Victor Flores returning to Edmond to lead new venture

Victor Flores may be new to working in Edmond, but he is not new to the community. After two decades of work in health care finance and another decade in tribal finance, Flores is thrilled to return to Edmond. In November, Flores was named the director of tribal services in Oklahoma for REDW, a top-200 accounting and business advisory firm. Flores leads the state office out of Edmond near Danforth and Santa Fe. He previously lived in Edmond while earning his master’s degree in business from Oklahoma Christian University. 

“The business needs of Oklahoma’s tribal governments and their enterprises have been expanding over the years, growing in complexity and sophistication,” said Flores. “I am incredibly pleased to join a firm so well-respected in Indian Country for its wide-ranging accounting, business, financial, and advisory services for tribal governments and their enterprises.”

REDW’s Managing Principal Steve Cogan praised Flores for his experiences that have prepared him to lead the company’s growing Oklahoma presence. 

“Victor joining the REDW team is an integral part of our overall strategic plan to continue expanding both our offerings and presence in Oklahoma,” Cogan said. “REDW has served the unique needs of tribes and their enterprises for more than three decades. By adding Victor’s demonstrated leadership and expertise, we are strengthening our commitment to support the 38 federally recognized tribal nations in Oklahoma.”

Flores added that  REDW’s Oklahoma office will recruit accountants and finance professionals for its growing team. 

“We are in the hiring process, and we’re looking for local accountants seeking an opportunity in a large expansion accounting firm,” he said. “By the end of the first quarter, we should have between five to 10 full-time employees; by the end of 2021, we anticipate needing a larger working space for 20-25 employees. We will be growing aggressively and strategically.”

Flores considers Edmond to be the home base for REDW’s Oklahoma operations. 

“As we grow, I hope to stay close to Broadway Extension, and I am looking forward to the Edmond Chamber of Commerce meeting face-to-face again as soon as they can,” he said. 

Flores previously served as chief financial officer, as well as in other leadership roles before that, for the Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. His recent achievements include collaborating with the Native American Financial Officers Association to create the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium, of which he is president. The nonprofit OTFC brings together tribal finance and economic leaders from all federally recognized tribal nations headquartered in Oklahoma. The consortium provides financial and economic education to tribes, with an emphasis on collaboration for economic development. 

In 2019, the OTFC released the Oklahoma Native Economic Impact Study, which was conducted by a third-party economist and reported tribal activities in Oklahoma having a $12.9 billion impact on the state. The OTFC has also partnered with Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business and the University of Oklahoma to create a Tribal Finance Certificate Program. Flores is an adjunct professor in the program for OSU. REDW is a strong supporter of both the certificate program and the OTFC, which impressed Flores.

“Ultimately, my decision to join REDW came down to my strong belief that their respect for tribal sovereignty and their history, values, and vision are second to none,” he said. 

That mutual sentiment was echoed by REDW’s Principal and National Tribal Practice Leader Corrine Wilson. 

“Adding Victor’s talents and extensive knowledge deepens our commitment to meeting the needs of our tribal clients in Oklahoma, throughout the Southwest, and in the nation,” she said.

Flores wants OKlahoma business professionals looking for new opportunities to consider REDW.

“While my role will be focused on tribal finance and accounting, the REDW firm works in the commercial side as well,” he said. “Just because an accountant would be based in our office, they would not necessarily focus solely on tribal accounting and finance. We are looking to expand our services in the future.”

In addition to working in Edmond, Flores is a member at LifeChurch, and he serves as the board treasurer for the STAAR Foundation in Oklahoma City. Learn more about REDW on their website.

Photo provided.