Finance Director/Town Accountant

Town of South Hadley; South Hadley (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of South Hadley seeks its inaugural Finance Director/Town Accountant to lead integrated accounting, treasury, and assessing functions. You will partner with the Town Administrator to guide budgeting, long-range planning, and financial stewardship for the town.

The role requires strong leadership, Massachusetts municipal finance knowledge, and the ability to coordinate across departments. This senior position reports to the Town Administrator and drives fiscal health for the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience.
• Knowledge of municipal accounting principles and Massachusetts municipal finance law.
• Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and internal control skills.
• Ability to communicate financial findings clearly in written and oral form.

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership, direction, and oversight across the Accounting, Treasurer/Collector, and Assessors' Offices, collaborating with elected boards and officers.
• Supports Town leadership on financial and operational matters as part of strategic guidance.
• Maintains integrity of financial data through internal controls and compliant accounting practices.
• Oversees year-end reporting, monthly financial reporting, debt management, tax rate and recap processes, and bond/note disclosures.
• Assists in developing annual operating and capital budgets with multi-year forecasting and status reports.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Internal Controls

Financial Analysis

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

The Town of South Hadley is seeking a skilled, collaborative municipal finance professional to serve as its inaugural Finance Director/Town Accountant. This newly created senior management position brings integrated administrative and financial coordination across the Town's Accounting, Treasurer/Tax Collector, and Assessing functions, establishing a single point of leadership for the Town's financial operations. Working under and in close partnership with the Town Administrator, the Finance Director/Town Accountant will serve as a principal financial advisor to Town leadership, elected officials, and boards, spearheading budget development, long-range financial planning, and the ongoing stewardship of the Town's financial health.

**Key Areas of Responsibility Financial Leadership**

Provides leadership, direction, and oversight across the Accounting, Treasurer/Collector, and Assessors' Offices, while respecting the statutory authority of elected boards and independent municipal officers.

**Strategic Guidance**

Supports the Town Administrator, Selectboard, Appropriations Committee, Schools, and other Town officials, departments, and boards on financial and operational matters.

**Accounting & Internal Controls**

Maintains the integrity of financial data through strong internal controls, uniform accounting procedures, and compliance with applicable statutes, bylaws, and municipal finance practices; reviews Accounts Payable and Payroll warrants for accuracy, documentation, appropriation and compliance.

**Reporting & Compliance**

Prepare year-end financial reports, Schedule A, and free cash certification documentation; oversee monthly financial reporting and coordinate federal, state, and pension reporting and audits. Supports debt management strategy, tax rate and recap processes, and preparation of financial disclosure documents for bond and note sales.

**Budget Development & Forecasting**

Assist the Town Administrator in developing annual operating and capital budget, including revenue and expenditure analysis, multi-year forecasting, and periodic financial status reports for Town leadership.

**Minimum Qualifications:**

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field
• 5-7 years of progressively responsible finance or accounting experience
• Knowledge of municipal accounting principles and Massachusetts municipal finance law
• Strong financial analysis, Budgeting, Forecasting, And Internal Control Skills - Experience With accounting and financial management software - Ability to communicate financial findings clearly in written and oral form
• Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to coordinate across multiple departments and build effective working relationships

• Preferred** - Massachusetts municipal finance experience and

familiarity with DOR reporting requirements The Town of South Hadley is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages all backgrounds and experience levels to apply.