Town Accountant - Town of Lanesborough - Lanesborough

The Town is seeking an energetic and positive individual who can help us strive to maintain a positive workplace culture and help the Town of Lanesborough move forward with organizational and employee success, while providing exemplary public service.

Job Summary:

Professional accounting work as the Town Accountant for the Town with responsibility for maintaining :financial records, supervising and controlling expenditures of all Town funds, and other related work as required.

 Supervision:

Appointed by the Board of Selectmen, reports functionally to the Town Administrator.

 Job Environment:

Makes frequent contact concerning accounting and budgetary matters with all Town departments, and relevant State officials and agencies. Makes limited contact with the public.

 Essential Functions:

• Acts in a consultant capacity with respect to financial
• Assists in the preparation of the Town's annual operating and capital budgets, coordinating this work closely with the Town Manager. Provide technical and financial support in development and maintenance of the Town's 10-year capital and operating plans for the Town Manager under the guidance of the Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen.
• Reviews and signs-off on all contracts before they are finalized to confirm that funding has been appropriated.
• Oversees Town information technology resources. Insures that a current computerized accounting system is maintained.
• Maintains a complete set of financial records for all Town accounts, appropriations, debts, and contracts; maintains a general ledger and journal for the recording of all transactions. Has audit responsibility for all Town department receipts and expenditures, and assists in audit by outside CPA firm as the primary contact.
• Monitors expenditures of all Town funds; examines all vouchers, department bills and payrolls for appropriateness of expenditure and for accuracy and availability of funds before payment by Treasurer; reconciles Treasurer's cash balance with General Ledger cash balance; reconciles cash balances of all Trust funds; prepares warrants for payrolls and accounts payable for approval by the Board of Selectmen. Is responsible for the posting of warrants to the ledger, oversees posting of monthly cash receipts in Assists other Town officials in monitoring the Town's financial condition; prepares monthly departmental statements of expenditures and unexpended balances; makes recommendations to improve financial conditions.
• Compiles and submits required State and Federal reports during and at close of fiscal year; prepares annual balance sheet and breakdown of cash receipts; prepares annual reports for Town Report. Answers questions from departments and Board of Selectmen regarding Town finances and accounting procedures.
• Other responsibilities as prescribed by Massachusetts General Law

Review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.

Education and/or Experience: Associate's Degree in accounting, business administration, or related field strongly preferred; four years of professional accounting experience with in municipal finance preferred; working knowledge of applicable Massachusetts General Laws regarding finance, insurance and procurement or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Thorough knowledge of municipal accounting principles and practices and budgetary functions; working knowledge of 'own's current accounting system; thorough knowledge of the organization and operation of Town departments and of legal controls over municipal finance in the Commonwealth. Specific knowledge of municipal law and fund accounting preferred.

Ability to analyze and interpret accounting data and to present reports of findings and recommendations. Ability to administer and monitor budgets.

Ability to develop effective working relationships with subordinates and Town department heads. Certification in governmental accounting preferred. Word processing, and computer skills required. Computer literacy required: Accounting Software; Spreadsheet such as Excel.

Physical Demands:

Little physical effort demanded in performing duties under typical office conditions, with minimal exposure to occupational risk.

*The physical demands and work environment 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 toenable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.