Overview

The Town of Adams is seeking an experienced and energetic professional who will lead, manage and coordinate all aspects of the Town’s financial operations. Working closely with and under the general direction of the Town Administrator, this position performs a wide variety of complex administrative, supervisory and technical work to ensure effective coordination and efficient municipal finance operations. This position is responsible for the coordination of the Town’s financial operations which consists of Accounting, Assessing, Treasurer/Tax Collector and benefit management, including the management of financial/personnel records, entering and approving all financial payments, controlling expenditures of all town funds and auditing financial records and transactions. This position is responsible for budget management and development including revenue projections/forecasting, the Capital Improvement Plan, drafting the annual budget and recommendations for fiscal policies, controls and administrative systems. This position contributes to the development and application of the Town’s Personnel Rules & Regulations and is responsible for benefits management including insurance, retirement, etc.

Bachelor’s degree preferred in accounting, finance or related field; five (5) to seven (7) years of responsible experience in accounting or financial management; experience in municipal accounting strongly preferred; experience in personnel management preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The ideal candidate will possess the right mix of technical experience, aptitude and skills, including the following: sufficient knowledge of generally accepted government accounting principles of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and UMAS (Uniform Massachusetts Accounting System). Knowledge of governmental fund accounting theory and practices, 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 of municipal 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.

Successful candidates will demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal, analytical and self-management skills. Preference will be given to candidates with a combination of technical experience, education, communication skills and aptitude. Salary starts at $73,255/annually and is commensurate upon qualifications and experience. Job description and application form is available from the Town of Adams website www.town.adams.ma.us or the Town Administrator’s Office, 8 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220.  Candidates should submit the application form, resume and cover letter to Jay R. Green, Town Administrator, Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street, Adams, MA 01220, or via email to employment@town.adams.ma.us.  Applications should be received by 5:00 PM on October 9, 2024, but position will remain open until filled.  AA/EOE

General Duties
Under the general direction of the Town Administrator, this position performs a wide variety of complex administrative, supervisory and technical work to ensure effective coordination and efficient municipal finance operations. This position is responsible for the coordination of the Town’s financial operations which consists of Accounting, Assessors, Treasurer/Tax Collector and benefit management, including the management of financial/personnel records, entering and approving all financial payments, controlling expenditures of all town funds and auditing financial records and transactions. This position is responsible for budget management and development including revenue projections/forecasting, Capital Improvement Plan, drafting the budget and recommendations for fiscal policies, controls and administrative systems. This position is also involved in the development and application of the Town’s Personnel Rules & Regulations.

Supervision
Position reports directly to the Town Administrator and is expected to contribute to the furtherance of management and fiscal goals as set by the Town Administrator and Board of Selectmen. Performs highly responsible supervisory functions of a complex and technical nature requiring professional judgment and initiative in ensuring that all municipal financial transactions conform to law and to professional municipal accounting standards. Position directly supervises one full-time support position and provides leadership and supervision to other staff as needed.

Job Environment
Normal office environment requiring multi-tasking and constant priority assessments to assist colleagues and respond to matters requiring immediate attention. Works with a variety of computer programs for extended periods of time. Some travel by personal automobile to neighboring towns or off-site training. Periodic evening meetings are required.

Essential Functions

• Develop and recommend fiscal policies and procedures.
• Develop and prepare monthly reports to track all financial activity within the Town.
• Monitor and record all activity in the General Ledger and all other accounts and the general appropriations of the town.
• Ensures that funds are reconciled on a monthly basis with the department authorized to expend said funds.
• Receives and approves of all bills, orders, drafts, and payroll from departments.
• Examines for proper calculations and correct appropriation charges within Town Meeting authorization and develops the accounts payable and payroll warrant.
• Responsible for overseeing bi-weekly payroll for all staff. Posts cash receipts in general ledger as received.
• Coordinates staff training for accounts payable, payroll and other training as needed.
• Responsible for coordinating all department budgets, developing and implementing a schedule that meets the budget deadline dates as outlined in the Town's Charter and By-Laws and is responsible with the Town Administrator to prepare the recommended balanced budget.
• In conjunction with the Treasurer, prepares the Town’s debt management plan, including recommendations for bonding, short-term borrowing and self-funding.
• Prepare and assist in the completion of all required annual Department of Revenue Documents such as the tax recapitulation sheet and year-end financial reports, balance sheets and revenue expense statements for the audit process and certification of free cash.
• Responsible for all industrial accident reports, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Affirmative Action,
• Equal Opportunity Reports plus any and all federal or state reporting requirements.
• Manages the development and maintains a risk management program for property and casualty exposure areas, manages organization and execution of the Safety Committee, identifies potential risks, explains the provisions of the insuring agreements to department managers in order to avoid municipal liability, evaluates the causes and claims of risks and works with appropriate department head to minimize the Town's exposure, coordinates the processing of all insurance claims: property, liability, worker compensation and police injured on duty reports.
• Ensures compliance with provisions of each insurance policy to prevent lapses in coverage, and determines the appropriate coverage levels required.
• Advises and directs department managers on proper practices to ensure compliance with state and federal grant management regulations. Assists Chief Procurement Officer in guiding department managers relative to competitive bidding under Chapter 30B and other procurement related statues; evaluates options for financing and acquiring capital assets and determines the most advantageous procurement strategies.
• Develops, implements, and monitors policies and procedures for internal financial controls related to cost containment, financial risks and efficiency of programs.
• Manages the implementation of procedures by departments to ensure effective and efficient use of information systems.
• MUNIS System Administrator for the main accounting software utilized by the Town.
• Coordinates with external IT vendor for all IT related matters.
• Oversees the annual audit process, preparing the formal response to the audit management letter and implementing approved recommendations and actions.
• Town Ex-officio member of the Adams Retirement System. Coordinates all retiree benefits, health and life insurance.
• Benefits Administrator for employee health, life and dental insurance as well as COBRA administration.
• Town liaison for the Berkshire Health Group.
• Aflac liaison for disability, hospitalization, and multiple issue policies.
• Management of all life beneficiary forms: Federal, State and town offered policies; filing of all life claims
• At the direction of the Town Administrator, attends Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and other meetings as needed to furnish input relating to fiscal matters.
• Serves on relevant boards and committees as assigned by the Town Administrator and performs other duties as required.
• Participates in the selection of candidates for employment, determines any training/certification requirements and provides guidance on personnel actions and recommendations consistent with Personnel Rules and Regulations.
• Interprets and administers labor contracts plus the Personnel Rules & Regulations covering non-bargaining employees.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree preferred in accounting, finance or related field; five (5) to seven (7) years of responsible experience in accounting or financial management; experience in municipal accounting strongly preferred; experience in personnel management preferred; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Massachusetts Municipal Auditors’ and Accountants’ Association (MMAAA) certification required or obtained within three years of hiring.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Experience with municipal software strongly desired. Working knowledge of generally accepted government accounting principles of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and UMAS (Uniform Massachusetts Accounting System). 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 of municipal 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.
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.

Physical Requirements
Minimal physical effort required to perform functions under typical office conditions.