Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Walter K. Walema

Tucson,AZ

Summary

Experienced senior management professional with extensive roles in tribal governments, excelling in policy and regulatory compliance and financial management. Proven track record in policy development and process improvement, fostering team leadership and collaboration. Successfully managed audits and implemented efficient systems, enhancing organizational productivity and accountability.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Administrative Officer

Tohono O'odham Nation
02.2025 - Current
  • Monitored yearly financial audits of the Nation, as well as the yearly sub-governmental District audits.
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of the organization, including the supervision of senior management.
  • Reviewed contracts to ensure compliance with organizational policies and guidelines prior to final execution.
  • Evaluated existing systems for accuracy, completeness, and/or weaknesses and developed new systems when needed.
  • Developed and implemented policies, procedures, practices, and internal controls to ensure compliance and efficient operations of the organization.
  • Led the Executive Budget Review Team in the formulation, review, and execution of all annual budgets.
  • Created an environment that fosters collaboration among team members while promoting a culture of accountability and productivity.
  • Supervised administrative staff to ensure tasks were completed accurately and efficiently according to established timelines.

Executive Director, Treasury

Tohono O'odham Nation
05.2024 - 11.2024
  • Assisted in year-end financial audits and participated in audit process reviews.
  • Prepared financial statements and schedules to support the annual audit.
  • Managed Internal Audit Program; including review and final approval of findings and opinions.
  • Implemented new procedures to improve internal controls over finances, policies, and practices.
  • Prepared quarterly reports summarizing the Nation's financial position for presentation to leadership and oversite committees.
  • Assisted with the preparation, review, and approval of all annual budgets.
  • Monitored and maintained financial records, including department budgets, investments, and revenues.
  • Ensured compliance with all applicable laws, resolutions, codes, regulations, and policies.
  • Developed and implemented policies to ensure responsible fiscal management.
  • Evaluated financial information to determine present and future financial performance.
  • Liaised with banks and other financial experts to maintain continuous access to capital and to maximize financial investments of the Nation.
  • Managed cash flows to ensure payment needs are met and to ensure optimization of investment growth.
  • Ensured compliance with GAAP to shape technical accounting policies and procedures.

Assistant Treasurer

Tohono O'odham Nation
12.2023 - 05.2024
  • Produced financial reports and audit schedules for the annual audit.
  • Assisted in managing Internal Audit Program by providing guidance and ensuring compliance.
  • Analyzed policies, guidelines, and regulations to ensure compliance and to identify weaknesses, inefficiencies, or areas of needed improvement.
  • Monitored bank balances to ensure payment processing.
  • Coordinated cash transfers between multiple bank accounts as required by operational needs and council action.
  • Monitored budgets to ensure operational continuance and to meet the objectives of the department.

Chief Financial Officer

Hualapai Tribe
09.2021 - 10.2023
  • Developed and monitored all objectives of the Finance, Contracting, and Property/Procurement sections; including supervision of all staff.
  • Informed tribal council of all financial aspects of the tribal government. Which included general funds, federal funds, gaming funds, special revenues, and all other sources of revenue.
  • Executed the annual budgeting process with consultation with the department directors and presented for final approval from tribal council.
  • Administered the annual independent audit for the purpose of Governmental A-133 requirements, the Combined Financial Statement Audits for the purpose of Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34, and any other audits that may be required for loan purposes.
  • Created policies that allowed each department to work in the most organized way.
  • Appointed senior team leaders within the financial department.
  • Monitored tribal funds to ensure compliance, and to ensure annual objectives were met.
  • Determined realistic goals and established financial controls to maintain maximum productivity.
  • Managed and oversaw all financial affairs of the tribal government.
  • Ensured compliance with GAAP, GASB, 2 CFR 200, and other tribal policies/procedures/regulations.

Accounting Manager

Tohono O’odham Nation
07.2016 - 08.2021
  • Management of all aspects of Accounts Receivable section; including supervision of staff.
  • Generated year-end financial schedules, ledger reports, and any supporting documents for the annual audit.
  • Assisted with any actions needed to complete the year-end financial audits.
  • Ensured staff met productivity standards and collection efforts were effective.
  • Provided Aging Schedules for management and reviewed collectability of debt.
  • Coordinated with program managers to ensure all billing information and processes were accurate.
  • Reviewed/approved journal entries for any ledger adjustments or corrections needed.
  • Ensured all Third Party Billing receivables, adjustments, and cash collections were recorded accurately for reconciliation and year-end audit.
  • Routinely communicated and assisted with management, district officials, and other managers.
  • Prepared financial statements and reports for management review.

