The following full-time, non-union level 7 position is available with a starting annual salary of $76k – $102k depending on experience and qualifications. For more information and to apply online, please visit:
https://ma-amherst.civicplushrms.com/.
The Town of Amherst seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity of its community, and strives toward racial equity and environmental sustainability. All are encouraged to apply. AA/EEO.
Responsible for managing municipal accounting and auditing functions in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, finance related by-laws, and with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to governmental entities. Responsible for maintenance of all official accounting records; financial reporting; compliance with all legal and contractual obligations; maintenance of forecasting and processing models; processing annual municipal budget; and preparing a variety of mandated and/or specialized reports. Makes presentations and represents the Department in public forums.
Supervision Received
Serves under the broad supervision of the Finance Director who outlines policy, assigns areas of responsibility, and evaluates performance. Performs regular duties independently, within applicable State and local laws, policies, and procedures.
Supervision Exercised
Responsible for supervision of all staff in the Accounting office, including formulation of office policy, new hire recommendations, training, assignment of work duties, review and evaluation of performance. Responsibilities include, payroll, accounts payable, procurement, grant management and risk management.
Major Duties
1. Manages and supervises accounting department; prepares annual department budget; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed.
2. Responsible for maintaining a complete set of books and accounts in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and the Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS), for Town and Elementary Schools. Provides departments and other Town officials with periodic budget status reports; monitors revenues and expenditures to ensure budgetary control.
3. Prepares annual financial report in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; prepares and submits reports to federal and state agencies. Prepares a wide range of finance related information used in all aspects of the Town’s financial operations. Responsible for all aspects of preparing for the completion of the annual independent audit; acts as liaison between auditors and departments needing to provide documentation.
4. Analyzes financial information and provides monthly/quarterly reports based on information processed in accounting records or drawn from other sources.
5. Responsible for Risk Management, maintaining and procuring the Town and Elementary School Property and Casualty insurances including periodic bidding to ensure competitive pricing and accurate coverage.
6. Assists the Finance Director with the budget process and the development and management of operating and capital budgets. Develops and manages cost and pricing models for specific services as needed.
7. Conducts internal audits of Town departments to ensure accurate reporting of revenues, expenditures, or other financial matters.
8. Acts as a liaison to Town boards and committees as needed, provides support and recommendations consistent with Federal, State and local laws, regulations, or policies. Serves as liaison to the Community Preservation Act Committee, assists in the development of their annual capital budget, completes and submits all mandated reports to the state.
9. Supervises the procurement officer and oversees all procurement processes for the Town, assists departments with bidding and contracting procedures, reviews and certifies all Town contracts as to appropriation; and is responsible for custody of all Town contracts.
10. Responsible for auditing and ensuring integrity of all aspects of the financial databases contained within the Munis system, leads teams in policy creation and procedures relating to the Munis financial and procurement systems; delegates responsibilities, adjusts permissions, identifies training needs, and trains department heads and staff to use the Munis system in ways that ensure operational integrity and proper separation of duties.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.
Desired Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors Degree in accounting, finance, business or related field plus 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal finance office, including 2 with managerial and supervisory responsibility, OR any equivalent combination of education and experience.
Thorough knowledge of Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS), Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB), and federal and state laws, as they relate to municipal accounting and reporting requirements. Skill in the operation of the listed tools and equipment; ability to maintain effective accounting procedures, ability to carry out assigned projects to their completion; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Experience with automated financial systems is essential.
Special Requirements
Must hold the following certifications or have the ability to earn them within twelve months of starting the position:
· MCPPO Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official certification
· Certified Governmental Accountant through the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors and Accountants Association
Tools and Equipment Used
General office equipment including computers with a wide variety of software programs.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
Selection Guidelines
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
