Earla Begay
**** ***** ******* ** **, Albuquerque, NM 87114
505-***-**** **********@*****.***
Career Objective
Dedicated and detail-oriented financial leader with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and tribal government sectors. Proven track record in fund accounting, grant compliance, audit management, and strategic financial planning. Passionate about strengthening organizations through sound financial practices, leadership development, and community-centered service. Seeking impactful roles where I can support missions that serve Native communities and public service initiatives.
Core Competencies
• Tribal & Nonprofit Financial Leadership
• Fund Accounting & Grant Management
• Federal & Tribal Compliance (2 CFR Part 200, GASB, GAAP)
• Audit Coordination & Corrective Action Planning
• Indirect Cost Negotiations & Cost Proposals
• Budget Development & Financial Reporting
• Team Development & Capacity Building
• Strategic Planning & Cross-functional Collaboration
Professional Experience
Consultant
Jobot Consulting, LLC 2024 – 2025
- Provide interim financial leadership and continuity for 501(3) (c) health care operations.
- Oversee grant compliance, financial planning, and fiscal reporting.
- Reconciliation of general ledgers in preparation of annual single and program audits.
Chief Financial Officer
New Mexico Legal Aid, Inc. 2022 – 2023
- Directed finance strategy, overseeing $13M+ in public and private grant funding.
- Strengthened internal controls, improved audit readiness, and modernized payroll/HR systems.
Financial Consultant
Tsé Daa K’aan Chapter / AAIHB 2021 – 2022
- Supported tribal chapter with fund accounting, audit preparation, and internal controls.
- Ensured compliance with federal and tribal financial standards.
Senior Accountant
Inverse Medical 2021
- Maintained general ledger accuracy and led monthly close and reconciliation processes.
Finance & Accounting Consultant
Robert Half 2020 – 2021
- Contracted to support organizations through transitions, audits, and staff mentoring.
Chief Financial Officer
Ramah Navajo Chapter 638 2018 – 2020
- Managed financial operations for BIA 638 contracts, indirect cost proposals, and audits.
- Developed fiscal policies, led accounting team, and oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets.
Finance Director
Pueblo of Zuni 2017 – 2018
- Rebuilt accounting systems and improved fund tracking and grant reporting processes.
Senior Accountant
Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. 2017
- Ensured accurate fund reporting for tribal health initiatives and cooperative agreements.
Chief Financial Officer
Ramah Navajo School Board, Inc. 2011 – 2016
- Directed $20M+ annual budgets, federal education grants, and tribal allocations.
- Mentored finance team and managed internal audits with clean findings.
Additional roles dating from 1979 to 2010
- Available upon request or on full CV.
Education
University of Phoenix
Master of Business Administration
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts in Management
University of New Mexico – Anderson School of Management
Certified in Accounting
Zuni High School
High School Diploma
Professional Development & Affiliations
• Consultant: Fund Accounting, Indirect Costs, GAAP/GASB, Tribal Finance
• Member, Institute of Internal Auditors (since 2009)
• Member, Delta Mu Delta Honor Society – Lambda Sigma Chapter
Technical Proficiency
• Accounting Systems: Abila MIP, QuickBooks, Microix, PayDay HCM, PayChex Flex
• Productivity Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Grants/Timekeeping: Legal Server, Timesheet Systems