FINANCE DIRECTOR/TOWNACCOUNTANT
Town of Oxford
FINANCE DIRECTOR/TOWN ACCOUNTANT
Date last revised
- June 29, 2026 classification Grade 21
- Exempt Salary Range $94,328
- $142,272 Budgeted 40 hours per week General Description Under the administrative direction of the Town Manager, the FinanceDirector/Town Accountant will oversee and lead the finance team, encompassingAccounting, Assessing, Treasury, and Collections.
The Finance Director/TownAccountant will ensure full compliance with Massachusetts laws, bylaws, andGASB Standards. Candidates must possess strong collaborative leadership,strategic thinking and strong financial stewardship. The Finance Director/TownAccountant will be responsible for overseeing the general accounting, budget,grants, procurement/purchasing, audit, cash and investments, AP/AR, and fiscaloperations and will lead the Division of Finance operations for the Town ofOxford. The Finance Director/Town Accountant is responsible for fulfillingdaily financial requirements and all financial reporting to state and federalagencies. Duties In addition to the job specific duties of the position, the FinanceDirector/Town Accountant shall work under the general supervision of the TownManager to direct all the financial activities of the town, including: Thorough knowledge of the municipal financial procedures and budget processes Preparation and execution of the municipal budget and capital improvement budget; oversee development of five-year capital plan; and Maintenance of the central accounting system, pre-auditing, posting of expenditures and revenues, preparation of reports, bonding, maintenance of purchasing records and controls. Oversee Information Technology budgetary and contractual needs of Town and collaborate with Town Manager and Department Heads concerning technology and software needs. The Finance Director/Town Accountant shall personally beresponsible for: Review work related to account records keeping, billings and collections Prepare specialized financial analysis reports and recommendations, determine and prepare debt management and investment schedules, prepare bond payment schedules Direct and assign personnel within the Division and implement procedural improvements; and perform other related duties as assigned. Duties may require supporting emergency operations in certain roles, either in person or remotely, with the activation of an Emergency Operations Center. The position may be designated with an auxiliary title within an emergency operations command structure as designated by the Emergency Management Director. Develop and submit financial documents to the Government Finance Officers Association, including the annual budget presentation document for review and consideration for recommendations to improve. Schedule and manage annual auditing processes and coordinate requested document response among various departments. Develop comprehensive long-range financial forecasting as directed by Town Manager by utilizing relevant available financial data, trends, resources and outside professional. Collaborate with Town Manager in scheduling annual budget development meetings with Department Heads as well as Finance Committee, reviewing departmental requests with Town Manager, and developing recommendations for Finance Committee to consider approving. Provide any necessary financial information to assist Town Manager in preparing the annual budget message, joint board budget presentation and town meeting information materials. Develop and submit financial related warrant articles for both the annual and special town meetings and make recommendations for motions concerning such articles. Required Knowledge, Ability, and Skills The Finance Director/Town Accountant must have: Thorough knowledge of the municipal financial procedures and budget processes Complete understanding of all Town departments with a full comprehension of how they interact Extensive knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of municipal finance and accounting Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration Considerable knowledge of modern office management principles and practices The ability to analyze, interpret and report fiscal findings and recommendations The ability to plan, organize and supervise the work of a related municipal finance department The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, department officials, advisory boards, auditors, vendors and contractors Familiarity with various computer operating systems, accounting software, copiers, VOIP Phone systems and computer networks Good interpersonal and communicative skills. Education/Experience The Finance Director/Town Accountant shall have a minimum of a bachelor'sdegree in public administration, municipal finance, business operations orpublic accounting and seven to ten years of increasing responsibility workingin public administration, municipal finance or public accounting positions orequivalent experience and education. Independent Action The Finance Director/Town Accountant shall operate independently withinstate regulations and guidelines to establish work schedules, set priorities,and assign staff to assure timely completion of all work in the Division ofFinance, but defer to the Town Manager on significant personnel issues andbudget priorities. Physical Requirements Light to moderate physical effort is required in performing someduties. May be required to move (push or pull) or lift objects;occasional bending, kneeling, and squatting when inspecting work. Job Environment Work is performed in typical office conditions. Work responsibilities arevariable with periods of extreme activity occurring several times a year. Workis often fast-paced and high pressured. Position requires frequentcommunication with other Town departments, attorneys and the general public.
Communication is by means of telephone, electronic messaging, in-persondiscussion and in writing. Errors could result in significant legal and/orfinancial repercussions. Hours of work are variable and may include workingnights and weekends or during emergencies. Supervisory Responsibility The Finance Director/Town Accountant shall have direct supervision of eightor more skilled employees.
