State auditor Joseph Maestas plans tech upgrades, addresses CPA gap in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. – New Mexico voters re-elected State Auditor Joseph Maestas to another four-year term.

Democrat Joseph Maestas ran against Republican Joshua Lawrence for the role. State auditors serve as financial watchdogs for state and local governments and make sure those governments spend public money responsibly.

Maestas spoke with KOB 4 reporter Blake Troli on election night about his goals for the new term.

“We’re going to integrate technology to make sure the office runs much more efficient, we’re going to address this national workforce crisis,” Maestas said. “There’s a shortage of accounting talent. So I’m working with all stake holders, especially higher education to re-establish a pipeline of talent in accounting. 75% of the CPAs are eligible to retire, there’s a loss of interest in the field of accounting. And so I’m going to put this on my shoulders and take this workforce crisis on, and I believe the next governor is going to help me do that.”

Maestas’ office says the national shortage of certified public accountants, or CPAs, has in part contributed to workforce shortages at the State Auditor’s Office.

The office says it needs at least 8 to 9 more CPAs right now.

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