First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) is a 42-year-old Native American-controlled nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities. We invest in and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

The Finance Assistant is an integral part of First Nations’ finance, operations, and administrative team who works to ensure on-time completion, posting, and documentation of all First Nations’ financial activities on a daily basis.

The Finance Assistant position is based in First Nations’ Longmont, Colorado, office and is not a remote or hybrid remote position. The selected candidate will be required to be in the office on a daily basis, Monday through Thursday.

First Nations follows the Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and requires that employees provide proof that they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION/RESPONSIBILITIES

The purpose of the position is to assist the Finance Officer with daily financial functions of the organization, including but not limited to:

• Accounts payable: Review, code, and obtain approval of invoices and credit card activity to ensure compliance with organizational policies. Manage and maintain monthly vendor and corporate card payments. Perform entry of accounts payable activities (i.e., invoices and grant funding awards into financial management systems). Verify documentation or receipts against checks and submit for designated approval. Manage check disbursements and ensure backup of financial management systems. Respond to staff and vendor inquiries and manage state registrations as required for out-of-state incorporation compliance – obtain signatures, notarize, process payments, and file backups.
• Cash receipts: Maintain cash receipt files; prepare weekly bank deposits (checks/charges) and monthly deposit of currency; process credit card payments for donations; identify payments and enter all cash receipts and online corporate card EFT payments in Abila MIP; and perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Payroll: Manage all aspects of payroll, which includes maintaining payroll files; managing time-keeping system; processing payroll; generating and distributing employee benefit reports; managing employee FSA reimbursements; entering 403b withholding and matching into the CUNA system; and entering EFT payments of FSA-Benny card and 403b withholding into Abila MIP.
• Human Resources: Assist with new employee hiring and termination by managing and maintaining all aspects of employee benefits.
• Corporate Cards: Oversee the distribution and process of corporate credit cards to employees and respond to potential employee issues such as transaction declination, lost cards, and/or exceeding credit limits.
• Administrative Support: Provide general assistance to Finance Officer as needed, and assist with audit confirmation, correspondence, and document requests. Conduct employee verifications and maintain communications with employees.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Experienced accountant/bookkeeper with 5-7 years’ experience in all aspects of accounting for a medium-sized business, non-profit experience preferred
• Must pass a background and credit check
• Accounting degree desired but not required
• Experience with Abila MIP software desired but not required
• Notary public designation or willingness to acquire
• Knowledge of non-profit accounting and operations
• Knowledge of and/or familiarity with the historical and contemporary workings/status of rural Native American communities
• Experience working with diverse cultures and specific experience with Indigenous communities and culture

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS & PERKS

First Nations provides a number of employee benefits, which include:

• Employer matched 403b Retirement Plan with up to 3% employee salary match
• Employer health insurance contribution that includes vision and dental
• Health benefits package
• Flexible Spending Account
• 14 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off from December 25 to January 1 each year during office closure
• 32-hour work week (Monday-Thursday) and paid vacation time starting at 64 hours per year
• Paid time off for illness, immediate family illness, holidays, and vacation

Employee perks include:

• Flexible work schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Learning environment
• Opportunities for advancement
• Fun and friendly environment