Department Contact: Carolina Mijares, (575) 646-7991; mijares@nmsu.edu
Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants
Advertising Summary: The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (NM WRRI), established in 1963 at New Mexico State University, advances water resources research, education, and outreach to address New Mexico’s water challenges. Through collaboration with researchers, government agencies, communities, and other stakeholders, NM WRRI supports science-based solutions that strengthen water management and help ensure a sustainable water future for New Mexico.
NM WRRI seeks an Intermediate Accountant to support financial management of its programs, including the Agricultural Water Resilience Program (AgWRP), special state appropriations, unrestricted funds, and sponsored projects, and is contingent upon continued funding. The successful candidate will prepare and review budgets, budget justifications, and financial projections; monitor expenditures; oversee reimbursements, accounts payable and receivable, and cash management; and prepare financial reports. This position plays an important role in ensuring accurate financial records, compliance with funding requirements and applicable NMSU and state regulations, and responsible stewardship of public funds. Working collaboratively with program staff and unit management, the Intermediate Accountant will support financial planning, identify and resolve discrepancies, assess fiscal risks, and facilitate timely reporting, reconciliation, and project closeout.
Position Details
Position Title: Accountant Intermediate
College/Division: Research, Creativity and ED
Department: 470500-WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Location: Las Cruces
Offsite Location (if applicable):
Target Hourly/Salary Rate: Commensurate with Experience
Appointment Full-time Equivalency: 1.0
FLSA Status: Exempt
Bargaining Unit Announcement: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding
Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)
If Not a Standard Work Schedule: This position may require overtime and work on weekends as necessary to meet departmental and program needs, consistent with applicable NMSU policies for exempt employees.
Job Duties and Responsibilities: Reviews and prepares budgets and budget justifications for grants, contracts, subawards, and intergovernmental agreements, ensuring accuracy, allowability, and compliance with applicable funding requirements and guidelines. Tracks expenditures and prepares required financial reports. Provides financial oversight for the NM WRRI Agricultural Water Resilience Program (AgWRP) special state appropriations and awarded projects, ensuring accurate financial records, appropriate use of public funds, timely payments and reporting, reconciliation, and project closeout. Coordinates with program staff and relevant offices regarding subaward and agreement documentation and financial requirements.
Develops, prepares, reviews, and monitors budgets, budget justifications, and financial projections for NM WRRI programs, including AgWRP, unrestricted funds, and sponsored projects. Oversees project expenditures, reimbursements, accounts payable and receivable, cash management, and financial forecasting to ensure compliance with approved budgets, sponsor guidelines, and applicable NMSU and state requirements. Reviews proposed project budgets for accuracy, allowability, and alignment with program requirements. Coordinates with unit management and program staff to identify fiscal risks, resolve discrepancies, and support sound financial decisions.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
An associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree.
Equivalent Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and successful completion of at least 12 credit hours of Accounting (ACCT) coursework and one (1) year of professional experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.
Special Certification/Licensure:
Must obtain an NMSU driving permit within 30 days of employment.
Must be able to travel as needed.
Work a standard schedule of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. This position may require overtime and work on weekends as necessary to meet departmental and program needs, consistent with applicable NMSU policies for exempt employees. This position is not remote.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.
Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.
Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.