Posting Details

The Office of the Secretary of States' Finance Department plays a vital role in managing and overseeing all fiscal operations of the agency. Led by the Chief Financial Officer, the five-member team is responsible for accounts payable and receivable, budget management, procurement, contract administration, and audit coordination. The department also ensures compliance with state financial regulations in partnership with the Department of Finance and Administration. Through strong financial stewardship, the Finance Department supports the agency's mission and ensures the effective implementation of its programs and initiatives.

To learn more about the Secretary of State, please visit our website: https://www.sos.nm.gov/

Why does the job exist?

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team for the Office of the Secretary of State, providing strategic direction and oversight for all financial and budgetary operations. This position ensures fiscal integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The CFO plays a critical role in supporting the office's core functions, including elections administration, business services, ethics oversight, and campaign finance transparency. This role is responsible for managing financial planning, budgeting, procurement, grants management, and audit coordination. The CFO ensures that resources are aligned with the agency's goals and that financial operations are transparent, efficient, and accountable.

How does it get done?

Key responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer include budget development, oversight of all financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting of revenues and expenditures, ensuring timely deposits, and monitoring spending across various operating budgets. The CFO provides direct supervision, guidance, and professional development for finance staff, and is accountable for ensuring that the agency's annual audit is completed on time and meets the standards of the State Auditor. This position also oversees budget planning and disbursements related to statewide elections and public campaign financing, ensuring transparency and adherence to internal and external fiscal policies.

Who are the customers?

The Chief Financial Officer serves a broad range of stakeholders, including the Secretary of State, Office leadership, and program managers who rely on accurate financial data and strategic budget planning to execute initiatives. Externally, the CFO works closely with oversight agencies such as the Department of Finance and Administration and the Office of the State Auditor to ensure transparency, compliance, and accountability. Additionally, the CFO supports public interest by safeguarding taxpayer dollars and enabling effective delivery of the Office's mission.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Chief Financial Officer position at the Office of the Secretary of State is a strategic, detail-oriented financial leader with a strong command of public sector accounting and budget management. A CPA is ideal but not required. The desired candidate will possess deep knowledge of state and federal financial regulations, including the Model of Accounting Practices and the SHARE accounting system, and have a proven track record of managing complex budgets with multiple funding sources. This individual is an effective communicator and team leader who can guide, mentor, and support staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. They are adept at balancing day-to-day operational responsibilities with high-level financial forecasting, planning, and analysis. The ideal candidate is also audit-savvy, ensuring the agency's compliance and fiscal integrity throughout the year. The qualified individual will also be mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to supporting the transparency, efficiency, and public trust that underpin the work of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Auditing and eight (8) years of experience in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Auditing; to include two (2) years of experience with PeopleSoft: Oracle Financials or similar software system; and to include three (3) years of managerial or supervisory experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling twelve (12) years may substitute for the required education and experience. A hiring agency may designate a portion of the required experience to include federal grant and/or special revenue experience to be identified at the time of recruitment.

Employment Requirements

The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and successfully complete a defensive driving course within six months of hire. Employment is also contingent upon passing a background check. These requirements must be met as a condition of employment.

Working Conditions

The position is based in a standard office environment, with work performed primarily in a private office setting. This role involves frequent use of computers, video display terminals (VDTs), and other general office equipment. While the position follows regular business hours, occasional extended hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required to meet critical deadlines. Some travel may also be necessary for official duties.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Sharon Pino (505) 827-3636 [Email](mailto: sharon.pino@sos.nm.gov)

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

The Office of the Secretary of States' Finance Department plays a vital role in managing and overseeing all fiscal operations of the agency. Led by the Chief Financial Officer, the five-member team is responsible for accounts payable and receivable, budget management, procurement, contract administration, and audit coordination. The department also ensures compliance with state financial regulations in partnership with the Department of Finance and Administration. Through strong financial stewardship, the Finance Department supports the agency's mission and ensures the effective implementation of its programs and initiatives.

To learn more about the Secretary of State, please visit our website: https://www.sos.nm.gov/

Why does the job exist?

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team for the Office of the Secretary of State, providing strategic direction and oversight for all financial and budgetary operations. This position ensures fiscal integrity, compliance with state and federal regulations, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The CFO plays a critical role in supporting the office's core functions, including elections administration, business services, ethics oversight, and campaign finance transparency. This role is responsible for managing financial planning, budgeting, procurement, grants management, and audit coordination. The CFO ensures that resources are aligned with the agency's goals and that financial operations are transparent, efficient, and accountable.

How does it get done?

Key responsibilities of the Chief Financial Officer include budget development, oversight of all financial transactions, maintaining accurate accounting of revenues and expenditures, ensuring timely deposits, and monitoring spending across various operating budgets. The CFO provides direct supervision, guidance, and professional development for finance staff, and is accountable for ensuring that the agency's annual audit is completed on time and meets the standards of the State Auditor. This position also oversees budget planning and disbursements related to statewide elections and public campaign financing, ensuring transparency and adherence to internal and external fiscal policies.

Who are the customers?

The Chief Financial Officer serves a broad range of stakeholders, including the Secretary of State, Office leadership, and program managers who rely on accurate financial data and strategic budget planning to execute initiatives. Externally, the CFO works closely with oversight agencies such as the Department of Finance and Administration and the Office of the State Auditor to ensure transparency, compliance, and accountability. Additionally, the CFO supports public interest by safeguarding taxpayer dollars and enabling effective delivery of the Office's mission.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Chief Financial Officer position at the Office of the Secretary of State is a strategic, detail-oriented financial leader with a strong command of public sector accounting and budget management. A CPA is ideal but not required. The desired candidate will possess deep knowledge of state and federal financial regulations, including the Model of Accounting Practices and the SHARE accounting system, and have a proven track record of managing complex budgets with multiple funding sources. This individual is an effective communicator and team leader who can guide, mentor, and support staff while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. They are adept at balancing day-to-day operational responsibilities with high-level financial forecasting, planning, and analysis. The ideal candidate is also audit-savvy, ensuring the agency's compliance and fiscal integrity throughout the year. The qualified individual will also be mission-driven, collaborative, and committed to supporting the transparency, efficiency, and public trust that underpin the work of the Office of the Secretary of State.

Minimum Qualification

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Auditing and eight (8) years of experience in Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or Auditing; to include two (2) years of experience with PeopleSoft: Oracle Financials or similar software system; and to include three (3) years of managerial or supervisory experience. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling twelve (12) years may substitute for the required education and experience. A hiring agency may designate a portion of the required experience to include federal grant and/or special revenue experience to be identified at the time of recruitment.

Employment Requirements

The selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and successfully complete a defensive driving course within six months of hire. Employment is also contingent upon passing a background check. These requirements must be met as a condition of employment.

Working Conditions

The position is based in a standard office environment, with work performed primarily in a private office setting. This role involves frequent use of computers, video display terminals (VDTs), and other general office equipment. While the position follows regular business hours, occasional extended hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required to meet critical deadlines. Some travel may also be necessary for official duties.

Supplemental Information

Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here

Agency Contact Information: Sharon Pino (505) 827-3636 [Email](mailto: sharon.pino@sos.nm.gov)

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.