Tribe Hires New Chief Financial Officer
Dec 13, 2012
Barbara Montour, CPA to Begin Duties
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe has hired Barbara Montour, CPA, as its new Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Montour has spent the past nine years in public accounting, operated and owned Akwesasne’s first CPA firm and most recently an Aboriginal Assurance and Accounting Manager with BDO Chartered Accountants and Consultants – Canada’s fifth largest accounting firm. Previous employment includes the Assembly of First Nations, the Seaway International Bridge Corporation and Dragon Benware and Co, LLP. She is also a former board member of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino LLC which oversees the tribe’s gaming operations.
Ms. Montour will be responsible to the Tribal Council for all matters related to the financial affairs of all tribal entities and prepare financial analysis of overall operations. She will be responsible for the organization's financial plans and policies, its accounting practices, and the conduct of its relationships with banking institutions. Other responsibilities include investments, audits, financing arrangements, as well as summaries and forecasts for future business growth and general economic outlook. “This is an important position for the tribe’s future,” she remarked. “I’m looking forward to working with tribal council and the staff to continue to move ahead and make progress for the tribe.” She will begin her duties on Monday, December 17, 2012.
“Barbara has years of experience coming in to this job,” said Randy Hart, Tribal Chief. “We’re counting on her to make a smooth transition and provide leadership to the Accounting Department.” The tribe’s Accounting Department provides oversight for over 200 federal and state programs. “The Accounting Department identifies and records all of the activities that impact the tribe financially,” observed Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. “It provides each department with customized financial services, according to their needs.”
Ms. Montour earned her Certified Public Accounting designation in 2006 and is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. “Barbara’s success in the private sector will benefit the tribe,” commented Paul Thompson, Tribal Chief. “We are glad to have her on board and look forward to working with her.”
Ms. Montour earned her AAS Business Administration degree from Canton ATC and a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is turtle clan and a life-long resident of Akwesasne, is married to Barry Montour, Ph.D. and has three children, Skanatatihen, Skaniehtiiohstha, a chosen son, Nick and grandchild, Lennon.
As part of her job duties she will also directly supervise one Finance Director, a Fund Accountant and one Special Projects Administrator. “Serving our people is important to me and I look forward to this tremendous opportunity which my education, employment and life experiences have prepared me for,” stated Ms. Montour.
For more information contact the Public Information Office at 518-358-2272.