Town Accountant

TOWN ACCOUNTANT

The Town of Westwood is seeking an accomplished and collaborative Town Accountant to join a high-performing finance team in a AAA-rated community recognized by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 28 consecutive years.

Reporting to the Finance Director, the Town Accountant leads the Town’s accounting operations and ensures the integrity, transparency, and accuracy of municipal financial reporting. The position oversees accounting, payroll, financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with applicable laws and accounting standards.

As a key member of the Finance Team, the Town Accountant works closely with the Finance Director, Treasurer/Collector, Procurement Office, Human Resources Department, and operating departments across the organization to support sound financial management and advance the Town’s strategic and operational goals, including the implementation of the Town’s new Munis ERP system.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and solutions-oriented municipal finance professional who can effectively manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. The successful candidate will possess strong analytical skills, sound professional judgment, and the ability to work effectively across departments to advance the Town’s financial objectives. Candidates with a commitment to financial excellence, continuous improvement, and public service are encouraged to apply.

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Manages the Town’s accounting system and procedures.
• Oversees monthly reconciliation of monies and compiles reports to monitor Town financial activities, including special revenue funds, state and federal grants, capital projects, sewer enterprise, trust funds and general appropriations.
• Oversees accounting for grants, capital projects, and state and federal reporting requirements.
• Oversees the Town's centralized payroll operation serving both municipal and school departments, including supervision of payroll staff, compliance oversight, and coordination with payroll vendors to improve processes and system functionality.
• Works collaboratively with the Human Resources Department on payroll and benefit changes to ensure compliance with municipal rules and regulatory requirements.
• Works collaboratively with the Procurement Office to certify availability of funds and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Works collaboratively with the Town Treasurer on cash management and reconciliation of all Town accounts.
• Provides guidance and support to departments on financial procedures, reporting, and compliance matters.
• Reviews and strengthens internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and mitigation of financial risk.
• Serves as a strategic partner to the Finance Director in advancing financial initiatives, process improvements, and implementation of the Town’s Munis ERP system.
• Prepares and submits required financial reports to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and other regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates year-end closing activities, annual audits, and preparation of financial statements in accordance with applicable standards and audit requirements.
• Reviews Town expenditures, including vendor and payroll warrants, and ensures accuracy and compliance prior to certification by the Town Treasurer.
• Assists in the development of the annual operating budget through revenue analysis, expenditure review, and financial forecasting.
• Maintains and oversees the Town’s fixed asset inventory and related reporting.
• Administers the Town's insurance programs, including policy renewals, claims management, risk mitigation efforts, and maintenance of coverage records for Town property and vehicles.
• Supervises and develops Accounting Department staff.

Qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector accounting or financial management
• Certified Governmental Accountant (CGA) designation from the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors' and Accountants' Association (or ability to obtain).
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Why Westwood:

• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Salary range of $108,395 – $138,372, depending on qualifications. Robust benefits package including health, retirement, and other employee supports.
• Flexibility and Balance: Generous time off, and a strong organizational commitment to work-life integration.
• Investment in Your Growth: Staff are actively supported and encouraged to pursue professional development and take on leadership roles in professional associations.
• Whole-Person Focus: At all levels of the organization, we value and support the full well-being of our employees—not just the work they produce.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside a supportive, team-oriented staff with opportunities to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and tackle complex community challenges together.
• Financially Sound: Westwood has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) by the National Government Finance Officers Association for 28 consecutive years. The Town has a AAA bond rating, reaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s in 2025, which is a strong reflection of the financial condition and management of the Town.
• Modernization and Innovation: Join a finance team actively engaged in process improvement initiatives, implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, and long-range financial planning.

To apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume by July 31, 2026. Applications reviewed as received.