About the Role
The Chief Financial Officer serves as the University's senior financial administrator and provides strategic leadership for all financial operations. The CFO is responsible for safeguarding the University's financial assets; ensuring compliance with federal, state, tribal, and institutional regulations; maintaining effective internal controls; overseeing budgeting, accounting, payroll, grants management, purchasing, and financial reporting; and supporting the University's mission through sound fiscal stewardship and long-term financial planning.
Requirements
Develop, implement, monitor, and continuously improve a comprehensive system of internal financial controls designed to safeguard University assets, ensure compliance with applicable laws, and regulations, prevent fraud, promote accountability, and maintain appropriate separation of duties.
Establish and monitor procedures to ensure timely reconciliation of bank accounts, general ledger accounts, subsidiary ledgers, grant expenditures, payroll records, and other financial transactions to maintain accuratefinancial records and ensure compliance with institutional policies and regulatory requirements.
Ensure all federal, state, tribal, and private grants are administered in compliance with applicable regulations and award requirements. Monitor grant expenditures to ensure costs are allowable, allocable, reasonable, and properly documented. Collaborate with program directors and grants personnel regarding financial management of sponsored programs. Ensure timely financial reporting and compliance for all sponsored programs.
Ensure that the finance operation adheres to practices and policies that are required by regulatory bodies.
Implement the financial policies of the organization and make recommendations for changes as indicated. Develop, implement, monitor, and periodically review financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices.
Oversee procurement and purchasing activities to ensure compliance with University policies, federal regulations, grant requirements, and ethical purchasing practices.
Oversee cash management, banking relationships, investments, debt obligations, and institutional liquidity planning.
Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, and performance evaluation for all Finance Office personnel, including accounting, payroll, accounts receivable and accounts payable, Grants Manager, Development Office, Title 3 Coordinator/Benefits, Payroll Manager, and bookstore.
Supervise the creation and implementation of a business plan for the bookstore
Be able to ensure functional coverage, in the event of temporary absence of finance office staff.
Coordinate the annual budget process by working with President, Executive Vice President and Vice Presidents to coordinate a participatory budget process.
Monitor budget performance throughout the fiscal year and recommend budget revisions when necessary.
Provide financial projections for the university on an annual basis.
Oversee preparation of detailed monthly financial reports to all university divisions.
Prepare and present accurate, timely, and meaningful financial reports for the President, Executive Leadership Team, Finance Committee, Board of Regents, and external funding agencies.
Report the financial condition of the university to the board of regents and to the university president on a quarterly basis.
Identify, recommend, and implements appropriate and necessary training and professional development for self and staff reporting to this position.
Ensure the timely collection of all accounts receivable and timely payment of accounts payable.
Coordinate all external financial audits, ensure timely completion of audit requests, develop corrective action plans, and monitor implementation of audit recommendations.
Participate as a member of the Executive Leadership Team by contributing to institutional planning, strategic initiatives, accreditation efforts, risk management, and long-range financial planning.
Contribute to the university's ability to meet its strategic objectives by assisting administrators and department heads in conducting financial analysis of current and proposed activities.
Other duties as assigned in the performance of responsibilities as mutually agreed upon to the benefit of Sinte Gleska University.
About the Company
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) is a tribally controlled, accredited institution located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. Founded to serve the Sicangu Lakota Nation, SGU is dedicated to providing accessible, culturally grounded higher education that empowers students, families, and communities.
Rooted in the Lakota philosophy of Wolakota—living in harmony and balance—SGU integrates academic excellence with Indigenous knowledge, language, and values. The University offers a range of associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers, leadership, and lifelong learning.
As a community-focused institution, SGU plays a vital role in strengthening tribal sovereignty, supporting economic development, and preserving Lakota culture for future generations. Faculty and staff are committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive learning environment that reflects both traditional teachings and modern educational practices.
Joining SGU means becoming part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a healthy, resilient tribal nation through education, self-determination, and visionary leadership.