The Town Accountant keeps a complete set of books in which expenditures made by all departments, boards, and committees authorized to spend money are recorded. The receipts from each source of income, the amount of each assessment levied and the abatements made are also recorded in the Town Accountant’s books.

Prior to the issuance of checks for payments of expenditures, the Town Accountant inspects all invoices and requests for payment to insure that it is a legal and proper expenditure and that the expenditure is within the set budget of the body authorized to spend money. Once examined by the Town Accountant, the invoices and requests are sent to the Board of Selectmen for approval and then to the Treasurer for the actual issuance of checks. At the end of each month, the Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee and all department, board and committee heads are given an expenditure report showing the budgeted expense, amount expended to date and the remaining amount left in the appropriation.

All receipts are entered in the Accountant’s books and compared to the Town’s estimate of revenue set at the Town’s annual meeting. At the end of each fiscal year these receipts, along with expenditures, are reported as a Town document in the Annual Report.

The Town Accountant’s other responsibilities are: custody of all contracts of the Town; maintain a register of the sureties on all bonds of indemnity given to the Town; serve as Worker’s Compensation Agent and ex-officio member of Insurance and Sick Leave Bank Committees; review salaries and wages of Town employees as they relate to contracts and recommends changes; interpret personnel by-laws; reconcile financial records with other departments including cash and receivables; and review grants, trust funds, state general laws and Town by-laws to assure compliance with necessary requirements.

The Town Accountant’s office is located next to the back door of Town Hall and is opened 8 AM to 12 noon and 1PM to 4 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesdays 8AM to 12:30PM and 1:30PM to 6PM. Fridays 8AM to 1PM.

NOTICE OF VACANCY The Town of Rockport (population 7,472) seeks qualified applicants for the position of Town Accountant to fill vacancy created by retiring Town Accountant. Responsibilities include managing two accounting department staff; assisting in preparation of a $25 million budget including two enterprises; monitoring all budget revenues and expenses; maintaining comprehensive financial records; and generating required periodic internal and state reports. Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws related to finance and procurement; comply with DOR regulations; arrange for and supply records for audits; conduct monthly and quarterly reconciliations of cash, receipts, outstanding taxes, expenditures and revolving accounts; and approve payroll and payable warrants. Thorough knowledge of UMASS, GAAP and GASB required, as well as familiarity with Massachusetts General Laws related to finance. MMAAA certification and experience with MUNIS software is desirable. Works under the administrative direction of the Town Administrator. Must have strong communication skills and be able to work cooperatively with all town departments, boards, commissions and committees. A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field plus five years of experience in accounting or financial management with experience in municipal accounting preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience desired. This is a full-time, salaried position with a range of $65,000 - $70,000, DOQ, with benefits. Employment applications may be requested from the Town Administrator’s office at (978) 546-6786. Submit cover letter, résumé and completed application to the Town Administrator, 34 Broadway, Rockport, MA 01966 by May 21. (posted 4/8, exp. 5/31)