Program Finance Partner

SUMMARY

The Program Finance Partner (PFP) serves as a dedicated financial liaison between the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and assigned Tribal divisions and departments. This role provides hands-on budgetary, financial, and grant-related support to program leadership while ensuring compliance with Tribal fiscal policies, funding requirements, and applicable regulations. The PFP supports effective financial planning, monitoring, and reporting at the program level and plays a critical role in strengthening fiscal accountability, transparency, and service delivery across the organization. This position reports directly to the Program Finance Manager and works collaboratively with division directors and department managers in a dotted-line support capacity.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field*
• Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in budgeting, financial coordination, accounting, or grant management
• Working knowledge of governmental and/or nonprofit accounting principles and grant compliance standards
• Demonstrated ability to communicate financial concepts clearly to non-financial audiences
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, financial systems, and reporting tools
• Valid, unrestricted Michigan driver's license and ability to be insured under GTB's insurance policy

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary financial liaison between the Office of Management and Budget and assigned Tribal divisions and departments.
• Support division directors and department managers in the development of annual operating budgets, multi-year projections, and program-level financial plans.
• Monitor, track, and analyze program expenditures to ensure alignment with approved budgets and funding restrictions.
• Identify budget variances, trends, and potential risks, and proactively communicate findings with program leadership.
• Monitor grant compliance requirements, including allowable costs, match requirements, and reporting deadlines.
• Coordinate and prepare timely and accurate financial reports for grants, funders, and internal stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of budget modifications, carryovers, amendments, and program-level forecasts.
• Work collaboratively with department managers to research, reconcile, and resolve financial discrepancies or issues.
• Ensure proper classification and coding of expenditures in accordance with the chart of accounts and funding source requirements.
• Provide guidance to division and department staff on GTB procurement, payroll, and accounting procedures.
• Support audit preparation activities by compiling documentation and responding to auditor inquiries related to assigned programs.
• Participate in division planning, leadership, and strategy meetings as a financial resource and advisor.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of funding restrictions, grant agreements, and reporting timelines.
• Coordinate closely with the Program Finance Manager and other OMB staff to ensure consistent financial practices and service delivery across departments.
• Promote a service-oriented approach to financial management that balances compliance, accountability, and program effectiveness.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships with program managers, directors, and finance staff.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to translate complex financial and grant requirements into clear, actionable guidance for program staff.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet applications, accounting software, and financial reporting tools.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented mindset, with sensitivity to both compliance requirements and program service impacts.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and integrity in handling confidential financial information.

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CGFM) preferred. *
• Minimum three (3) years of direct experience in grants management, budgeting, accounting, or government/nonprofit finance.
• Experience working within a Tribal government, nonprofit, or public sector environment strongly preferred.

 

DRIVING REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Michigan Driver's License and be insurable under GTB policy.
• Routine travel to assigned division and department offices within the service area is required.

 

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Must successfully pass a background investigation and drug and alcohol screening.
• Must adhere to all GTB confidentiality, employment, and fiscal policies.
• Must demonstrate professionalism and cultural awareness as a representative of GTB.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities. However, it provides functional guidance and financial support to department managers and program staff.

 

EQUIPMENT TO BE USED

• Desktop and laptop computers
• Financial management and accounting software
• Standard office equipment including telephones, printers, and copiers

 

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Primarily sedentary office work involving extended periods of sitting and computer use.
• Occasional standing, walking, and lifting of materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel throughout the six-county service area.

 

TYPICAL MENTAL DEMANDS

• Ability to analyze financial and regulatory information with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Frequent prioritization, problem-solving, and deadline-driven work.
• Sustained concentration and effective communication across departments.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed primarily in a professional office environment.
• Regular interaction with multiple Tribal departments and occasional on-site visits.
• Some schedule flexibility may be required to meet reporting and program deadlines.

 

COMMENTS

Native American Preference will apply. Must be willing and able to pass a criminal history background check with no felonies or serious misdemeanors and a drug and alcohol urinalysis as a condition of employment. Adherence to strict company policy regarding confidentiality is required.

 

 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management retains the right to add or to change the duties of the position at any time. * Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents in lieu of stated minimums require prior approval from the Director of Human Resources.