 | NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY |
HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES | |
POSITION CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION | |
| Position Classification Title: | Controller |
| Position Classification Code: | C1001 |
| Job Family: | Business, Accounting and Finance |
| Pay Level: | 13 |
| Exempt Status: | Exempt |
| This description is intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed. It is not intended to be a complete list of specific duties of any particular position. Duties, responsibilities and bargaining unit eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position. | |
| Purpose of Classification: | |
| Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance, the University Controller is responsible for directing the comprehensive financial activities for the New Mexico State University (NMSU) system. The University Controller is responsible for ensuring the quality of financial management throughout the NMSU system and ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. In addition, the position provides expertise and support to executive leadership on external regulations, internal financial operations, as well as develops and maintains internal controls and best practices to safeguard fiscal resources. The University Controller provides direct oversight of general and post-award accounting, financial reporting and analysis, capital asset administration, banking and cash management, debt issuance, investment administration, accounting systems, accounts receivable (bursar), tax compliance, and payroll. | |
| Standard Duties: | |
| Establish financial policies and standard operating procedures to support the University’s mission and strategic plans in accordance with state and federal fiscal management laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting principles; Establish and maintain comprehensive internal controls designed to mitigate risk, protect assets and support the financial infrastructure of the university; Design financial management procedures and business practices to achieve: 1) effectiveness and efficiency of operations, 2) compliance with laws and regulations, and 3) reliability of financial reporting; Develop and prepare timely and accurate financial reporting for the University including financial statements, audit reports, management reports, external reports and federal and state tax reporting; Serve as the primary liaison with all external auditors and oversee the annual external audit process in coordination with NMSU Audit Services; Prepare NMSU’s Facilities & Administrative (F&A) incurred cost reports, rate proposals, and negotiate all university indirect cost and fringe rates; Integrate cash management practices and investment strategies to maximize cash flow and return on investments; Provide oversight of all aspects related to bond issuances including post issuance compliance, monitoring and reporting; Ensure an effective level of communication between the central finance offices and fiscal staff throughout the University to ensure transparency in financial operations; Provide leadership and direction to the departments reporting to the Controller including establishing goals and objectives; Hire, train, supervise and evaluate the Controller’s Office staff; and performs related duties as assigned. | |
| Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: | |
| The University Controller has expert knowledge in the following areas: business and financial related local, federal and state laws and regulations, accounting requirements, financial management standards and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education; federal, state and higher education requirements for the preparation of financial statements; generally accepted accounting principles and practices; higher education financial accounting and reporting systems; asset and funds management principles, methods, and techniques; investment, cash management and capital financing principles and practices; and system wide institutional policies and procedures, as well as the regulatory environment within which they operate. Stays actively involved with NACUBO and/or relevant associations. | |
| The University Controller is service-oriented and skilled in strong interpersonal and communication skills and has the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a diverse community. The individual possesses strong analytical, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills; demonstrated ability and commitment to work in a team environment; and organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills. | |
| In alignment with LEADS 2025, develop, plan, and implement short-term and long-range goals; foster a collaborative work environment focused on continuous improvement; direct, evaluate, train, and supervise the work of assigned personnel; maintain accurate and orderly records and ability to analyze and evaluate information. Maintain current knowledge of GASB, FASB, and other GAAP pronouncements that affect the University’s financial systems, and best practices in internal controls over financial accounting and reporting; | |
| Minimum Qualifications: | |
| Education- Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Accounting, Business Administration, Management or Finance. | |
| Experience- Eight (8) years of professional experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined. | |
| Equivalency- None | |
| Certifications/License- Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license | |
| Departmental Requirements- | |
| Special Requirements- | |