Senior Accountant

Tohono O’odham Nation
08.2008 - 07.2016
  • General supervision of Accounts Receivable staff when needed.
  • Generated monthly billing for expenditures incurred by Districts & Entities.
  • Responsible for follow-up and collections of monthly billing and/or any debt.
  • Created new receivables/billing systems for programs providing services and generating revenue.
  • Reconciled general ledger and subsidiary ledger accounts.
  • Responsible for fuel tax reimbursement, both submission and collection, requested from the state.

VITA Volunteer/Site Coordinator

IRS Program
01.2006 - 04.2012
  • Conducted in-take interview with clients with complete confidentiality.
  • Provided free tax preparation for low to medium income families.
  • Experience with tax preparation software; desktop and online versions.
  • Supervised tax preparers/volunteers, provided assistance, and conducted quality control checks.
  • Conducted final review to ensure accuracy of all tax returns before electronic submission.
  • Follow-up and research for rejected returns in a timely manner to ensure IRS acceptance.
  • The point of contact for the local site and the regional branch.

Interim District General Account Manager

Tohono O’odham Nation
02.2007 - 08.2008
  • Liaison for districts, with an emphasis on compliance of general accounting policies and procedures and internal reviews and audits.
  • Ensured compliance with general practices, financial policies and procedures, GAAP, and annual audits.
  • Provided Revenue & Expense Reports on a monthly basis.
  • Researched payment requests, expenditure variances, budgets balances, and bank transfers.
  • Generated ledger reports, year-end schedules, and any financial reports for the annual audit.
  • Facilitated routine communication and follow-up with district officials and Accounting sections.

Principal Accountant

Tohono O’odham Nation
04.2003 - 02.2007
  • General supervision of General Ledger staff when needed.
  • Monthly reconciliation of bank statements.
  • Booked inter-departmental expenditures via journal entries.
  • Allocated program charges and expensed to budgets via journal entries.
  • Reconciliation of general ledger and subsidiary ledger accounts.

Purchasing Agent

Tohono O’odham Nation
02.2000 - 02.2003
  • Routine communication with programs and vendors for all purchase/procurement issues.
  • Processed purchase requisitions; including bid requests, quotes, and any supporting documents.
  • Heavily reliant on Purchasing & Accounts Payable Policy & Procedures and enforcement of guidelines.
  • Facilitated major purchases, including capital equipment and professional service contracts, as well as complex sealed bid purchases that included Request for Proposal procedures.
  • Researched and analyzed cost/benefit of competitive bidding with local vendors.
  • Indirect experience with grant/contract requirements and the allowance of expenditures.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
12.2000

Skills

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Financial management
  • Internal controls management
  • Team leadership
  • Data analysis
  • Policy development
  • Process improvement
  • Accountability

Timeline

Chief Administrative Officer

Tohono O'odham Nation
02.2025 - Current

Executive Director, Treasury

Tohono O'odham Nation
05.2024 - 11.2024

Assistant Treasurer

Tohono O'odham Nation
12.2023 - 05.2024

Chief Financial Officer

Hualapai Tribe
09.2021 - 10.2023

Accounting Manager

Tohono O’odham Nation
07.2016 - 08.2021

Senior Accountant

Tohono O’odham Nation
08.2008 - 07.2016

Interim District General Account Manager

Tohono O’odham Nation
02.2007 - 08.2008

VITA Volunteer/Site Coordinator

IRS Program
01.2006 - 04.2012

Principal Accountant

Tohono O’odham Nation
04.2003 - 02.2007

Purchasing Agent

Tohono O’odham Nation
02.2000 - 02.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Economics

University of Arizona

Similar Profiles

  • Rudy J. TEYECHEA IV

    Rudy J. TEYECHEA IVRudy J. TEYECHEA IV

    Corrections Officer at Tohono O'Odham Nation Department of CorrectionsCorrections Officer at Tohono O'Odham Nation Department of Corrections

  • Genevieve Riggs

    Genevieve RiggsGenevieve Riggs

    Contract Specialist at Tohono O'odham NationContract Specialist at Tohono O'odham Nation

  • Delilah Jose

    Delilah JoseDelilah Jose

    Cook at Tohono O'odham Nation DHHS Senior Service DivisionCook at Tohono O'odham Nation DHHS Senior Service Division

  • Louis Franco

    Louis FrancoLouis Franco

    Owner-Operator at Bl_nkMediaOwner-Operator at Bl_nkMedia

  • Dana Wood

    Dana WoodDana Wood

    Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at NaphCare-Arizona State Prison Tucson ComplexPsychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at NaphCare-Arizona State Prison Tucson Complex

CREATE PROFILE
Walter K. Walema