Assistant Town Administrator Finance Operations

Assistant Town Administrator for Finance Operations

Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business administration or related field;
Master’s Degree preferred; supplemented by 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government, and management, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Town.
• Prepares the annual operating budget and capital budget, and works closely with the Town Administrator and department heads to prepare the annual budgets.
• Monitors implementation of the budget.
• Provides financial and technical assistance to the Town Manager and department heads.
• Establishes policies and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective control of the Town’s cash and other assets.
• Implements and monitors financial policies and systems for the Town.
• Oversees and controls expenditures of funds, in accordance with Chapter 30B requirements.
• Maintains the accuracy of Town assets, including compliance with GASB 34 reporting requirements.
• Generates and updates all debt schedules and works closely with the Town’s Financial Advisor on bond issues and participates in annual calls with the bond rating agency.
• Prepares financial reports for annual and special Town meetings.
• Generates and prepares data and reports for a variety of special projects involving financial analysis, cost/benefit analysis, state required reports, etc.
• Develops and implements a reporting model to complete submissions for Chapter 90 reimbursement and oversees submissions for Chapter 90.
• Compiles and analyzes revenue and expenditure forecasts.
• Serves as the senior advisor to the Town Administrator, Town Council, Finance Committee, and School Superintendent regarding financial forecasting strategies.
• Oversees the procurement function for the Town including the implementation of procedures to ensure compliance with state mandates.
• Participates in the hiring of personnel, ensures appropriate training of staff and monitors, and evaluates performance of direct reports.

• Modern principles of public financial management, administration budget preparation and accounting (including GAAP, GASB).
• Bond rating procedures.
• Municipal finance and budget management.
• Business administration with an emphasis in accounting and finance.
• General laws, administrative policies, rules and regulations governing municipal financial practices and procedures, including applicable federal regulations and Massachusetts Laws.
• The use of standard office equipment including computers and relevant software programs.

• Multi-task and prioritize workload.
• Deal with complex factors and ideas that are not easily evaluated.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in the development, administration and evaluation of Department goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Perceive opportunities for improvement; research and evaluate new methods and techniques.
• Remain current on federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations and apply them appropriately to the course of work.
• Assign and supervise the work of others; motivate employees to work towards common goals.

• Oral and written communications and preparing reports.
• Strategic thinking and decision making.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and personnel.
• Preparing reports and putting together fund forecasts.

The Town of Wakefield offers a comprehensive benefits package, which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; optional supplemental life and accident coverage; flexible spending accounts; optional retirement savings plans; and other benefits in accordance with Town policies.

Final date to receive applications:
Friday, February 27, 2026

Anticipated

Start Date:

May 4, 2026