Town Accountant

Position Summary

The Town Accountant serves as the Town’s accounting officer and is responsible for the management of the Town’s accounting operations, financial reporting systems, and internal control environment. This position plays a central role in maintaining the integrity of the Town’s financial records and ensuring compliance with Massachusetts General Laws, Department of Revenue (DOR) regulations, and governmental accounting standards.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Town Accountant provides technical expertise in municipal accounting, audit coordination, financial reporting, and internal controls. The role requires strong analytical ability, sound professional judgment, and a collaborative leadership style to support the Town’s commitment to fiscal stewardship, transparency, and operational excellence.

The Town Accountant works closely with department heads, external auditors, and state agencies to ensure the Town’s financial systems operate efficiently and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Accounting Operations 

• Direct and manage the Town’s accounting system, including the general ledger chart of accounts, actual and budget journal entries, and fixed asset accounting.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of municipal financial records through the implementation of strong internal controls and sound accounting practices.
• Review and approve the expenditure of all municipal funds
  in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and Town By-laws.
• Ensures that no claim or payable against the town is fraudulent, unlawful, or excessive, as prescribed by Federal and Massachusetts General Laws.
• Monitors revenue and expenditure activity to ensure accuracy and budgetary compliance.
• Requests from the Town Clerk and Records, Town Meeting Financial Article Votes in the system.
• Reviews and signs off on the weekly accounts payable and payroll warrants.
• Reviews Treasurer's receipts and Collector's turnovers for proper accounting.
• Processes year-end tax form 1099s for vendors and submits information to Federal and State agencies.
• Maintain centralized financial records and oversee accounting operations across all municipal departments and funds.
• Performs other similar or related duties.

Financial Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare and oversee the production of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for the CFO and state agencies.
• Prepares and submits required financial reporting to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, including:
  • Schedule A
  • Balance sheet - Free Cash certification documentation
  • Other statutory financial submissions
• Assist in preparation of the Tax Recapitulation and related state reporting.
• Ensure compliance with UMAS accounting standards and governmental accounting principles.

Audit Coordination & Internal Controls

• Lead coordination of the Town’s annual independent audit, including preparation of financial schedules and supporting documentation.
• Assist the Chief Financial Officer in responding to auditor inquiries and implementing recommendations from audit reports and management letters.
• Evaluate and strengthen the Town’s internal control systems and financial procedures to ensure accountability and risk mitigation.

Budget & Financial Planning Support

• Provide financial analysis and accounting expertise to support the development and monitoring of the Town’s operating, capital, and enterprise fund budgets.
• Assist in maintaining the Town’s long-term financial sustainability through accurate financial reporting and fiscal oversight.
• Prepare financial summaries and accounting reports for the Annual Town Report and other public financial communications.

Supervision & Collaboration

• Provide supervision and professional development for Accounting Division staff.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure proper financial procedures, budget monitoring, and compliance with municipal finance laws.
• Serve as a trusted financial resource for the Chief Finance Officer and municipal departments.
• Maintain official records of municipal contracts, grant agreements, and other financial documentation.
• Prepare financial presentations and reporting as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including significant experience in Massachusetts municipal finance or governmental accounting.
• Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing financial operations.

Certifications

• Massachusetts Certified Governmental Accountant (CGA) certification required or must be obtainedl within two years of appointment.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) desirable.

Technical Expertise

• Strong working knowledge of Massachusetts municipal finance laws, Department of Revenue reporting requirements, and UMAS accounting.
• Experience with municipal financial management systems and Tyler ERP (Munis) accounting software.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and financial reporting tools.

Core Competencies

Financial Expertise

Comprehensive knowledge of municipal accounting principles, governmental financial reporting, and applicable Massachusetts finance laws.

Strategic Financial Management

Ability to analyze financial data, identify trends, and provide strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making.

Leadership & Collaboration

Ability to lead staff, coordinate cross-departmental initiatives, and maintain productive working relationships with elected officials, municipal employees, auditors, and the public.

Communication

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Organizational Effectiveness

Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain compliance with statutory deadlines, and ensure operational efficiency within the Accounting Division of the Finance Department.

Supervision

Supervision Received:
Works under the general direction of the Chief Financial Officer in accordance with applicable Town policies and Massachusetts General Laws.

Supervision Exercised:
Provides direct supervision and professional leadership to Accounting Division staff and related financial operations.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in a municipal office setting with frequent interaction with Town officials, department heads, auditors, financial institutions, vendors, and members of the public. The position requires the exercise of professional judgment, confidentiality, and adherence to strict financial controls.

The role may require extended hours during fiscal year-end closing, audit preparation, budget development, and Town Meeting cycles.

                                                                  EOE/AA