Abigail Nevarez
Abigail Nevarez is the Assistant Controller and Office Manager at Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club in New Mexico, where she manages comprehensive financial and administrative operations. In her role, Abigail oversees month-end closings, general ledger reconciliations, inventory audits, member billing, payroll, accounts receivable and payable, tax reporting, and compliance. She also coordinates administrative functions across multiple departments, ensuring efficiency and professionalism while supporting the club’s strategic goals.
Abigail’s career began in financial services as a teller, where she developed a passion for accounting and understanding organizational finance. She later transitioned into the hospitality industry, gaining valuable experience in client services and operational management at Alto Lakes Golf & Country Club. Over the years, she has progressively expanded her responsibilities, ultimately becoming Assistant Controller, managing financial operations across three country clubs, three golf courses, and three restaurants—a role that reflects her dedication, attention to detail, and leadership skills.
Committed to professional growth, Abigail is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting through Capella University, leveraging her education to enhance her practical experience. Her journey has been guided by perseverance, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence, balancing career advancement with family responsibilities. Recognized for her work ethic and contributions, Abigail continues to serve as a trusted financial and administrative leader in a dynamic and demanding industry.
• Capella University — Bachelor’s Degree (FlexPath Program)
• Employee of the Year
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, curiosity, and embracing every opportunity. I never planned a career in accounting, but my journey—from a credit union teller to hospitality roles at Alto Lakes Golf and Country Club—built a foundation for a path I hadn’t imagined.
Today, as Assistant Controller, I manage financial operations across three country clubs, three golf courses, and three restaurants, overseeing bank accounts, budgets for 19 departments, and monthly closings. It’s detailed and demanding work, but deeply rewarding, and achieving this role is my proudest professional accomplishment.
Education and mentorship have been pivotal. Through Capella University’s FlexPath program, I earned my degree while applying lessons on the job. My controller’s guidance—focusing on the numbers and the facts—helped me navigate challenges, including raising my children as a single mother. Being named Employee of the Year in 2021 validated the persistence and resilience that have defined my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t give up, and don’t be intimidated by others. Your knowledge and expertise will show why you belong in your role. Never let where you start define how far you can go—every position you hold teaches you something valuable, so embrace each opportunity to learn.
In a male-dominated field, facts are your greatest asset. Know your numbers, trust your work, and let the data speak for you. Confidence grows from preparation and experience, and with persistence, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in accounting today is the shortage of qualified professionals, especially at the controller level—a reality I witness every day. To address this, I’ve made it a priority to simplify financial reporting, using clear visuals, concise data, and practical explanations. Accounting doesn’t need to be intimidating to be effective, and I see a real opportunity in making complex financial information accessible to everyone in an organization.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are determination, grit, and supporting other women—especially in industries where male leadership is still prevalent. I take pride in uplifting those coming up behind me and challenging outdated stereotypes, drawing from my own journey from humble beginnings to becoming Assistant Controller.
Patience and organization guide me both professionally and personally. Outside of work, I recharge by spending time outdoors—hiking, playing disc golf, and enjoying the mountains of New Mexico where I grew up. That connection to nature keeps me grounded and reinforces the importance of balance in all aspects of life.