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Town Accountant
Career Insights for Accountant (General)
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What they do
An Accountant organizes and maintains financial records and prepares financial statements for companies and organizations. Works as a public accountant (prepares financial documents where public disclosure is required by law, such as business balance sheets and tax returns), management accountant (prepares financial information for internal use by a company) or government accountant (maintains records for government agencies).
$84,001 / year median in Massachusetts
-8% projected decline
Job Description
Town Accountant Town of Holden, Massachusetts Holden, MA Job Details Full-time $135,000 a year 11 hours ago Benefits Health savings account Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Flexible spending account Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Paid sick time Qualifications Accounting systems Computer operation Operations management Enterprise software Writing skills Hiring Bachelor's degree Desktop applications Computer skills Business Administration Productivity software General management Full Job Description
SALARY RANGE
$135,000 + Depending on
Qualifications HOURS:
35
Office Hours/Week:
Mon, Wed, Thurs:
8-4,
Tues:
8-5,
Fri:
8-12
BENEFITS :
Vacation, sick and personal time available; Worcester Regional Retirement System; Health Insurance, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance available; View available options and premium rates at https://www.holdenma.gov/438/Employee-Benefits
HOLIDAYS
12 paid holidays per year.
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under the general direction of the Town Manager, the Town Accountant plans, organizes, directs and oversees all municipal accounting operations, safeguarding the accuracy and integrity of the Town's financial records and ensuring the timely, accurate preparation of financial statements and reports. The position serves as the Town's principal financial control officer, maintaining sound fiscal management practices in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and applicable Town by-laws and policies.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
•: Oversees all municipal accounting functions of the Town, including maintenance of the general ledger, subsidiary ledgers and chart of accounts within the Town's financial management software system, in conformance with the Commonwealth's Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS), and production of monthly reports. Prepares a variety of trial balances and monthly balance sheets, income statements and related reports. Prepares a variety of financial reports for the Town Manager, Board of Selectmen, State authorities and Town departments, including all financial reports required by state agencies such as free cash certification, Schedule A, the annual Tax Rate Recapitulation Sheet (in coordination with the Board of Assessors), and other required filings submitted to the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services (DLS) through the DLS Gateway system. Maintains accounting and financial records for each item of approved departmental budgets. Contacts Town departments when expenditures exceed budget and prepares reports related to actual expenditures versus budget. Sets up new accounts and provides audit trails for all transactions. Prepares the Department's annual report and other operational reports as required. Analyzes monthly financial statements and provides Town management with information relevant to ongoing operations. Works with the Town Manager and Finance Committee to prepare the annual budget and assists in the Town Meeting process. Receives all bills, orders and payrolls from Town officials; verifies purchase orders against bills submitted for payment; and draws warrants upon the Town Treasury for payment. Maintains records related to account appropriations, assessments and abatements according to prescribed regulations. Develops Accounting Division budget requests for submission to the Town Manager and controls Accounting Division expenses within approved levels. Maintains internal controls, data security safeguards and disaster recovery procedures to ensure the integrity, accuracy and accessibility of information generated by the Town's financial management and other financial systems. Ensures the Town's financial statements and internal accounting practices comply with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements, including standards governing other post-employment benefits (OPEB) reporting, fiduciary activities, lease accounting, and subscription-based technology arrangements. Coordinates the Town's annual independent financial statement audit, including preparation of audit schedules and work papers, response to auditor inquiries, and follow-up on management letter findings. Administers accounting and compliance requirements for federal and state grants and other financial assistance, including cost allocation and reporting under the Single Audit Act and Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), where applicable. Assists the Town Manager and Town Treasurer with debt management functions, including maintenance of debt service schedules and financial documentation for bond and note issuance and the capital improvement program. Processes Chapter 90 and other state and federal reimbursement requests and maintains supporting documentation. Maintains financial and accounting records in accordance with the Massachusetts Statewide Records Retention Schedule for municipalities.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs special project assignments as required. Develops department operating policies and procedures. Performs other accounting duties, including assisting the public and employees and responding to public records requests for financial records under the Massachusetts Public Records Law, M.G.L. c. 66. Researches and provides information on a wide variety of matters as needed. Maintains current knowledge of new GASB pronouncements, Massachusetts General Laws, and Division of Local Services guidance affecting municipal accounting; provides explanation and interpretation of Town, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to accounting functions; and pursues continuing professional education accordingly. Performs other duties as assigned.
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/TRAINING REQUIRED
Requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field. Requires thorough knowledge of financial practices and principles in a municipal accounting environment and three to five years of related experience. Extensive knowledge of municipal government and Massachusetts General Laws relating to municipal finance, accounting principles and practices such as fund accounting, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) standards, and the Commonwealth's Uniform Municipal Accounting System (UMAS). Proficiency with municipal financial management software (such as Munis/Tyler Technologies, VADAR, or a similar enterprise financial system), extensive computer skills, and standard office software applications. Ability to recognize Town-wide priorities and to work cooperatively toward their accomplishment. Strong planning, organizational and supervisory management skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to build positive public relations for the Town and the Accounting Department and to interact professionally with a wide variety of constituencies.
• Certified Governmental Accountant (CGA) designation through the Massachusetts Municipal Auditors' and Accountants' Association (MMAAA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure, or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) certification preferred. Knowledge of federal grant compliance requirements, including the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) and Single Audit Act, preferred.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Supervises a full-time Assistant Accountant and Accounting Clerk; participates in staff selection, evaluation and discipline consistent with Town policy; and provides training, daily direction and counseling as required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is generally sedentary to light in nature and is performed in a normal office environment; noise level is usually quiet to moderate, and there is minimal exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, with occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping. Requires manual and finger dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, calculator, telephone and other standard office equipment for extended periods, and hand-eye coordination sufficient for accurate data entry. Requires visual acuity sufficient to read financial records, reports and computer screens for extended periods, and hearing and speaking ability sufficient to communicate effectively in person, by telephone and in meetings. Requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or carry files, documents and records weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
•The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
ADA COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Town will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed in this job description represent the essential functions of the position. Employees or applicants who need reasonable accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The Town of Holden is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, military service, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
OFFICE
OF TOWN MANAGER, 1204 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN, MA 01520
Or online at https://www.holdenma.gov/831/Employment-Opportunities
SEND RESUMES, COVER LETTERS AND APPLICATION TO
OFFICE
OF TOWN MANAGER, 1204 MAIN STREET, HOLDEN, MA 01520
Or via email at .
Pay:
$135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Paid sick time Paid time off Retirement plan
Work Location:
In person