Summary

Provides technical leadership and oversight to, and participates in the overall management of a specified accounting and/or fiscal support activity located within the centralized finance and administration function of a major University component. Provides direction, administrative leadership, and integrated technical advice/consultation to client constituencies in support of related program activities. This is a core function with university-wide scope responsible for the internal controls needed to maintain the integrity of UNM's financial system as well as meet the university's institutional regulatory and compliance requirements. Positions in this classification are reserved for the Controller's Office and HSC Administration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversees the approval and processing of revenue, expenditure, and other key financial control documents, ledger and/or account maintenance, and relevant data entry; ensures compliance with university, state, and federal policies and regulations, while maintaining appropriate internal control safeguards.
2. Oversees the review, negotiation, and approval of proposals and contracts on behalf of the University, ensuring compliance with University and Federal regulations and policies governing the conduct and administration of research.
3. Provides technical guidance and expertise to subordinates and client management and/or technical staff in the day-to-day management of accounting activities within area of specialty.
4. Provides guidance and expertise to faculty and administrators regarding funding practices and processes, policies, rules, and regulations; coordinates organization-wide training in proposal writing, budget preparation, research administration and university financial system.
5. May supervise personnel which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
6. Participates in the development of operating goals and objectives for the unit; recommends, implements, and administers methods and procedures to enhance operations, as appropriate to the unit.
7. Interfaces with internal and/or external auditors in the response, research and resolution of problems related to transactions handled by the unit; serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues.
8. Represents the organization and the University to various institutional constituencies, as well as externally to corporations, funding agencies, government agencies, and other colleges and universities, as appropriate.
9. May serve on University committees that develop accounting policies and procedures.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, successful completion of at least 15 credit hours of university-level accounting through intermediate accounting; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified, one of which should be in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
• Knowledge and understanding of accounting principles and practices within area of accounting specialty.
• Knowledge of federal and state financial regulations, and university financial policies and procedures.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources.
• Ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual arrangements and grant proposals.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
• Knowledge of business practices and procedures.
• Ability to quantify and illustrate complex financial reports, comparisons, impacts, and/or projections using spreadsheet and database software.
• Ability to prepare research reports and proposals.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Knowledge of computerized information systems used in financial and/or accounting applications.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to understand and apply University policies and procedures and applicable local, state, and federal regulations as they relate to revenues, expenditures, and grant funding.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information, draw conclusions, and resolve issues.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) Responsibility over the integrity of the university's internal financial controls; b) Serving on university committees to develop and implement university-wide policies and procedures to meet regulatory and compliance requirements; c) Provision of expert leadership and guidance to other accounting professionals; d) Serving as liaison with internal and/or external auditors in the research and resolution of inquiries; e) Developing and implementing goals, objectives and/or process improvement initiatives.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 03/20/2017