Finance Director

Town of Shelburne, Vermont; Shelburne (VT); On-site; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

Gym membership

Job summary

The Town of Shelburne, Vermont seeks a Finance Director to lead the town’s financial operations, delivering accurate, timely information to support decisions by the Town Manager, Selectboard, department heads, and the public. The role oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, cash management, financial reporting, debt, procurement, and audits, while strengthening controls and policy compliance.

Reporting to the Town Manager, the director guides staff in finance and works with external auditors

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual operating budget process and coordinate submissions, schedules, assumptions, and review with department heads and the Town Manager.
• Review budget requests for completeness, accuracy, supporting information, and consistency with Town priorities and financial capacity; prepare draft and final budget materials for management and Selectboard review.
• Monitor revenues, expenditures, and commitments throughout the year; identify material variances, emerging pressures, and corrective options, and communicate them promptly.
• Prepare forecasts and financial analyses to support operating decisions, capital planning, debt decisions, and long‑range financial sustainability.
• Oversee the Town’s accounting and financial reporting, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related reconciliations.
• Develop, document, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that protect public funds and support reliable reporting.
• Coordinate the annual independent audit and respond to audit requests and findings; implement approved corrective actions.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and the investment of public funds in accordance with applicable law and Town policy.

Skills

Financial analysis

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance/accounting/economics/business

Job description

The Finance Director leads the Town’s financial operations and provides accurate, timely information to support responsible decisions by the Town Manager, Selectboard, department heads, and the public. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Director oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, cash and investment management, financial reporting, debt, procurement, and audit coordination. The position safeguards public resources, maintains effective financial controls, and helps departments plan and manage services within approved budgets and Town policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Budgeting and Financial Planning

Job Title: Finance Director

Department: Finance

Reports To: Town Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Range: 100,000-115,000

Prepared Date: October 2026

Position Summary

The Finance Director leads the Town’s financial operations and provides accurate, timely information to support responsible decisions by the Town Manager, Selectboard, department heads, and the public. Reporting to the Town Manager, the Director oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, cash and investment management, financial reporting, debt, procurement, and audit coordination. The position safeguards public resources, maintains effective financial controls, and helps departments plan and manage services within approved budgets and Town policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities – Budgeting and Financial Planning

·Lead the annual operating budget process and coordinate submissions, schedules, assumptions, and review with department heads and the Town Manager.

·Review budget requests for completeness, accuracy, supporting information, and consistency with Town priorities and financial capacity; prepare draft and final budget materials for management and Selectboard review.

·Monitor revenues, expenditures, and commitments throughout the year; identify material variances, emerging pressures, and corrective options, and communicate them promptly.

·Prepare forecasts and financial analyses to support operating decisions, capital planning, debt decisions, and long‑range financial sustainability.

Accounting, Reporting, and Internal Controls

·Oversee the Town’s accounting and financial reporting, including the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, payroll, and related reconciliations.

·Maintain accurate records and timely month‑end and year‑end processes; prepare clear financial reports for the Town Manager, Selectboard, department heads, and other authorized readers.

·Develop, document, and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls that protect public funds and support reliable reporting.

·Coordinate the annual independent audit and respond to audit requests and findings; implement approved corrective actions.

Cash, Investments, Debt, and Risk

·Manage cash flow, banking relationships, and the investment of public funds in accordance with applicable law and Town policy.

·Monitor debt obligations and debt service; analyze financing options and explain their budget and tax implications.

·Identify financial and operational risks, recommend practical controls, and maintain appropriate documentation.

Procurement, Contracts, and Grants

·Administer or oversee purchasing and procurement processes, bids, and contract review in accordance with Town requirements and established procedures.

·Advise departments on budget availability, purchasing requirements, and financial terms; review purchase requests for compliance with applicable controls.

·Coordinate the financial administration of grants and other restricted funds, including budgets, drawdowns, reporting, documentation, and closeout, in partnership with responsible departments.

Leadership and Townwide Coordination

·Lead and support assigned Finance Department staff; set work priorities, review work, provide coaching, and complete performance evaluations.

·Work collaboratively with the Town Manager, department heads, Town Clerk’s Office, auditors, banks, vendors, and state or federal agencies on financial matters.

·Explain financial information in clear, practical terms to audiences with different levels of financial expertise.

·Evaluate financial systems and workflows and recommend improvements that strengthen accuracy, service, efficiency, and access to useful information.

·Perform other related duties as assigned by the Town Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises assigned Finance Department personnel. Responsibilities include assigning and reviewing work, establishing priorities, providing guidance and training, addressing performance concerns, and conducting performance evaluations in accordance with Town policy.

Minimum Qualifications

·Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business administration, or a related field.

·At least five years of progressively responsible experience in budgeting, accounting, financial management, or a closely related area.

·Knowledge of accounting principles, budget development and monitoring, financial reporting, and internal controls.

·Ability to analyze financial information, maintain accurate records, manage competing deadlines, and communicate findings clearly in writing and in person.

·Ability to exercise sound judgment, protect confidential information, work collaboratively, and provide effective leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

·Master’s degree in a related field.

·Experience in municipal or other governmental finance, including familiarity with governmental accounting and public budgeting.

·Experience supervising staff or leading cross‑departmental work.

·Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential or other relevant professional certification.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with moderate noise and controlled temperature. The position requires extended periods of sitting and regular use of a computer and other office equipment. The position may occasionally require lifting objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Town of Shelburne is an equal opportunity employer. The Town prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment on any basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Employment decisions are based on job‑related qualifications, merit, and the Town’s needs.

Position Description Notice

This description summarizes the position’s primary responsibilities and qualifications; it is not an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may change as the Town’s needs evolve. This description does not create an employment contract.

Benefits

Health:

Platinum Plan – Premium paid at 90% by the Town, with the employee contributing the remaining 10%; or

Gold 3 HDHP Plan – Starting January 1, 2027, Premium paid 97% by the Town, with the employee contributing the remaining 3%.

(With either Plan, the Town also reimburses the employee through the insurance company for the first ½ of the annual deductible.)

Vision: Vision 1 (Voluntary) Plan – Premium paid by the employee.

NE Delta Dental Insurance: Premium paid 100% by the Town.

Reliance Standard Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Premium paid 100% by the Town.

Gym Membership: Free membership at the Shelburne Athletic Club for employees. Spouses, significant others, or family members living under the same roof are entitled to 25% off membership rates.

Retirement: Through the Vermont Municipal Employee’s Retirement System. ICMA Roth and 457 non‑contributing.

Vacation & Sick Leave Accrual: 9-15 hours of vacation based on past work experience & 8 hours of sick time accrued each month (sick time benefits benefitsincreases after 5 years of employment with the Town).

Personal Leave: 24 hours yearly (based on hire date).

Paid Holidays: 13 per year.