Comptroller – Town of Arlington, MA

Posted on: February 8, 2018 – 1:02pm

Comptroller

Salary / Pay Rate: $92,737 – $111,480 with potential to $134,010

Job Type: Full Time

Post Date: 12/01/2017

Expire Date: 02/12/2018

Job Application: Comptroller

COMPTROLLER

To apply:  Please visit our website at www.arlingtonma.gov/hr.  Click on the “Apply Now” button and you will be connected to our online application system.  The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2018

Definition

The Comptroller has responsible fiscal and general management responsibilities developing and maintaining financial records and controlling cash flow of all town funds, preparing and reviewing budgetary materials, exercising budget control and serving as the municipal expert in the MUNIS accounting system; all other related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under the administrative direction of the Board of Selectmen, in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws, town bylaws and established standards.  The incumbent will be expected to report to the Board of Selectmen upon request in regard to financial matters of the Town, including but not limited to, year to date budget reports, financial statements, and audit related documents.  The incumbent will also be subject to an annual performance review by the Board of Selectmen.

Performs a variety of complex and highly responsible duties requiring extensive judgment and initiative in planning, organizing, and directing the town’s finances, as well as ensuring that all municipal transactions conform to law and sound municipal accounting practice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises full-time (currently four) employees, in addition to indirect supervision of full-time and part-time employees.

Work Environment

Work is performed under typical office conditions; work environment is quiet. The workload is subject to seasonal fluctuations, as well as unplanned events.  The employee is frequently required to attend evening meetings and meetings outside of normal business hours.

The employee operates standard office equipment and computers.

The employee has contact with town employees, town meeting members, committee members and vendors and minimal contact with the general public. Contact is by primarily telephone or e-mail.

The employee has access to department-related confidential information, including personnel files, bid documents, and law suits.

Errors could result in delay or loss of service, monetary loss, and legal repercussions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Works cooperatively with the Town Manager, Deputy Town Manager, School Chief Financial Officer, and other Town and School financial officials in the day to day management of Town and School finances.
• Manages the daily operation of the Comptroller’s office, including supervision of professional and administrative staff; disciplines and evaluates the performance of staff; provides training to staff to ensure maximum efficiency.
• Reviews and approves bills, drafts, purchase orders and payroll to ensure proper calculations, correct appropriation charges in accordance with town meeting votes, and ensure against fraudulent, unlawful or excessive payments; verifies and draws warrants upon town treasury for payment.
• Oversees and maintains a complete set of records of account appropriations, expenditures, revenues, assessments and abatements according to statutes, bylaws and regulations; maintains storage of documents in accordance with record retention laws; examines and retains custody of all town contractual agreements; maintains a register of surety bonds of indemnity turned over to the town and maintains debt management records; maintains current knowledge of all related laws and regulations.
• Prepares and distributes recurrent or special reports to comply with administrative orders, federal and state grants, and similar requirements.
• Coordinates the annual municipal audit.
• Provides guidance to all town departments and agencies on operation procedures in financial management; briefs responsible officials on proper submittal of bills and invoices; provides town officials with periodic balances in appropriation and other accounts.  Works closely with financial leadership of the Town in the Tax Recapitulation process including preparation of all appropriation and fund balance information.
• Develops  chart of account classification systems and provides assistance on proper budgetary controls, including furnishing current data.
• Serves as an ex-officio member of the Contributory Retirement System Board.
• Serves on the Capital Planning Committee and other committees as required.
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting or a related field; five years of experience in municipal or governmental accounting and law, including supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  Ability to obtain and maintain status as a Certified Governmental Accountant.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Thorough knowledge of municipal accounting principles and practices and budgetary functions; thorough knowledge of the organization and operation of town departments and of legal controls over municipal finance in the Commonwealth.

Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and to present findings clearly in written and oral form. Ability to prepare and manage budgets. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with subordinates, town officials and governmental representatives. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment.

Skill and accuracy in working with numbers and detail. Diagnostic and problem-solving skills. Excellent computer skills including, MUNIS, word processing, and spreadsheet applications; exceptional knowledge and expertise in municipal accounting systems including the ability to produce specific and generalized reports. Excellent organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

Minimal physical effort is required to perform duties under typical office conditions; the employee may be required to move files and computer equipment. The employee is frequently required to sit, speak and hear and use hands to operate equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents and use a computer.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.