Financial Operations Specialist

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

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

• Training & Technical Assistance
o Translate financial requirements into practical guidance for TCUs
o Deliver targeted training on internal controls, federal grants management, and audit 
preparation
o Develop and share practical tools, templates, and guidance documents
o Reinforce consistent financial practices across TCUs

Qualifications

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

• Preferred
o Experience with Tribal Colleges, Tribal governments, or Native-serving institutions
o 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.
• Sporadic travel (up to 25%) for meetings and conferences.
Compensation and Benefits
• $85,000-115,000 per annum
• 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