Position Title: Town Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports To: Town Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $90-$120k based on experience

Location: Town of Swampscott, MA

Date Posted: 06/18/2025

Position Summary:

The Town of Swampscott is seeking a highly qualified and detail-oriented professional to serve as the Town Accountant. This position is responsible for managing the daily accounting activities for the Town under the general supervision and, in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law. The Town Accountant is responsible for overseeing the fiscal integrity of the Town of Swampscott through the maintenance of the general ledger, verification and overseeing processing of accounts payable, budget monitoring, financial compliance, and the preparation of financial reports in accordance with state and federal requirements. The Town Accountant ensures the integrity of financial data, manages the Town’s accounting system, and provides accurate financial information to town officials, departments, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain a complete set of financial records for all Town funds, including general, enterprise, grant, trust, and revolving accounts.
• Evaluates grants, revolving funds, capital project expenditures, trust funds and special revenue accounts
• Completes necessary journal entries as required to maintain the general ledger, posts to the general ledger, prepares monthly balance sheets and records Town meeting warrant articles.
• Manages and creates new accounts as required within the Town’s financial software. Verifies and ensures proper user access to financial Maintains the chart of accounts in accordance with UMAS.
• Completes all year-end, close out required for each fiscal year within the Town’s financial software, ensuring timely completion of year-end activities.
• Enters budgets into the Town’s financial software, ensures completion and accuracy, ensures budgets and required purchase order functions have been completed in a timely manner.
• Performs any and all general maintenance needed throughout the fiscal year to the Town’s financial software, including budget transfers, adjusting entries, etc.
• Oversee and manage the Town’s accounting software and systems to ensure accurate and timely recording of financial transactions.

Prepare and submit monthly and annual financial statements, including the Balance Sheet, Schedule A, and Free Cash certification materials to the Department of Revenue (DOR) and all required reporting to DOR/DLS

• Monitor departmental expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets and applicable laws; notify departments of any over-expenditures.
• Review and approve all warrants, payrolls, and financial obligations of the Town for accuracy, legality, and availability of funds, provides back-up when needed for accounts payable processing.
• Prepares and issues monthly status reports to departments on expenditure and appropriation balances, including quarterly projections to be shared with the Town Administrator and other relevant boards and
• Reconcile accounts with the Treasurer/Collector and other relevant departments on a regular
• Assists in the preparation of the annual Town budget and capital plan in collaboration with the Town Administrator, serves as a key member of the Town’s Financial Management
• Provide timely financial analysis and reporting to the Town Administrator, Select Board, Finance Committee, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with independent auditors and prepare documentation for the annual audit, including fixed asset inventory and reporting.
• Conducts periodic internal operational and financial audits to assure compliance with state statutes
• Serves as the staff liaison to assigned committees as determined by the Town
• Maintain and update internal financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance and best
• Stay informed on changes to municipal finance laws and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) standards.
• Train, supervise and mentor any relevant accounting staff to support professional growth and ensure efficient operations
• Maintains knowledge of Town policies and procedures and relevant MGL’s, keeping abreast with current legislation and changes in the profession that may impact the Town operations or financial
• Works collaboratively with stakeholders and provides guidance on development and modification of fee

Completes special projects and performs any similar or related work as required, directed or as the situation dictates.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, public administration, or related field recommended; Master’s degree and/or CPA preferred.
• Ability to be
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in municipal accounting or public finance, with supervisory experience preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws related to municipal finance, including G.L. Chapter 41.
• Proficiency with municipal financial software (e.g., VADAR, MUNIS) and Microsoft Office
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced municipal

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Governmental Accountant (CGA) or working towards

Experience with grant and enterprise fund

Town of Swampscott I HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT Page I 2

Familiarity with the Massachusetts Division of Local Services (DLS)
 

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, 34 hours per week; additional hours as needed to meet deadlines and during budget/audit
• Primarily office-based

Attendance at evening meetings is required (e.g., Select Board, Finance Committee).

Application Instructions:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Town Administrator’s Office

Via email to: hr@swampscottma.gov