Tribal Government
BKD National Governmental Team has extensive experience serving self-governing Indian tribes. We understand the requirements of federal programs like Indian Health Service Annual Funding Agreements, The Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 and Bureau of Indian Affairs Self-Governance Compacts. We are also experienced with the requirements of many compacts with the state and federal governments. Our experience assists our team of professionals to quickly learn your operations with minimal disruption to your staff.
Gaming Operations
Tribal gaming is rapidly expanding, both in the number of casinos and volume of business. This growth increases the need for tribal organizations to effectively operate and manage these expanding businesses, while still protecting the tribe’s investment and following gaming industry regulations. We can provide assistance with numerous areas of your operation, including the following:
Audit
BKD advisors have experience providing external audit services to tribal gaming operations and other tribal organizations in Oklahoma and surrounding states. This includes audits of:
- Tribal casinos
- Horse racing activities governed by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission
- Special audits required by State of Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Compacts
- Employee benefit plans
MICS Compliance, Internal Audit & Control
BKD professionals have experience performing agreed-upon procedures and attestation examinations in compliance with the requirements of the National Indian Gaming Commission. We can provide Minimum Internal Control Standards (MICS)-compliant internal audit services for the Native American gaming industry. In addition, BKD advisors can help you evaluate, document and improve your operational, internal control and external financial reporting systems.
Forensic Accounting
BKD’s Forensic & Valuation Services division includes industry and service experts, a consulting attorney, forensic accountants and certified forensic examiners. Services include:
- Fraud prevention consulting & training
- Fraud investigation services
- Computer forensics
- Litigation support
- Expert testimony
Governmental Services
Aside from tribal gaming, BKD also provides many other services that can be beneficial to Native American organizations, including the following:
- Information technology consulting
- Risk management technology
- Accounting outsourcing
- Due diligence
- Investment & financial planning
- Tax services
With more than 400 government clients, BKD National Governmental Team has the experience and expertise needed to help organizations enhance performance and maintain compliance. Our professionals actively serve as participants, exhibitors, speakers and sponsors in regional and national associations for government and tribal organizations, including:
- Association of Government Accountants
- Government Finance Officers Association
- National League of Cities
- National Tribal Gaming Commissioner/Regulators
- Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
- Oklahoma Tribal Gaming Regulators Association
Potential Benefits
The services BKD provides to tribal organizations offer a multitude of potential benefits:
- More reliable financial information
- Improved internal control systems
- Improved compliance
BKD provides unmatched client service by applying our technical expertise and disciplined solution delivery to your management and financial needs.
Donald Williams
Roger Watton
- Colorado Nonprofit Association
- Butler University
- University of Oklahoma Foundation
- National FFA Organization
- David C. Cook
- Metropolitan Airports Commission
- City and County of Denver
- Heartland Consumers Power District
“BKD was instrumental in guiding us with their expert tax guidance and a new accounting methodology for our subsidiary. The result was lowering of the tax liability for both organizations and a streamlined, enhanced accounting approach for our subsidiary.
BKD has in-depth experience with non-profits and especially with organizations that may have a for-profit entity as part of their overall company structure. They have a strong expertise in the tax and IT areas, performed soundly with due diligence, and showed solid work ethics.
As our association has grown, so have the complexities of our business. BKD has been very helpful with answers to questions regarding grants and operations, helping us to demonstrate transparency and best practices as we deliver high-level services to the non-profit sector throughout the state of Colorado.”
— Jeannie Nims, Chief Financial Officer
Colorado Nonprofit Association
Denver, Colorado
I knew BKD had a focus in organizations like us and felt that we could benefit from their industry experience and technical knowledge. Having an audit can be a necessary evil. If that’s all you get, you’re not getting much value. A lot of firms can do an audit, but BKD brings value.
— Bruce Arick, Vice President
Butler University
Indianapolis, Indiana
…We have been totally pleased with BKD's performance and professionalism. The have done a wonderful job of staffing our engagement with highly skilled and thoroughly accurate professionals. They take a very critical approach to their review, ensuring our financials are accurate and in accordance with accounting principals. I am very happy to recommend BKD as a highly professional and very thorough auditing and tax firm.
— Ron Winkler, Vice President & Treasurer
University of Oklahoma Foundation
Norman, Oklahoma
We are very pleased with the dialogue we engage in during audit committee meetings as well as the detail of the audit and audit recommendations. BKD’s team promptly responds to our questions during the annual audit as well as between audits. Their knowledge of not-for-profits has been very helpful over the years, especially when we wrestle with issues that could have an impact on our tax-exempt status.
— Dr. Larry D. Case, CEO
National FFA Organization
Indianapolis, Indiana
BKD is a trusted firm that not only advises Cook on issues we raise, but proactively advises us on changes in the financial environment.
— Scott Miller, Senior Vice
President of Finance
David C. Cook
Colorado Springs, Colorado
I have been pleased with BKD’s detailed approach as it relates to our external audit function. BKD validated a number of concerns of our department and agreed such concerns need to be addressed.
The engagement team brings airport industry expertise, and we have benefited from their knowledge and experience. The team is responsive and candid with MAC management, bringing a fresh perspective with their substantive approach to the audit. BKD’s timely consultations and management letter will help MAC’s leadership and board enhance controls and provide an accurate and credible report to the public.
— Michael Willis, Assistant Director - Internal Audit
Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission
Minneapolis, Minnesota
BKD's personnel from staff to partner that I've worked with are very professional and consider the operations and timelines of the agency personnel in their planning. They are willing to discuss issues and accounting treatments in an open method while ensuring that the standards are met. The comments and recommendations are helpful and have assisted the city in making improvements.
— Beth Machann, City Controller
City and County of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Heartland hired BKD, LLP after using a Big Four firm for many years. Heartland has experienced BKD’s commitment to excellence first hand and our Board of Directors and staff are glad we transitioned to BKD. BKD’s personnel have brought a level of utility experience, integrity, and professional demeanor at standards we did not experience before. BKD responds to our questions in a timely manner and openly discusses accounting treatments to ensure the best course of action is taken and accounting standards met. Heartland looks forward to a continued successful relationship with BKD and highly recommends them to anyone in the utility industry.
— Mike Malone, Financial Operations Manager
Heartland Consumers Power District
Madison, South Dakota























