Tribal Financial Managers Certificate

$1,700 — NAFOA Member Price, $1,850 — Non Member Price

This in-person program has been postponed until late 2021 due to COVID-19. New dates will be announced here as they become available.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Over the past 10 years, the Tribal Financial Managers Certificate (TFMC) at ASU has been the program of choice for tribal finance and administrative staff and has seen over 1,000 professionals graduate. A collaboration among NAFOA, Arizona State University’s American Indian Policy Institute, and Thunderbird School of Global Management, this certificate is designed equip tribal government accountants, budget and grant managers, and tribal administrative staff with the tools to support or manage tribal financial departments, as well as provide leading information on industry standards and new innovations.

Admission to the program is open. At the program’s conclusion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from the Thunderbird School of Management.

Benefits of TFMC:

Taking a holistic approach to tribal financial management, this program prepares participants to carry out the operations required within a tribal finance department and drive organizational improvement and performance. Participants will return with skillsets and frameworks to not only carry out their roles effectively but to also shape their department’s or community’s operating models and strategic goals.

Thunderbird & NAFOA

Program Content

The Tribal Financial Managers Certificate is the official training course for NAFOA's, Financial Reporting and Information Guide for Tribal Governments and Enterprises (Orange Book)

This professional certificate provides an in-depth background in tribal government finance, Indian law, taxation, and economic development. Attendees can earn up to 20 CPE credits. Content focus includes:

Federal Indian Law

The intersection of federal Indian law principles and tribal financial management
Self-determination and self-governance from a legal perspective

Tribal Government Financial Management

Understanding tribal financial statements
The technicalities of government fund and enterprise accounting
Grant management including, understanding the grant cycle, cost principles, OMB Uniform Guidance, and procurement standards

Compliance and Internal Control

Understanding federal guidelines and maintaining compliance
Defining and instituting internal controls within your tribe
Developing internal audit procedures and preparing for external audits

Leadership

Managing your own personal development
Building impactful relationships laterally and upward

Participant Profile

Tribal administrative staff including, project managers and program directors.
Tribal finance staff including, tribal government accountants, grant managers, controllers, and budget managers.
Corporate professionals interested in increasing knowledge related to tribal financial management.
Elected tribal leaders interested in the financial components of operating a tribal government.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an application for this program?

No, this program is open enrollment and does not require an application.

What is your refund/cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to robin.baskinmcnulty@thunderbird.asu.edu for consideration. Participant cancellations must be made more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

World Class Educators

The Tribal Financial Managers Certificate draws on thought leaders with extensive, hands-on, real-world experience working with tribes.

Our faculty team teaches real-world scenarios drawn from their own experiences. This unique approach to provides you with practical, applicable tools and strategies to take on any challenge you encounter.