Summary/Objective
The Controller is responsible for providing comprehensive financial leadership, accounting oversight, financial analysis, reporting, internal controls, and operational support for the casino and hotel enterprise. This position is accountable for the accurate, timely, and compliant preparation, analysis, control, and distribution of financial information, statements, records, and management reports.
The Controller oversees general ledger accounting, month-end and year-end close processes, financial statement preparation, balance sheet reconciliations, fixed assets, inventory accountability, revenue audit, cash management support, budgeting and forecasting, financial modeling, and operational performance analysis.
The Controller, reporting to the Director – Finance & Accounting, work closely with executive and departmental leadership to provide accurate financial information, identify trends and opportunities, improve operational and financial performance, strengthen internal controls, and support sound business decisions. All responsibilities must be performed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), standard operating procedures, Tribal and state gaming regulations, federal and state regulations, applicable Tribal/State compacts, Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Title 31 requirements, and applicable organizational policies and procedures.
Success in this role is demonstrated by maintaining accurate and audit-ready financial records, establishing strong and reliable financial controls, delivering timely and meaningful financial analysis, and providing leadership with the information and insight necessary to make sound business decisions and strengthen the financial performance of the enterprise.
Key Accountabilities
Financial Accounting & General Ledger: Oversee and maintain the general ledger for casino and hotel operations, ensuring financial transactions are accurately classified, recorded, supported, and maintained in accordance with GAAP, MICS, organizational policies, and applicable requirements. Review journal entries, account activity, coding, and accounting treatment across Revenue Audit, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, and other financial functions. Analyze unusual transactions and determine or recommend appropriate accounting treatment.
Month-End, Year-End Close & Financial Reporting: Lead month-end and year-end close processes, including recurring and adjusting journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, supporting schedules, and other required closing activities. Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, prepaid expenses, accrued expenses, fixed assets, and other assigned accounts. Ensure financial statements, records, schedules, and management reports are accurate, complete, properly supported, and produced within established timelines.
Financial Analysis, Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the development and administration of organizational budgets, forecasts, financial models, and performance analyses. Analyze financial and operational results, identify trends, variances, and unexpected results, and provide management with meaningful information regarding revenue, expenses, profitability, and operational performance. Develop reporting and analytical tools that improve management’s ability to evaluate performance and support sound business decisions.
Revenue Audit & Gaming Revenue: Provide operational leadership and oversight to the Revenue Audit function as assigned. Ensure timely and accurate daily audits of casino revenues and preparation of daily cash summary reports. Review and validate revenue activity from Table Games, Slots, Hotel, Restaurant, and other revenue-generating operations, ensuring revenues are accurately recorded, summarized, classified, and reported. Monitor casino revenue performance and investigate, document, and resolve audit findings, discrepancies, and identified departmental inefficiencies.
Cash Management, Cage/Vault & Financial Controls: Provide oversight and support to Cage/Vault and cash-management functions as assigned, ensuring appropriate accountability and security over cash, revenue, assets, and other financial resources. Assist with gaming and jackpot check audits and evaluate financial processes for control deficiencies or operational concerns. Maintain and strengthen internal controls designed to safeguard organizational assets and ensure accurate financial activity.
Fixed Assets, Property & Inventory: Oversee fixed asset accounting and maintain accurate records of asset additions, deletions, transfers, disposals, and other property activity. Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset ledger, prepare related journal entries, and support appropriate tracking and accountability of organizational property. Oversee monthly retail inventory administration and reconciliation, assist departments with effective inventory-counting and accountability procedures, and investigate discrepancies or opportunities for improved controls.
Regulatory Compliance & Audit Support: Ensure assigned financial functions comply with MICS, AML and Title 31 requirements, and applicable Tribal, state, federal, gaming, and organizational requirements. Support applicable cash transaction reporting, Suspicious Activity Reporting, Customer Identification requirements, and other Title 31 compliance activities. Participate in internal and external audits, prepare schedules and supporting documentation, respond to findings, and assist with development and implementation of corrective actions. Maintain current knowledge of accounting standards and regulatory changes affecting financial operations.
Leadership, Staff Development & Departmental Support: Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and support to assigned Finance & Accounting personnel and functional areas. Foster teamwork, accountability, open communication, professional development, dignity, mutual respect, and professional excellence. Assist team members in identifying and resolving accounting, reporting, and operational issues and work collaboratively with executive leadership, departmental management, Tribal governance, vendors, auditors, and other stakeholders.
Financial Operations & Continuous Improvement: Develop, implement, review, and evaluate accounting procedures, processes, and internal controls to improve accuracy, accountability, efficiency, and financial performance. Identify recurring accounting or operational issues and recommend or implement appropriate corrective actions and process improvements. Serve as a financial resource to departments by researching and interpreting financial information, policies, procedures, and accounting requirements, and provide financial guidance and recommendations on operational and strategic matters. Serve as a backup resource for payroll processing and other financial operations as needed to support continuity of critical functions.
Qualifications
General
- Must be at least 21 years of age and able to obtain and maintain a Ute Mountain Ute Gaming Commission Key License as required.
- Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism, integrity, and ethical judgment.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with auditors, stakeholders, department leaders, and executive management.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting required.
- Master’s degree in accounting preferred.
Experience
- Minimum five (5) plus years of recent financial/accounting experience including significant casino revenue audit, cage cash management responsibilities, and general ledger in a systems-based environment.
- Gaming experience strongly preferred, Tribal Gaming experience a plus.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), accounting principles and practices, financial reporting, and internal controls.
- Knowledge of casino and gaming financial operations, including Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Title 31, and applicable Tribal, state, and federal financial and regulatory requirements.
- Knowledge of general ledger accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, inventory, revenue audit, cash management, account reconciliations, and month- and year-end close processes.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including the ability to prepare, review, reconcile, and interpret financial statements, journal entries, budgets, forecasts, financial models, and other complex financial information.
- Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and accounting and financial systems such as Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics GP, or comparable platforms.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify discrepancies, financial trends, control weaknesses, and operational concerns and develop appropriate corrective actions or process improvements.
- Strong organizational, leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines, support and develop staff, and work effectively with departmental leadership, executive management, auditors, regulators, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to exercise sound independent judgment, maintain accuracy and confidentiality, interpret and apply complex accounting and regulatory requirements, and translate financial information into meaningful analysis and recommendations that support sound business decisions.