Executive Director of Finance & Accounting

The Laguna Department of Education is seeking an Executive Director of Finance & Accounting to lead the organization’s financial operations and provide strategic direction for long-range planning. This onsite role in New Laguna, NM oversees budgeting, accounting, reporting, payroll-related processes, auditing coordination, grants management, and fund accounting, with a strong focus on compliance and sound financial controls.

Reporting with an emphasis on consistency with GAAP and Government Accounting Standards, the Executive Director will guide finance leadership, partner across departments, and support fiscal decision-making for the Superintendent, Board of Directors, Principals, and grant coordinators. Salary is USD 90,000 to 120,000 per year.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all finance and accounting operations, including budgeting, financial policy development, compliance and reporting, audit coordination, fund accounting, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal, State, Federal, and grant regulations.
• Review, approve, and reconcile financial data and transactions in line with GAAP and Government Accounting Standards.
• Formulate grant applications, ensuring proposals are complete with emphasis on budget and budget justifications.
• Formulate and present grant applications and financial reports to the board and tribal government.
• Provide oversight in budgeting and collaborate with department managers, Principals, Board of Directors, Superintendent, and grant coordinators on budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal decision-making.
• Manage, develop, mentor, and evaluate the Finance team to support continual improvement.
• Provide and ensure adequate financial training for LDoE staff.
• Develop, implement, and enforce financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Advise executive leadership on the impact of long-range financial planning, capital planning, and organizational sustainability.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Accounting/Finance, with CPA required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible financial management experience, preferably in a governmental, Tribal, educational, or nonprofit environment.
• Working knowledge of GAAP, governmental fund accounting, financial software, grant-funded budgets, and applicable Tribal, State, and Federal financial regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed School Business official and Procurement Officer preferred.
• Experience with Ivisions or other financial software desired.

Technology

• Ivisions

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance