Assistant Town Accountant

Supervision

Works under the general direction of the Town Accountant and in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws, town policies, town bylaws, and relevant state, federal, and local regulations and standards. Employee generally establishes own work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards.

• Acts as Town Accountant in his or her absence.
• Must exercise discretion regarding confidential and sensitive information.
• Supervises the accounting staff.
• Resolves accounting discrepancies.
• Supervises the input and handling of financial data and reports for the financial system.
• Interacts with Auditors in completing audits.
• Assists in the reconciliation of accounts, assists in maintaining the associated chart of accounts and performs a variety of other routine and complex transactions, administrative tasks and otherwise maintains detailed financial records.
• The Assistant Town Accountant is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under his/her direction and control.

Performs varied and responsible duties which range in nature from routine to complex which require the exercise of judgment and initiative within the framework of prescribed policies and in accordance with standard municipal accounting practices.

Work is performed under typical office conditions. Operates computer and general office equipment, such as calculator, copier and telephone.

Has frequent contact with other town departments and vendors regarding accounts payable, various reports, budgets, payroll, etc; has occasional contact with the general public; contacts are by phone, in writing, or in person.

Has access to limited departmental‑related confidential information, such as department personnel records.

Considerable effort is required to detect errors which could be costly to correct and could adversely affect internal control, and result in legal repercussions.

The essential functions or duties listed below 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.

Processes weekly town payroll and provides reports and electronic files for the weekly town and bi‑weekly school payrolls. Provides information to state and federal agencies regarding the payments to vendors for 1099 miscellaneous reporting, employee W‑2 forms and other state and federal reports, including the Schedule

A.

Prepares formal entries, audits departmental invoices and reviews warrants for accuracy; makes necessary corrections and authorizes checks to be issued.

Monitors appropriation balances with all town departments; reviews cash receipt postings; maintains subsidiary ledgers.

Provides up‑to‑date information to departments on budgets, expenditures, and general financial information. Answers questions from departments and the general public regarding town finances and/or accounting procedures.

Performs general office work, including answering telephone and taking messages, filing, etc.

Performs similar, or related work as required, or as directed by the Town Accountant.

Associate’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance or related field;
Bachelor’s degree preferred. Three years of experience in a responsible position involving payroll, bookkeeping, accounting, financial management and treasury functions; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Municipal experience preferred.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal accounting and of applicable provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws is preferred. Working knowledge of computer applications for accounting and financial management (MUNIS experience preferred) and knowledge of the Uniform Municipal Accounting System is desirable. Obtaining designation as a Certified Governmental Accountant is encouraged.

Ability to maintain complex records and prepare reports from such records. Ability to maintain…