The state auditor of New Mexico is a constitutional officer in the executive branch of government of the

U.S. state In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sove ...

New Mexico ) , population_demonym = New Mexican ( es, Neomexicano, Neomejicano, Nuevo Mexicano) , seat = Santa Fe, New Mexico, Santa Fe , LargestCity = Albuquerque, New Mexico, Albuquerque , LargestMetro = Albuquerque metropolitan area, Tiguex , Offi ...

. Twenty-eight individuals have held the office of state auditor since statehood. The incumbent is Brian Colón, a Democrat.

Eligibility and term of office

No person may be elected state auditor other than a United States citizen of at least 30 years of age who has resided continuously in New Mexico for five years preceding the election. The state auditor is elected to a four-year term and is able to serve up to two consecutive terms; more terms may be served after one full term has intervened.

Powers and duties

The state auditor assures that the financial affairs of New Mexico's 1,000-plus local governments and state agencies are thoroughly examined and audited each year and may conduct, in whole or part, audits of any of the aforesaid public bodies at any time. Pursuant to this authority, the state auditor performs annual financial audits of public bodies or approves contracts entered into effect by public bodies with independent public accounting firms, otherwise known as "IPAs". Whenever an annual financial audit is performed by an independent public accounting firm rather than the Office of the State Auditor, the state auditor performs desk reviews of IPA audits for compliance with the Audit Rule promulgated by the Office of the State Auditor. In addition, the state auditor conducts special investigations of fraud, waste, and abuse of public funds or resources; collects, analyzes, and issues reports on state agency and local government audit data; and serves as an ex officio member of the State Commission of Public Records. The state auditor is sixth in the line of succession to the governor's office after the

lieutenant governor A lieutenant governor, lieutenant-governor, or vice governor is a high officer of state, whose precise role and rank vary by jurisdiction. Often a lieutenant governor is the deputy, or lieutenant, to or ranked under a governor — a "second-in-comm ...

, the secretary of state, the

president pro tempore of the Senate A president pro tempore or speaker pro tempore is a constitutionally recognized officer of a legislative body who presides over the chamber in the absence of the normal presiding officer. The phrase ''pro tempore'' is Latin "for the time being". ...

, the

speaker of the House The speaker of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body, is its presiding officer, or the chair. The title was first used in 1377 in England. Usage The title was first recorded in 1377 to describe the role of Thomas de Hunger ...

, and the

attorney general In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general or attorney-general (sometimes abbreviated AG or Atty.-Gen) is the main legal advisor to the government. The plural is attorneys general. In some jurisdictions, attorneys general also have exec ...

. In the performance of official duties, the state auditor may issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books and records.

Eligibility and term of office

Powers and duties

List of State Auditors

Notes

References

External links