Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: B9005 / University Controller
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 99
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

As chief accounting and reporting officer, assumes overall responsibility for the University's controllership functions under the direction of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA). Directs, coordinates, and oversees the institution's various financial, accounting, and treasury operations. Establishes University financial policies and standards. Directs and oversees the operations of the Bursar's Office, unrestricted accounting, finance systems management, payroll, restricted accounting, accounts payable, plant fund accounting, working capital investments, and accounts receivable. Develops & manages annual budgets. Consults and collaborates with senior leaders across the institution, to include the Health Sciences Center (HSC) and UNM Hospital (UNMH) as it pertains to controllership functions for the HSC and UNMH. Provides dedicated centralized support to UNM, UNM's Branch Campuses, the HSC and UNMH.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Establishes and carries out the mission statement of the University's Finance Division; formulates goals and objectives for the division in accordance with the overall mission and goals of the institution.
  2. Oversees internal and external audits and preparation of audit reports.
  3. Establishes University financial policies and transactional standards, ensuring consistency with the University's mission and strategic plans and compliance with Board of Regents' policies, State and Federal fiscal management laws and regulations, and generally accepted accounting standards.
  4. Designs, establishes, and maintains an organizational structure and staffing to effectively accomplish the division's overall goals and objectives; directs and oversees the hiring, development, management, and evaluation of divisional staff.
  5. Through the EVPFA and the University Presidents, works with the Board of Regents on the identification and resolution of strategic financial issues with current or potential impact on the University as an enterprise. Negotiates the indirect cost rate for the University.
  6. Reviews and analyzes major contractual obligations of the institution to ensure consistency with overall financial goals, objectives, and plans, and compliance with University financial policies, procedures, and standards. Reviews & approves contracts, grants, awards.
  7. Provides leadership and direction to the units which report to and/or are a part of the division including establishing goals and objectives for Financial Services.
  8. Oversees major system development projects that impact financial reporting.
  9. Directs the activities associated with the security and investment of the university's assets and funds.
  10. Participates with the President, EVPFA, and other senior officers in institutional planning, policy development, and problem resolution, to include meeting and collaborating with HSC and UNMH on matters pertaining to the health sciences and hospital.
  11. Represents the University at State legislative sessions, before State bodies, Federal agencies, in support of institutional goals and objectives.
  12. Directs and oversees the financial management and maintains fiscal oversight of the University's various branch campuses and education centers.
  13. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field; at least 10 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification must be active and in good standing.
  • 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

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, organization, and operational/financial infrastructure of a public university and affiliate health system.
  • Highly developed and comprehensive financial management skills gained in a large, multifaceted public institution.
  • Strategic planning skills.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
  • Knowledge of investment strategies and techniques.
  • Ability to review and assess the operational and financial viability of new and existing contractual arrangements and grant proposals.
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
  • Strong human resources development and management skills.
  • Knowledge and understanding of institutional policies and procedures and the regulatory environment within which they operate.
  • Knowledge of assets and funds management principles, methods, and techniques.
  • Strong analytical, critical thinking, and decision making skills.
  • Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Federal and State financial laws, regulations, and operating guidelines as they pertain to public institutions of higher education and academic medical centers.
  • Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • Must maintain CPA certification.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • 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: 05/01/2023