variances.
• Oversee financial reporting systems that assist in monitoring and forecasting financial targets and ensuring that finances remain within budgeted parameters.
• Assist with development of financial corrective action plans as needed, including policy recommendations and supplemental appropriation requests if necessary.
• Assist with the development and implementation of strategic long-range financial plans for GPTCHB and its programs, including the 5-year financial plan.
• Analyze and evaluate the financial plans and programs to ensure that financial objectives meet business needs and fiscal health is maintained.
• Analyze expense and revenue trends and projections and alert leadership to financial issues, concerns and recommendations.
• Assist with the development and implementation of fee-setting processes for GPTCHB.  Work with leadership in the analysis, evaluation and presentation of fee proposals.
• Analyze and assess the financial viability and impacts of revenue and fee projections, legislation, collective bargaining agreements, and changes in Federal, Tribal, or state regulations that would affect GPTCHB.
• Establish and maintain an effective partnership with Federal, Tribal, state, private and other funding agencies to promote effective financial management.
• Ensure timely responses to audit findings to include providing recommendations and/or implementation of system and policy changes.
• Develop and/or improve systems for supporting new financing or revenue options for programs.

Financial Reporting 

• Develop, improve and issue timely monthly financial records for the President/Chief Executive Officer and the GPTLHB Board of Directors
• Oversee the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for GPTLHB including revenue/expenses and balance sheet reports and reports to funding agencies.
• Responsible for the submission of expenditures reports with supporting documentation to funding agencies as required.
• Work with the VP/Chief Financial Officer in the management and coordination of all fiscal reporting activities for GPTLHB.
• Prepare and submit the annual Form 990.

Audit Preparation

• Responsible for adhering to audit requirements for the payroll and accounts payable processes.
• Responsible for reconciling the payroll payable accounts on a quarterly and year end basis and preparing any adjustment entries.
• Perform accounts payable test and prepare any adjusting entries to ensure the accounts payable is posted to the proper accounting period.

Strategic Development 

• Assist with long-term budgetary planning and cost management in alignment with GPTLHB’s strategic plan.
• Assure financial plans are consistent with organizational goals
• Assist with the alignment of financial management with short- and long-term financial planning and projections.
• Serve as a liaison and facilitate collaboration with staff, collaborating investigators, consultants, subcontractors, evaluators, Great Plains Tribes, funding agencies, and all other contributors to organize and produce high quality competitive applications and reports.
• Provide assistance to staff regarding grant application-related tasks, including budget monitoring and modifications as projects progress, grants close out, as well as various funded project issues.
• Provide grant application-related training as needed.

Professional Behavior   

• Effectively plan, organize workload and schedule time to meet the demands of the position.
• Work in a cooperative and professional manner with OHC and GPTLHB staff.
• Treat Great Plains tribes and collaborators with dignity and respect.
• Utilize effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Advance personal educational development by attending training sessions and seminars as appropriate.
• Exemplify excellent customer service with tribal stakeholders, health board colleagues, program partners, service recipients, visitors and guests.
• Foster a work environment of wellness, courtesy, friendliness, helpfulness and respect.
• Relate well and work collaboratively with coworkers and all levels of staff in a professional manner.
• Consistently demonstrate respect for and acceptance of differing capabilities, cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation and/or personalities.
• Maintain and ensure organizational privacy and confidentiality.
• Handle crisis and tolerate stress professionally.
• Be self-directed and take proactive initiative to assist others.
• Resolve issues with other departments and coworkers without direct supervision if needed.
• Exercise flexibility to alter plans/routines when situations require and continue to perform without projecting stress/frustration that would adversely affect the work environment.
• Promote an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle.
• Embrace modes of appearance and attire that reflect a professional presence.
• Must comply with federal laws and regulations as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Adhere to GPTLHB policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Requirements

