Jessica Hovland
Flandreau,SD
Summary
Organized and relationship-driven administrative professional with over 10 years of experience supporting leadership teams and coordinating operations in tribal government, education, and nonprofit sectors. Recognized for exceptional attention to detail, proactive problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage high-volume tasks with confidentiality and professionalism. Strong background in travel coordination, event logistics, board support, and stakeholder communication. Committed to advancing Native governance, sovereignty, and community-centered values through effective administrative support.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Travel Clerk
Flandreau Indian School
03.2024 - Current
- Provide administrative support to directors and program leadership, ensuring efficient communication, scheduling, and timely follow-through.
- Manage a comprehensive database of confidential student profiles, travel records, and required documentation with accuracy and compliance.
- Coordinate large-scale travel logistics including airfare, bus routes, itineraries, ticket inventory, and communication with parents, guardians, and transportation providers.
- Draft, distribute, and track official communications, including travel memos, schedules, policy updates, and event information.
- Organize and support internal events, staff meetings, student activities, and special initiatives by preparing materials, coordinating logistics, and managing supplies.
- Act as a liaison between students, families, staff, and administrators to ensure clarity, problem resolution, and smooth operations.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all communication, reporting, and recordkeeping.
Accountant II
Medgene Labs / Houdek Manufacturing
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Supported leadership and cross-department teams by providing accurate financial data, timely reporting, and organized documentation.
- Reviewed, coded, and processed invoices and payments in alignment with policies and internal controls.
- Collaborated with vendors and internal teams to resolve discrepancies and maintain positive working relationships.
- Prepared month-end journal entries and assisted with internal process improvements to enhance workflow efficiency.
Accounts Payable Specialist
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Processed and verified invoices, expense claims, and payments across Tribal programs while maintaining accuracy and compliance.
- Ensured proper general ledger coding and supported financial policy adherence.
- Assisted finance leadership with documentation, reporting, and peak workload needs.
Owner & Founder
Flandreau Bistro & Roasterie
06.2019 - 01.2022
- Directed all business operations including scheduling, payroll, bookkeeping, vendor coordination, inventory management, and staff training.
- Created standard operating procedures, workflow systems, and financial tracking methods that improved efficiency and consistency.
- Handled customer relations, community engagement, and operational communication with clarity and professionalism.
Finance Specialist
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
01.2013 - 01.2020
- Supported the Tribal Treasurer, Finance leadership, and HR departments with payroll administration, data management, and cross-department coordination.
- Executed bi-weekly payroll cycles for exempt and non-exempt staff; maintained confidential personnel and financial records.
- Reconciled benefit billing, account statements, and payroll documents while monitoring for accuracy and cost control.
- Supervised finance and procurement staff and supported departmental operations with professionalism and integrity.
Education
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Dakota State University
Madison, SD12.2025
Skills
- Administrative & Executive Support
- Scheduling & Calendar Management
- Executive Correspondence
- Meeting Coordination & Minutes
- Confidential Records Management
- Board & Committee Support
- Travel Planning & Itineraries
- Operations & Organization
- Database Management
- Office Coordination
- Event & Logistics Planning
- Stakeholder Relations
- Workflow Improvement
- Problem-Solving & Prioritization
- Remote & Hybrid Work Collaboration
- Technical Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- Data Entry
- Inventory Tracking
- Internal Audits
- Basic Accounting
- Vendor Coordination
- Document Preparation
- Cultural & Community Experience
- Tribal Government Operations
- Indigenous Community Engagement
- Native Governance & Sovereignty Principles
- Itinerary creation
- Cross-cultural awareness
Additional Experience And Involvement
- Enrolled Member, Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
- Community Engagement & Cultural Support
- Gardening & Master Gardener Trainee
- Student Activity Support and Event Coordination
Timeline
Travel Clerk
Flandreau Indian School
03.2024 - Current
Accountant II
Medgene Labs / Houdek Manufacturing
07.2022 - 01.2024
Accounts Payable Specialist
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
07.2021 - 07.2022
Owner & Founder
Flandreau Bistro & Roasterie
06.2019 - 01.2022
Finance Specialist
Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe
01.2013 - 01.2020
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Dakota State University