Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Accounting, the Vice President, Disbursements, will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of enterprise disbursement activities for shared services payroll and accounts payable for the multi-entity, multi-state organization with over 9,500 team members, including Tribal Members, and a high-volume vendor payment environment. The Vice President, Disbursements, is responsible for aligning shared services payroll and accounts payable systems and operations with the enterprise’s overall business strategies, closely collaborating with key stakeholders (including Finance, Accounting, Procurement, Legal, Human Resources and operational leaders) to drive strategy, efficiency and effectively mitigate financial, legal, compliance and operational risk. The Vice President, Disbursements, plays a critical role in safeguarding accuracy, ensuring compliance, maintaining confidentiality, and driving continuous improvement across the enterprise shared services disbursement activities and related policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides strategic leadership to the shared services payroll and accounts payable departments, aligning strategies with organizational goals and cross-functional initiatives. Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including respective tax reporting, and ensuring timely resolution or remediation, as necessary. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and shared accountability within the disbursement teams.

2. Develops and enforces payroll and accounts payable policies for consistency, accuracy, compliance, and risk mitigation. Resolve complex issues and advise senior leadership on resolution and compliance. Govern all related system implementations, integrations, and upgrades by ensuring appropriate and concise planning with cross-functional teams and timelines. Implement and maintain related systems and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. Drive continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring optimization of system controls and their impact on the overall business.

3. Oversees internal and external audits and maintain strong relationships with auditors and regulatory bodies as appropriate. Ensure compliance and accurate records are maintained and keep stakeholders informed about respective laws and regulations and develop implementation plans. Analyze and address data integrity issues and provide insights for financial reporting, audits, and compliance reporting.

4. Define operational KPIs and SLAs to ensure compliance with performance standards. Ensure compliance with federal, multi-state, and local laws by establishing controls and monitoring results. Collaborates with Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, Procurement, and other internal and external partnerships to adapt processes. Lead cross-functional teams to address and resolve challenges, support change management as appropriate, and ensure operational continuity.

5. Stay updated with applicable laws and engage in continuous learning and professional development. Represent the department on various committees and foster a culturally aware work environment.

6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the shared services department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

 EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of related progressive professional experience in large, high-volume organizations is required.

• Minimum of ten (10) years managing and leading teams is required.

• Experience with shared services environments (emphasis on payroll and accounts payable) is highly preferred.

• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• In-depth knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and tax regulations, as well as requirements and compliance issues related to Native American tribes.

• Experience with accounting and payment software and a comprehensive understanding of GAAP is required.

• Proficiency in payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP or SAP) is required.

• Experience in Workday system is highly preferred.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Must have executive presence and be able to present to Executives and Boards.

• Must be able to demonstrate influential and negotiation skills with executive leadership.

• Mastery of advanced Excel skills including complex formulas required.

• Proven ability to provide leadership, guidance, collaboration, and empowerment is a must.

• Demonstrated ability to drive business results is required.

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, complex accounting information in a clear and concise manner with leadership, colleagues, and staff.

• Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold the organization’s values, vision, and goals.

• Ability to meet deadlines and perform under pressure and job ambiguity.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.

• Select One of the Following:

  • ☐ Authorized Driver: Role requires operation or driving of Tribe-owned vehicles or driving patron vehicles. A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record as determined by the insurance carrier is required.

  • ☒ Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

  • ☐ No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver’s license or insurance.

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is preferred.

Reasonable accommodations will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!