• Participates in Core Connections training, and applies GPTLHB Core Connections concepts and practices in their work
• Exemplify excellent customer service with tribal stakeholders, health board colleagues, program partners, service recipients, visitors and guests.
• Foster a work environment of wellness, courtesy, friendliness, helpfulness and respect.
• Relate well and work collaboratively with coworkers and all levels of staff in a professional manner.
• Familiarity and/or experience working with American Indian populations and respect for and knowledge of traditional, cultural and spiritual practices of diverse American Indian communities, as well as an ability to work with other culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Working knowledge of payroll and accounts payable functions.
• Ability to prepare and analyze complex financial reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to be detail oriented.
• Consistently demonstrate respect for and acceptance of differing capabilities, cultures, gender, age, sexual orientation and/or personalities.
• Maintain and ensure organizational privacy and confidentiality.
• Must be able to handle crisis and tolerate stress professionally.
• Must be self-directed and take proactive initiative to assist others.
• Possess the ability to resolve issues with other departments and coworkers without direct supervision.
• Ability to exercise flexibility to alter plans/routines when situations require and continue to perform without projecting stress/frustration that would adversely affect the work environment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations; ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts for all bookkeeping, payroll, budgets, statistical analysis and probability statements.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends and overnight or extended travel as necessary.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to community members, consumers and other employees of the organization.
• Proficiency with computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other Internet technologies.
• Valid driver’s license must be kept current, and certificates, credentials or licenses must be kept current and consistent with regulations required by applicable federal, state and/or grant regulations.
• Ability to promote an alcohol, tobacco and drug-free lifestyle.
• Embrace modes of appearance and attire that reflect a professional presence.
• Adhere to GPTLHB policies and procedures.

Supervisory Controls

The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The employee and supervisor, in consultation, develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done.

The employee is considered an expert and is responsible for planning and carrying out the assignment, resolving most of the conflicts that arise, coordinating the work with others as necessary, and interpreting policy on own initiative in terms of established objectives. In some assignments, the employee also determines the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The employee keeps the supervisor informed of progress and potentially controversial matters.

Completed work is reviewed only from an overall standpoint in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements or expected results. 

Guidelines 

Guidelines include GPTLHB, OHC, department policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Guidelines are available but are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity.

The employee must use judgment in interpreting and adapting guidelines, such as agency policies, regulations, precedents, accreditation requirements, advanced clinical protocols, and work directions for application to specific cases or problems. The employee analyzes results and recommends changes.

Complexity/Scope of Work

The work includes varied duties requiring many different and unrelated processes and methods that are applied to a broad range of activities or substantial depth of analysis, typically for an administrative or professional field.   Decisions regarding what needs to be done include major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation and evaluation processes that result from such elements as continuing changes in program, technological developments, unknown phenomena, or conflicting requirements. 

The work product or service affects a wide range of organizational activities, major financial activities, or the operation of other programs divisions of the organization.

Contacts

The personal contacts are with employees throughout the organization and are generally engaged in different functions and kinds of work and may be representatives from various levels.  Other personal contacts at this level include contact with partner organizations, Tribal affiliate organizations, and members of the general public.

The purpose is to plan, coordinate, or advise on work efforts, or to resolve operating problems by influencing or motivating individuals or groups who are working toward mutual goals and who have basically cooperative attitudes.

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position is a first level supervisor and is usually responsible for the work performance of a small group of employees or a larger group with a homogeneous objective (i.e., employees all perform same basic type of work). The employee is responsible for planning, organizing and monitoring day‑to‑day work on a short‑term cycle. This position assigns work to subordinates, adjusts workflow to maintain balance among positions and meet priorities or deadlines, and makes minor changes in structure, methods, or procedures as necessary to accommodate changes in work pattern, emphasis, or capability. The employee carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The characteristic demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The work is typically performed in an office and the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.  While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands and fingers to manipulate, handle, or feel; and, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move light objects.   Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

