The University of New Mexico invites inquiries, nominations, and applications for the position of controller.
The University of New Mexico (UNM) was founded in 1889 as New Mexico’s flagship institution. The University is the largest R1 institution in the state and offers a wide variety of academic programs through 14 colleges and schools. These academic options include more than 215 degree and certificate programs, including 94 baccalaureate, 71 master’s, and 37 doctoral degrees. The UNM Health Sciences Center includes UNM Hospital—the only Level 1 Trauma Center in New Mexico—and the state’s only NCI-Designated Cancer Center. It also offers over 40 health science degrees and residency programs. UNM is a Hispanic-Serving Institution that takes pride in the extraordinary diversity of its students and in providing opportunities for students, regardless of socioeconomic background. UNM has four branch campuses across the state, which provide academic and vocational training, leading to certificates, associate degrees, and transfers to baccalaureate programs. The University enrolls over 26,000 students and employs over 10,000 faculty and staff.
Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration (EVPFA), the controller will oversee a team of 176, which includes budget management, treasury functions, and audit compliance, while developing and implementing creative financial strategies that align with UNM's mission and strategic goals. The controller will engage closely with senior leaders, including the President and the Board of Regents, providing strategic financial insights and fostering a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will bring a forward-thinking approach to financial management, leveraging new technologies and data-driven strategies to enhance financial operations and outcomes.
This role requires a strong commitment to inclusive excellence, promoting and modeling these values to support a diverse community. The controller will focus on sustainability initiatives, ensuring that financial decisions support long-term institutional goals and environmental responsibility. Effective communication and collaboration are crucial, as the controller will engage with various stakeholders, including making presentations to the Board of Regents and providing quarterly financial updates. The ideal candidate will have outstanding academic credentials, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field, and at least 10 years of experience directly related to the specified duties and responsibilities. Certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is preferred. Experience in higher education, healthcare, government, or other non-profit entities is highly desirable. More information can be found at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/201168.
WittKieffer is assisting the University of New Mexico in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by August 4, 2025.
Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s https://apptrkr.com/6308026.
Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:
Werner Boel, LL.M. and Ashlee Musser
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.
