SANTA FE, NM - Today the New Mexico Film Office (NMFO) announced a Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program, aimed at skilling up experienced New Mexico accounting and professionals to transition to production accounting for the New Mexico film industry. NMFO is partnering with CNM Ingenuity, to train New Mexicans to work as payroll clerks, accounting clerks, payroll accountants, and second assistant accountant positions upon completion of the training.

“Building an end-to-end production ecosystem includes investing in industry-focused workforce development and providing New Mexicans with opportunities to transfer existing skills and expertise into the industry. This Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program will do just that,” said New Mexico Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes. “The New Mexico film and television industry’s impact on the economy is significant - employing thousands of New Mexicans with well-paying jobs, providing additional revenue streams for local businesses, and building wealth for New Mexico families. A skilled, and scaled up crew-base, ensures the film industry remains a pillar of New Mexico’s economy for decades to come.” 

Participants in the five-week virtual training program, will learn the ins and outs of production accounting, and build upon previous accounting or finance experience in the areas of bookkeeping, reporting, and auditing. The first training cohort will include up to fifteen participants, who must be New Mexico residents and provide proof of previous accounting experience or education. Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible for an informational interview with a Netflix Production Finance Executive and may be considered for employment on future productions. Funding for the development of the program is provided by the New Mexico Film Office via Netflix workforce development funds.

“We are thrilled to be providing this Production Accounting and Payroll Training Program to New Mexicans. The idea arose out of an increased and clear demand for more production accounting personnel by the film industry. The intention behind this program as well as future workforce training programs is to meet the industry’s needs and expand our local crew base,” said Amber Dodson, New Mexico Film Office Director. 

All training will be provided by CNM Ingenuity. The topics that will be covered in the training include but are not limited to: 

•            Overview of careers and roles in a production accounting department

•            Accounting tools and technology

•            Payroll and roles of unions

•            Budgeting and cost reporting

•            Production incentives and insurance claims

“At CNM, we’re honored to be partnering with the New Mexico Film Office to address a growing workforce need in the film industry – accountants trained on the unique aspects of film production and film budgets,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “For nearly 20 years, CNM has been training film production technicians to support New Mexico’s growing film industry every step of the way. We’re excited to expand our workforce development support of the film industry by providing these new training opportunities for accountants and accounting graduates to help them gain high-quality employment with film production companies in New Mexico.”

The training program will be held virtually on Saturdays at 9am – 12pm with the first session beginning on May 15. To apply, applicants must have previous accounting or finance experience (accountants, CPAs, bookkeepers, payroll clerks, etc.), or previous accounting or finance education (graduates of accounting programs at an accredited college or university). Participants will be responsible for a $50 enrollment fee upon acceptance to the program. Pre-registration is required no later than May 13, 2021. Information on how to pre-register can be found on the CNM Ingenuity website. Space is limited and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.