Department of Treasury

Committed to financial reporting and management

The Treasury Division – Office of Budget & Finance is committed to excellence in financial reporting and management. The primary focus of the division is protecting, growing, and managing the financial assets of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians with a multigenerational focus.

We accomplish our work through the implementation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principals (GAAP), Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) federal standards, and best practices as recommended by organizations such as the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) and Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA).

Internally, we focus on building expertise in the areas of accounting, budgeting, compliance, grant life cycle management, revenue and taxation management, disbursements, treasury, centralized purchasing, and risk management. We insist on excellence and work diligently to deliver timely and accurate data, detailed financial reporting, financial forecasting and projection, trending analysis, superior customer service, and effective communication to both internal and external customers.

We have assembled one of the most robust and qualified financial services teams in Indian Country and take great pride in being an estimable example to tribes across the country in financial management and stewardship. Additionally, we continue to build the systems, processes, and fiscal policy to match our human capital to be a leader in Indian Country and an example to all.

Disbursements

Primary duties are providing accounts payable, payroll, per capita, per capita loan assistance, and other payments made on behalf of the Tribal Government to vendors and directly to enrolled members as a member benefit.

The disbursements team consists of a Disbursements Manager, Accounts Payable Specialist, Payroll/Per Capita Specialist, and two disbursements processors. This function works under the direction of the Disbursements Manager and Director of Accounting.

Revenue & Taxation

Primary functions include billing for tribal services, collection of revenues due to the tribe, taxation, business licensing, and assessment of fees for goods & services provided by the tribal government.

The revenue & taxation team is comprised of a Business & Taxation Specialist, Billing & Collections Specialist, two Collections Processors, a lead Billing Processor, and Billing Processor. This function works under the direction of the Director of Accounting.

Risk Management

Primary functions include administration of the Tribe’s insurance policies, employee safety, risk assessment, monitoring, reporting, and risk mitigation. We are responsible for managing workers’ compensation, general liability, property and auto insurance coverage, and claims on behalf of the Tribal Government.

The Risk Management team is made up of Risk Manager, Risk Analyst, Workplace Safety & Training Officer, and Claims Administrator. This function works under the direction of the Risk Manager and Director of Budget & Financial Analysis.

Budget Manager

Primary duties are to provide timely, accurate, and transparent financial information while building partnerships and collaboration with both internal and external customers of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. We lead the development of the annual operating budget of the Tribal Government and work closely with Tribal programs to manage and account for budgeted resources in delivering essential services to members of the Tribe and the Cherokee community.

The Budget & Financial Analysis team consists of a Senior Financial Analyst, four Financial Analysts, an Assistant Financial Analyst, Budget Analyst, Assistant Budget Analyst, Property Control Officer, and Capital Clerk. This function works under the direction of the Director of Budget & Financial Analysis.

Purchasing

Primary duties include the efficient procurement of goods and services on behalf of Tribal programs through centralization, standardization, and management of the procurement process. Centralized purchasing focuses on contracts rendered on behalf of the EBCI, vendor management, credit account and credit card management, technology, capital goods, utilities and services, furniture and office equipment, and the general procurement of goods and services on behalf of the Tribal Government.

The purchasing team is made up of a Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, and three buyer positions. This function works under the direction of the Purchasing Manager and Director of Accounting.

Grants

Primary duties include assisting Tribal programs with full grant life cycle management to develop and sustain essential government functions to serve enrolled members of the Tribe. We identify and secure grant resources for Tribal programs to provide essential services. We also monitor reporting and compliance against requirements of grant awards to ensure the success of the Tribe’s grant activity.

The grants compliance team consists of a Grants/Contracts Manager, Lead Grants Analysts, three Grants Analysts, and a Grants Administrator. This function works under the direction of the Grants/Contracts Manager and Director of Budget & Financial Analysis.

Treasurer

Primary functions include managing banking relationships on behalf of the Tribal Government and wealth management for the Tribe’s financial resources. This function serves as a liaison between the Office of Budget & Finance and the EBCI Investment Committee for management of the Tribe’s investment accounts. Treasury works closely with other Tribal programs and entities on funding requests for capital projects, economic development initiatives, and community development projects.

The Treasury team is made up of a Treasury Specialist and Finance & Investment Analyst. This function works under the direction of the Director of Accounting.