Controller

Location: Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission (NWIFC) Olympia, WA

Position Overview: The Controller is a hands-on accounting leader responsible for the day-to-day management and integrity of the organization’s accounting operations and financial records. Reporting to the Director of Administration, the Controller supervises the Accounting Specialist, Payroll Specialist, and Accounts Payable Technician and works closely with the Contracts Specialist, Grants Manager, and department heads. The role operates in a GASB GAAP-based governmental fund accounting environment subject to an annual Single Audit, and will work over time toward integrated electronic workflows, payments, and document retention.

Key Responsibilities: Manage daily accounting operations and all general ledger activity, ensuring proper authorization, account classification, fund and grant coding, period recognition, and supporting documentation. Oversee and review payroll and accounts payable processing, including disbursements and check/EFT payments. Oversee cash management, including receipts and deposits, bank reconciliations, and cash flow reporting; advise on banking and treasury matters. Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and documentation for acquisitions, disposals, and inventories. Maintain internal controls, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, approval workflows, and audit trails.

Accounting Operations, Payroll and Internal Controls: Manage daily accounting operations and all general ledger activity, ensuring proper authorization, account classification, fund and grant coding, period recognition, and supporting documentation. Oversee and review payroll and accounts payable processing, including disbursements and check/EFT payments. Oversee cash management, including receipts and deposits, bank reconciliations, and cash flow reporting; advise on banking and treasury matters. Maintain fixed asset records, depreciation schedules, and documentation for acquisitions, disposals, and inventories. Maintain internal controls, including segregation of duties, reconciliations, approval workflows, and audit trails.

Financial Reporting, Audit and Compliance: Lead monthly and year-end close processes and ensure timely completion of reconciliations and supporting schedules. Oversee internal financial reporting and prepare draft annual financial statements and related schedules consistent with GASB GAAP and fund accounting principles. Coordinate the annual Single Audit and serve as the primary accounting liaison to external auditors. Prepare audit workpapers, schedules, reconciliations, confirmations, and other requested support in a timely and organized manner. Support compliance with federal award accounting and reporting requirements under 2 CFR Part 200, 25 CFR Part 900, and applicable grant terms and conditions.

Budgeting and Indirect Cost Support: Assist in developing and monitoring organizational and program budgets, and oversee regular budget-to-actual reporting. Develop the organization’s indirect cost proposal with the Director of Administration, and calculate, record, and monitor indirect cost allocations and supporting schedules.

Supervision and Coordination: Supervise accounting staff and review work for accuracy, timeliness, and internal control compliance. Work with department heads and staff across the organization on grant and contract accounting, budget monitoring, documentation standards, purchasing, and adoption of improved procedures. Over time, help lead the transition from paper-based processes toward integrated electronic systems, and develop written procedures that support training, continuity, and audit readiness.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration with Accounting Concentration, or a related field. At least six years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including three years in a supervisory or lead role. Experience in governmental, tribal, nonprofit, or other fund accounting environments. Experience preparing financial statements, audit schedules, and year-end reconciliations, and overseeing payroll processing. Strong Excel skills and experience using accounting and payroll systems. Ability to organize large volumes of financial records and improve systems and procedures. Ability to pass a criminal and financial background check. Valid driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) and insurable under the employer’s driver insurance.

Preferred Qualifications: CPA.Experience with GASB-based governmental financial reporting and coordinating annual Single Audits. Experience with indirect cost proposals and cost allocation methodologies. Experience in a tribal organization, intergovernmental organization, or federally funded environment. Experience with MIP or comparable fund accounting systems and with electronic workflow or document retention improvements. Why NWIFC? Joining NWIFC means being part of a mission-driven organization with a 50-year history of serving the treaty tribes of Western Washington, guided by the member tribes’ commitment to protect natural resources for the next seven generations. We offer a competitive benefits package and a collaborative environment that values innovation, cultural sensitivity, and professional growth. We also share the tribal communities’ commitment to culture and the preservation of traditions.

Application Process: We encourage you to apply by completing the Application for Controller located here - https://forms.gle/LSzimzrXsvcCkRhq9. This step is necessary to be considered for this role. For questions, contact HR at lridgley@nwifc.org. We look forward to hearing from you! The Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission operates under a PL 93-638 contract and applies a Native American Indian Preference policy in employment. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S., as we are unable to sponsor work visas.