Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Christy Estes

Ada,OK

Summary

Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Vendor Management

The Chickasaw Nation
07.2024 - Current
  • Build new vendor management department to consolidate vendor process of four separate accounting divisions with a total of 49,000 vendors.
  • Provide mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Establish internal control procedures to protect against vendor payment and bank account fraud.
  • Review existing and create new policies and procedures to ensure compliance with tribal and federal regulations.
  • Conduct extensive due diligence on vendor records to ensure vendor compliance with tribal and federal regulations and company internal policies and internal controls.
  • Manage budget to ensure optimal use of resources.
  • Facilitate cross-functional collaboration for improved vendor management processes within the organization.
  • Conduct annual performance appraisals using established metrics.
  • Ensure positive team morale and productivity through comprehensive professional development program.
  • Assist in recruiting, hiring and training of team members to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions.
  • Cultivate and strengthen lasting external and internal customer relationships through timely issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

Executive Officer of Treasury Programs

The Chickasaw Nation
10.2021 - 08.2024
  • Oversaw Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, IRS VITA grant, and Chickasaw Motor Vehicle Tag Rebate Program. Assisted 10,057 clients with tax return preparation since 2009. Issued 249,057 tag rebates with a total amount of $18,405,252 since 2015.
  • Oversaw workforce development training offered to Chickasaw Nation Department of Treasury and external departments in accounting, personal budgeting and software applications.
  • Created recruiting program for treasury department through college campus visits, career and job fairs, meet and greet connections, and an internal hiring panel facilitated through treasury team members.
  • Established a financial wellness program offered to employees.
  • Served as executive sponsor of internal personal protective equipment program, including management of budget and distribution of supplies through cross collaboration of various internal teams.
  • Ensured compliance with IRS VITA grant rules and regulations.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
  • Assessed and analyzed departmental budget to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
  • Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
  • Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
  • Fostered client relationships with tribal citizens and communities through tax preparation service.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.

Executive Officer of Headquarters Finance

The Chickasaw Nation
03.2013 - 09.2021
  • Oversaw the Division of Headquarters Finance, including accounting, accounts payable, financial services and project management, and payroll.
  • Managed financial activities for 130 federal grants and 24 tribal programs for the Chickasaw Nation Tribal Government, with a total annual revenue of $528,000,000.
  • Created policies and standard operating procedures, and established internal control processes to ensure the nation's assets were protected.
  • Fielded questions from annual independent auditors and federal agency auditors.
  • Ensured compliance with federal grant rules and regulations.
  • Developed and monitored the budget for headquarters finance.
  • Consolidated four separate payroll offices across the Chickasaw Nation into one, including commerce, headquarters, health and housing.
  • Established the treasury programs department to oversee special projects, volunteer income tax assistance, financial training, and recruitment for the Department of Treasury and Chickasaw Nation as a whole.
  • Assisted in the design and operation of various programs with the CARES Act and ARPA funds during the pandemic.
  • Managed the state unemployment fund for the Chickasaw Nation as a whole, including calculation of rate increases for federal, tribal, and business programs.
  • Represented the Headquarters Finance Division in multiple projects and endeavors within the Chickasaw Nation.
  • Led organizational restructuring efforts, optimizing resource allocation and improving overall productivity.
  • Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to enhance collaboration and drive business success.
  • Oversaw risk management strategies, mitigating potential threats to the organization''s stability and reputation.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify new business opportunities in line with strategic objectives.
  • Reviewed individual department performance and worked with leadership to improve processes, procedures, and practices.
  • Established foundational processes for business operations.
  • Improved employee satisfaction by implementing comprehensive professional development programs.
  • Reviewed employee concerns and new opportunities to drive business strategies.
  • Assessed and analyzed departmental budgets to find ways to minimize expenses and optimize profits.
  • Assisted in employee appraisals, promotions and terminations based on performance reviews.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.

Director of Headquarters Finance

The Chickasaw Nation
08.1998 - 02.2013
  • Oversaw Headquarters Finance office, including accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.
  • Served as project manager for Chickasaw Nation headquarters in implementation of Great Plains Dynamics software.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes.
  • Implemented innovative solutions to solve complex problems, resulting in increased productivity and streamlined operations.
  • Evaluated employee performance objectively using established metrics, leading to fair compensation adjustments based on meritocracy principles.
  • Improved team morale and productivity by implementing comprehensive professional development program.
  • Transformed organizational culture to embrace continuous improvement, leading by example and mentoring teams.
  • Navigated company through periods of significant change, maintaining focus on long-term strategic goals.
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.

Education

MBA -

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK
12.2007

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

East Central University
Ada, OK
05.1992

Skills

  • Strategic Planning
  • Verbal and written communication
  • People Management
  • Operations Management
  • Team Management
  • Project Coordination
  • Organizational Development
  • Budget Management
  • Program Management
  • Vendor Management
  • Hiring and Retention
  • Financial Reporting
  • Financial Management
  • Legal and Regulatory Compliance
  • Business Administration
  • Talent Acquisition

Affiliations

  • Treasurer and board member for Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition
  • NAFOA Curriculum Advisory Working Committee member or Grants Management for Tribal Communities

Certification

Management Concepts - Grants Management Certification

  • Recipient Track
  • Pass-Through Track

Timeline

Director of Vendor Management

The Chickasaw Nation
07.2024 - Current

Executive Officer of Treasury Programs

The Chickasaw Nation
10.2021 - 08.2024

Executive Officer of Headquarters Finance

The Chickasaw Nation
03.2013 - 09.2021

Director of Headquarters Finance

The Chickasaw Nation
08.1998 - 02.2013

MBA -

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Bachelor of Science - Accounting

East Central University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Christy Estes