This position requires operation of a motor vehicle and may require travel.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience/Certificates/Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial management, or business administration with a concentration in accounting or financial management.
• Five (5) years of experience in accounting and finance, including supervisory experience and work experience as a Financial Controller.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred.
• Preferred experience with Tribal Governments, non-profit management, and in a hospital system.
• Must pass a financial background check.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Documented experience with:
• Creating financial statements;
• Preparing/analyzing financial reports;
• General ledger functions and the month-end/year end close process.
• Payroll and accounts payable functions
• Preferred knowledge of OMB Uniform Guidance.
• Preferred knowledge and experience in Abila or applicable Fund Accounting System.
• Experience that indicates the ability to interact effectively with leaders among American Indian communities, government agencies, scientific and academic communities, medical and health-related organizations, nongovernmental groups and the public at large is preferred.
• Must successfully pass a criminal and background check, and a pre-employment drug screen.

The GPTLHB is a tribal organization which follows tribal preference laws. It is our policy to give preference to qualified Indian/Tribal candidates over qualified non-native candidates in hiring decisions, if all other qualifications are equal. 

Employment is contingent upon the outcome of all required criminal background checks.

GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL LEADERS HEALTH BOARD - Profile

Established in 1986, the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board (referred to as the “GPTLHB” or the “Board”) represents the eighteen tribal communities in the four-state region of South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.  Through public health practices and the formation of tribal partnerships, we work to improve the health of the American Indian peoples we serve by providing public health support and health care advocacy.  Serving as a liaison between the Great Plains Tribes and the various Health and Human Services divisions, including the Great Plains Area Indian Health Service, the GPTLHB works to reduce public health disparities and improve the health and wellness of the American Indian peoples who are members of the 18 Great Plains tribal nations and communities.  Our corporate office is in Rapid City, South Dakota.

It is our vision that all tribal nations and communities in the Great Plains will reach optimum health and wellness through lasting partnerships with health organizations and embrace culturally significant values that are empowered by tribal sovereignty.  United under the GPTLHB umbrella, our tribal constituents can compete for population-based grants and resources that may not otherwise be available to them. Through GPTLHB, tribes are empowering themselves to address their individual health resource needs in an effective way.

Our mission is to improve the wellness of our people by providing quality healthcare, public health services, advocacy, and support in partnership with the tribal nations of the Great Plains area. 

Operationally, the Board consists of two business units and five shared services:

1. The Oyate Health Clinic (approximately 375 employees, including contractors, and $80 million of annual funding, which includes $25 million from third-party payors and $55 million from the Indian Health Service).

1. Using a staff model HMO business model, the Clinic provides, among other services, primary and urgent care medical services, ancillary and auxiliary health care services, and a full-service pharmacy.   The Clinic serves approximately 22,000 active patients.
2. Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are the significant third-party payors.
3. Most Native American patients are provided with no cost health care.
4. The Clinic’s services are provided at two facilities in Rapid City.
5. GPTLHB assumed exclusive management and operational control of the Clinic from the Indian Health Service in 2019

2. Public Health Education and Advocacy Services (approximately 75 employees and $10 million of annual funding):

1. The Board represents the interests of the Great Plains Region’s eighteen tribes to various federal, state, or other agencies or bodies.  GPTLHB also supplies technical aid to the eighteen tribes and the Indian Health Service (“IHS”) Great Plains Region’s service unit.
2. GPTLHB finds grants and other funding that may be available to tribal health programs; supports tribal programs applying for the grants or by applying on their behalf; and runs program activities in collaboration with the tribal and/or IHS service units.
3. Certain behavioral health services are provided at the Board’s LaCrosse Street facility in Rapid City.  Other services are provided from GPTLHB’s corporate office or several smaller offices in the Great Plains Region.
4. This unit also develops, organizes, or sponsors various public health education programs and events.

3. Shared Services (approximately 50 employees) includes accounting and finance, facilities, human resources, information technology, and purchasing.