Financial Operations Specialist

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) is the collective spirit and unifying voice of our nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). AIHEC supports American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through dedicated research and programmatic initiatives designed to strengthen Native languages, cultures, and Tribal communities. By leveraging its unique position, AIHEC serves as a collaborative partner, providing essential services to member institutions and emerging TCUs. Additionally, AIHEC produces the *Tribal College Journal* (TCJ), a premier national publication sharing insights on American Indian education.

Position Summary

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The Financial Operations Specialist provides direct, hands-on support to Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) to address financial management challenges and strengthen audit readiness. The Specialist works directly with TCU finance staff to triage audit findings, support corrective actions, and provide targeted training and technical assistance.

This position reports to the Senior Director of Member and Student Services.

Key Responsibilities

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Financial & Audit Triage

• Respond to requests from TCUs experiencing financial or audit-related challenges.
• Conduct structured assessments of financial processes, controls, and reporting gaps.
• Escalate complex or high-risk issues as needed.
• Work closely with AIHEC CFO and Finance Team to ensure alignment with standards.
• Track recurring financial and audit issues across TCUs to inform AIHEC technical assistance and policy priorities.

Audit Readiness & Follow-Through

• Assist TCUs in preparing for Single Audits and federal financial reviews.
• Support institutions in responding to audit findings and implementing corrective actions.
• Participate in BIE site visits and audit-related engagements.
• Serve as a liaison between TCU staff, auditors, and federal representatives.

Training & Technical Assistance

* Translate financial requirements into practical guidance for TCUs. * Deliver targeted training on internal controls, federal grants management, and audit preparation. * Develop and share practical tools, templates, and guidance documents. * Reinforce consistent financial practices across TCUs. Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5–8 years of experience in financial operations, auditing, or grants management.
• Working knowledge of Single Audit / Uniform Guidance.
• Experience in providing technical assistance or direct operational support.

Preferred

* Experience with Tribal Colleges, Tribal governments, or Native-serving institutions. * Familiarity with BIE processes or federal education funding. Core Competencies ---------------------

* Communication & Relationship Building: Communicates financial information clearly and builds trust with institutional staff, auditors, and partners. * Analytical & Problem Solving: Assesses financial processes, identifies risks or gaps, and develops practical solutions. * Organization & Time Management: Manages multiple requests, priorities, and deadlines across institutions effectively. * Compliance & Accuracy: Ensures adherence to federal regulations, audit requirements, and financial reporting standards. * Technical Proficiency: Translates complex financial requirements into clear guidance and delivers effective training and tools. * Cultural Competence: Demonstrates respect for and understanding of Tribal communities, institutions, and values. Physical Requirements -------------------------

* Ability to communicate information and ideas, detect, determine, perceive, and observe details, particularly on a screen or on paper. * Ability to spend more than half of the time viewing computer monitors. * This position may require remaining in a stationary position 50% or more. * Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing. * Ability to travel independently and attend off-site meetings and events as required by business needs. Job Location and Travel

* Job Location: Alexandria, VA or Remote. * Travel up to 25% for meetings and conferences. Compensation and Benefits

* $85,000 - $115,000 annual salary * 401(k) with 6% matching * Premium medical insurance for employees and dependents paid for by the organization. * Dental, vision, life, accident, hospital indemnity, and disability insurances offered at low cost. * Holidays and Paid time off. *AIHEC’s personnel policies, procedures, and practices prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin, age, or sex. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require accommodation during the application process or in performing essential functions of the role, please contact Human Resources.*