Town Accountant

2024

Position Title: Town Accountant

*Salary to commensurate with experience

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE The Town Accountant is responsible for maintaining the Town's fiscal health including but not limited to maintenance of the Town's General Leger, the processing of accounts, overseeing and monitoring the expenditure of Town funds, classification of revenues and the preparation of various financial reports in accordance with applicable local, State (MGL Chapter 41, Sections 50-61), and/ or federal laws and regulations, keeping financial records, auditing of all department financial records, reporting to the State on a yearly basis, and reporting to the Town all receipts and expenditures of the town within each fiscal year.

SUPERVISION Works under the policy direction of the Town Manager and in strict accordance with applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws, town by-laws and ordinances, and federal laws and regulations. The Town

Accountant performs a variety of highly responsible duties requiring the exercise of independent judgment and discretion in the interpretation and application of applicable laws and ordinances, ensuring that all municipal transactions conform to law and sound municipal accounting practice.

MAJOR DUTIES (essential job functions)

• Maintains a complete set of financial records for all town accounts, grants, appropriations, debts, contracts and fixed assets
• Maintains general ledger and journal for the recording of all transactions
• Has full audit responsibility for all town department receipts and expenditures; assists in outside audits
• Monitors expenditures of all town funds
• Examines all vouchers, department bills and payrolls for appropriateness of expenditure and for accuracy and availability of funds before payment by Treasurer
• Reconciles Treasurer's cash balance with General Ledger cash balances
• Oversees preparation of weekly warrants for payrolls and accounts payable for review by the Town

Administrator

• Posts biweekly payroll warrants to the general ledger.
• Oversees and participates in the postings of weekly warrants in ledger
• Posts cash receipts in ledger as received and monthly entries in journal
• Assists other town officials in monitoring the town's financial condition.
• Reconciles receivables quarterly with the Treasurer
• Notifies departments of expenditures and account balances on a monthly basis
• Makes recommendations to improve financial conditions
• Compiles and submits required state and federal reports during and at close of fiscal year
• Prepares annual balance sheet and breakdown of cash receipts
• Prepares annual reports for town report
• Answers questions from departments, The Selectboard, and the general public regarding town finances and or accounting procedures
• Maintains current knowledge of new legislation, regulations and changes in accounting procedures through publications review, attendance at meetings, conferences, and peer associations.
• Maintains an original copy of all town contracts and keeps a register of the sureties of all bonds of indemnity
• Assists the Town Manager and the Finance Committee when preparing budgets
• Tracks Town Meeting funding to ensure that financial sources are not overspent from the Town Meeting
• Works with the Town Manager to prepare the Town Meeting Warrant and handouts for Town Meeting
• Required to attend training seminars or workshops locally for municipal accounting

2024

WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this job, work is often performed under typical office conditions with little exposure to occupational hazards. The accountant makes frequent contact with all departments and relevant state officials and agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which regularly may involve some movement of books, files, folders (15 pounds); Regularly conveys information to the public. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are roughly Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional evening work for meetings may occur.

RECOMMENDED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional accounting experience, preferably in the municipal field.
• Certification in governmental accounting preferred
• Willingness to get procurement officer certification within two (2) years of employment
• Willingness to be bonded

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY AND SKILL Knowledge: Working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts General Laws regarding finance, insurance and procurement. Knowledge of municipal budgetary functions, and operations of town departments.

Ability : Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and to present reports of findings and recommendations.

Ability to administer budgets. Able to express oneself clearly and concisely orally and in writing. Must be able to develop working relationships with other town department personnel and the general public.

Skill : Skill in operating computers and related financial software. Must possess skill in word processing and spreadsheet applications. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is a must.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,815.62 - $67,218.81 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Lenox, MA 01240: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person