Town Accountant

Town of Whately; Whately (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Whately is seeking a professional Accountant to manage financial transactions, audit bills, post to the general ledger, and prepare monthly revenue and expenditure reports. The role supports budget administration, trial balances, and year-end closing, with emphasis on municipal accounting practices.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field, five years of responsible accounting experience, municipal accounting preference, and Massachusetts Certified

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field; five years of responsible accounting experience.
• Experience in municipal accounting strongly preferred; equivalent education/experience considered.
• Massachusetts Certified Governmental Accountant certification required.
• Experience with municipal software strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Audit bills, drafts, orders and payrolls and process payments.
• Reconcile books and accounts; prepare monthly financial statements.
• Post warrants to the general ledger and maintain the chart of accounts.
• Assist in budget development and preparation; support budget administration.
• Prepare year-end balance sheet and related tax reports; close books.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Detail-oriented

Numerical aptitude

Organizational skills

Office management

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field

Massachusetts Certified Governmental Accountant certification

Tools

MIP Fund Accounting

Job description

Professional accounting work related to the financial transactions of the town. The Accountant audits bills, determines the legality of expenses, prepares vendor and payroll warrants, posts to the general ledger, prepares monthly reports of revenues and expenditures, aids in budget administration, trial balances, and prepares related reports and end of the year balance sheet; all other related work as required.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Examines all bills, drafts, orders and payrolls submitted by boards, committees, department heads and officers authorized to expend money as provided by MGL C.41, s.56 and if found correct and approved in accordance with same, shall draw a warrant upon the treasury for payment. Processes all bills for payment using MIP Fund Accounting (MIP).
• Examines and reconciles at least annually the books and accounts of all officers and committees entrusted with the receipt, custody, or expenditure of money.
• Maintains a complete set of books of accounts and financial records in accordance with MGL c.41 s.57 including posting warrants in the general ledger twice a month, posting Treasurer’s cash receipts to the general ledger monthly, and preparing monthly trial balance. Prepares and distributes monthly financial statements of all funds.
• Reports to the Selectboard and department heads when any appropriation has been expended or whenever it appears that any liabilities may be in excess of the unexpended balance. Allows no further payments until the Town provides additional funds.
• Maintains the chart of accounts and revenue code types; works with all town departments to create special grant accounts and departmental receipt codes and source document forms.
• Works with the Town Administrator in the development and preparation of the town warrant, annual operating and capital budgets; assists all town Boards and departments in budget preparation management
• Prepares a report for the town report giving a statement of all receipts and expenditures of the fiscal year, showing the amounts of the appropriation, expenditures, and the purpose for which the money was spent.
• Forwards end of the year data to the Department of Revenue, Finance Committee, and Selectboard including closing the books and furnishing a year-end trial balance of accounts. Executes Schedule A and forward to the Department of Revenue (DOR). Assists with preparation of the tax recapitulation sheet.
• Answers questions and advises department heads, town employees, and town officials on finances and/or accounting procedures, prepares various reports, and orders departmental supplies.
• Maintains a detailed record of all debt including the purpose, date of borrowing, interest rate, and repayment schedule.
• Acts as a resource to the Finance Committee.
• Supports the Town Administrator in matters related to procurement.
• Notifies the Assessors of debts due for the next fiscal year.
• Certifies to the Assessors’ the total of proceeds from the sale of tax title possessions, receipts from tax title redemptions and the total of real and personal taxes of prior years collected from July 1 up to and including March 31 of the current fiscal year.
• Reports to the Assessors any liabilities incurred and payment made in accordance with c.44 s.31, disasters, and final judgments.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field; five years of responsible experience in accounting or financial management; experience in municipal accounting strongly preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with municipal software strongly desired.

Massachusetts Certified Governmental Accountant certification required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:Working knowledge of generally accepted government accounting principles of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and MIP for governments. Knowledge of governmental fund accounting theory and practices.Working knowledge of operations, services and activities of a comprehensive financial management and accounting program including debt management. Knowledge of methods and techniques of municipal transactions and financial activity including revenue analysis/interpretation, as well as financial planning, forecasting and auditing. Knowledge ofmunicipal procurement rules, regulations, internal control procedures, and practices. Knowledge of trends and developments in federal, state and local accounting laws, codes, regulations and GASB developments. Working knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration and related accounting and reporting systems. Working knowledge of municipal grant administration and accounting in accordance with state and federal regulations.

Abilities:Ability to interpret and apply various federal and state accounting principles and regulations. Ability to conduct independent research and prepare detailed, accurate financial reports. Ability to deal with members of the public and staff in an effective and tactful manner. Ability to manage multiple tasks in a timely, detailed and accurate manner. Ability to operate a personal computer and standard office equipment. Ability to communicate clearly and persuasively orally and in writing.

Skills:Office management skills. Highly developed skills in computer hardware and software. Aptitude for numbers and details. Excellent organizational skills.