WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation Interim Controller Elizabeth Begay has retired again.
On Thursday, Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren visited Ms. Begay at her office one last time to bid her farewell and express his appreciation for her service through the first quarter of his administration.
“Thank you for all the good work you’ve done for the Navajo people,” he told her. “Thank you for the efforts that you’ve done for the Office of the Controller. I know it’s one of the most important places within the Navajo Nation government.”
Ms. Begay took control of the office that oversees the Navajo people’s money on May 21, 2021. She served as auditor general from 2007 until her first retirement in 2018.
She is a certified internal auditor and a certified fraud examiner.
“During her time as controller, Ms. Elizabeth was very open about employee happiness,” said NNOOC Administrative Office Specialist Gwen Curley. “She ensured all employees, regardless of position, were heard and acknowledged for their hard work and dedication to NNOOC. She is very kind, generous and understanding. She will be greatly missed.”
The job of Navajo Nation controller is a management position that is responsible for the Nation’s financial operations ranging from ARPA to payroll, credit to accounts payable and much more.
Specific duties and responsibilities of a government controller vary based on the level of government and its size and complexity. These include financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, internal controls, compliance and risk management.
Ms. Begay’s role was to provide financial leadership and guidance to the Navajo Nation and its leaders. She ensured that financial information was accurate, timely and reliable. She played key roles to ensure the Nation achieved its financial objectives and operated in compliance with tribal laws and regulations throughout her tenure.
Incoming Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe started on Wednesday. He toured the controller’s office with Ms. Begay, becoming acquainted with staff throughout the seven departments he will now head.
The new controller launched McCabe CPA Group, LLC, in 2007. In his 15 years in business, he’s provided consulting, accounting and auditing services to 80 to 90 tribes.
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