Program Manager Strategic Initiatives Jobs in Michigan

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Full Time Senior Management Wayland, MI, US

5 days ago Requisition ID: 6307

Position Summary:

The Director of Finance Transformation serves as a strategic transformation leader responsible for advancing finance modernization, process improvement, technology adoption, and data-informed decision-making across Gun Lake Casino Resort, Tribal Government, and affiliated entities. This role partners with the Chief Financial Officer, the Vice President of Finance and Administration, and leaders across the organization to improve financial operations, strengthen reporting capabilities, standardize processes, and support scalable, sustainable growth.

This position leads high-impact finance transformation initiatives that may include ERP optimization, automation, process redesign, reporting enhancements, financial close improvement, purchase-to-pay modernization, credit and collections improvement, change management, and cross-functional adoption of new tools, workflows, and best practices. The role is accountable for translating transformation goals into practical implementation plans, measurable outcomes, stakeholder alignment, and consistent communication with senior leadership.

As a senior leader within the Finance function, the Director of Finance Transformation is expected to lead with curiosity, integrity, courage, humility, and adaptability while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, continuous learning, collaboration, and respect. This role supports Gun Lake Casino Resort's "Unsurpassed Service" standards, Four Diamond expectations, and the Seven Grandfather Teachings by strengthening how financial information, systems, and processes enable leaders to make timely, accurate, and responsible business decisions.

About Us:

At Gun Lake Casino Resort, every Team Member is an ambassador, essential to the success of our company and our culture. We expect that all Team Members take personal ownership in ensuring that everything they do is in the best interest of Gun Lake Casino Resort and embody the core values of the Seven Grandfather Teachings:

Love : Love your brothers and sisters and share with them.

Truth : Be true in everything you do. Be true to yourself and to your fellow Humans.

Respect : You must give respect if you expect respect. Respect everyone, all persons, and all the things created.

Bravery : To do what is right, even in the most difficult of times.

Honesty : Be honest in every action and provide good feelings in your heart.

Wisdom : We cherish knowledge; wisdom is used for the good of the people.

Humility : Know that you are equal to everyone else, no better, no less.

In this Role:

Finance Strategy & Transformation

• Serve as a strategic partner to the Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance & Administration, and senior leadership to identify opportunities that enhance financial performance, operational efficiency, governance, and long-term organizational effectiveness across Tribal enterprises.
• Lead the development and execution of the Tribe's finance transformation strategy, aligning initiatives with organizational priorities, enterprise objectives, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Identify opportunities to optimize financial operations through process redesign, standardization, automation, data analytics, technology enablement, and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate organizational risks, dependencies, and impacts associated with transformation initiatives while recommending practical solutions and measurable outcomes.

Enterprise Transformation Leadership

• Lead enterprise-wide finance transformation initiatives, including ERP implementation and optimization, financial systems integration, workflow redesign, reporting modernization, automation, and process improvement.
• Partner with leaders across Tribal Government, Gaming, Hospitality, Investments, Information Technology, Procurement, Regulatory Compliance, and other business functions to ensure financial processes and systems support organizational goals.
• Build strong relationships with executive leadership, Tribal Council, department leaders, and external partners to establish alignment, drive collaboration, and sustain engagement throughout transformation efforts.
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics to measure the effectiveness, adoption, and business impact of transformation initiatives.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Lead or support the evaluation, selection, implementation, integration, and optimization of financial technologies, including ERP platforms, reporting tools, analytics solutions, workflow automation, and related systems.
• Champion best practices in financial process design, governance, and technology utilization to improve accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and decision-making.
• Monitor emerging trends in finance technology, analytics, automation, artificial intelligence, and organizational transformation to identify opportunities for innovation.

Change Leadership & Organizational Development

• Develop and execute comprehensive change management strategies that support successful implementation of new systems, standardized processes, reporting enhancements, and evolving operating models.
• Design and facilitate training and knowledge transfer programs that enable finance professionals and business partners to successfully adopt new technologies, processes, and ways of working.
• Mentor, coach, and develop finance team members by building capabilities in financial analysis, project leadership, technology adoption, process improvement, and continuous learning.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making across all finance transformation initiatives.

Executive Communication & Governance

• Provide regular updates to the Chief Financial Officer, executive leadership, and other stakeholders regarding project status, organizational impacts, risks, recommendations, and key decisions requiring executive action.
• Ensure finance transformation initiatives comply with Tribal policies, internal controls, regulatory requirements, and applicable Tribal, Federal, State, and gaming regulations.
• Support organizational priorities by providing interim leadership or assuming additional responsibilities as business needs require.
• Maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and stewardship when handling Tribal, financial, operational, guest, Team Member, and organizational information.
• Build collaborative partnerships across the organization while promoting trust, accountability, and shared ownership of enterprise transformation initiatives.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Stay ahead of emerging trends in finance technology and innovation, ensuring the finance function leverages the latest tools to stay competitive.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to navigate complex governance issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively with executive level employees, Tribal members & staff from a variety of backgrounds and maintain favorable working relationships.
• Effectively skilled in exercising a high degree of initiative, judgment, discretion, and decision-making to achieve organizational objectives.
• Must be dependable and flexible with work schedule.
• Ability to leverage technology to drive organizational effectiveness including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Power BI or G Suite and skills, with the ability to familiarize and operate organizational-specific programs and software.
• Maintain the highest standard of confidentiality in all areas as required.
• Must be highly ethical and possess a prominent level of integrity.
• May supervise project teams or cross-functional working groups as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA, CMA, or similar professional credential preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressive leadership experience in Tribal gaming, hospitality, or large-scale enterprise finance transformation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Tribal operations, including government, gaming, hospitality, or business enterprise operations.
• Proven experience in finance process transformation, organizational effectiveness, staff development, project management, and change management
• Experience with ERP implementation (preferably Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar platforms), data analytics, and visualization tools.
• Certification in project management, change management, or process improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean) preferred.
• Advanced technology skills, including proficiency with Microsoft 365, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, Power BI, Power Automate, and other finance-related software.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn and respect Pottawatomi culture and traditions; experience working in diverse, multicultural environments preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and communicate information through written, verbal, and electronic means.
• Ability to use standard office equipment, computers, mobile devices, presentation technology, and other equipment necessary to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to view and interpret information displayed on computer screens, reports, presentations, and other business documents for extended periods of time.
• Ability to distinguish colors, letters, numbers, and symbols and maintain visual acuity necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to prepare, review, and present reports, business analyses, presentations, and strategic plans.
• Ability to access and travel throughout all property locations, including casino, hotel, entertainment, food and beverage, administrative, retail, and operational areas.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while working at a computer, attending meetings, reviewing materials, or conducting presentations.
• Ability to move about the property regularly to observe operations, interact with guests and Team Members, and attend meetings and events.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull, or move materials and equipment consistent with normal executive and administrative responsibilities.
• Must possess the ability to work in a varied-paced, multi-tasking environment, sitting for extended periods of time, bending, lifting, and reaching.
• May require non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to travel, locally and out of state, for meetings and continuing education.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in finance transformation, technology and Tribal governance.
• Willingness to learn Pottawatomi culture and traditions.
• Responsible for safeguarding sensitive financial and operational data in compliance with Tribal, state, and federal regulations.

Disclaimer and Conditions of Employment:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation, and drug test.

Indian Preference:

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians abides by Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority reserves the right to change the job description as necessary.