Job Description

The historic Town of Concord, Massachusetts (17,688) is seeking qualified candidates for Chief Financial Officer who is passionate about progressive professional municipal management, serving this historic and engaged community and being part of a committed municipal organization.

Concord is seeking a knowledgeable, and talented leader with excellent communication and community engagement skills, to ensure the long-term financial and operational health and success of the municipal enterprise, with fiduciary and statutory responsibility over all financial assets, interprets and administers federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies relevant to municipal financial management. This leader manages the services and staff of the Treasury, Collections, Accounting, Assessing, Town Clerk, Retirement and Budget and Purchasing operations.

Concord has a five-member Select Board-Town Manager form of government, with Open Town Meeting as the legislative body. The town government offers a full array of services including education, libraries, police and fire protection, public works, solid waste and recycling services, water and sewer services including a secondary treatment facility, parks and recreation, a community center, a swim and exercise facility, land conservation and open space, and municipal electric services through the Concord Municipal Light Plant. The Concord Housing Authority provide low-income and elderly housing.

Concord holds a Aaa bond rating from Moody’s Investor Services and for the last twelve years received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. The Town’s complete spending plan for FY24 is approximately $132 million. Details regarding the Town’s finances are contained within the FY24 General Fund Budget Book and the FY24 Enterprise Fund Budget Book.

The efforts of the members of the Concord municipal organization are appreciated by the citizens of the Town who regularly provide positive feedback in a Town Government Survey about their satisfaction with municipal services and the utilization of their tax dollars. These results reflect the confidence of the residents in their local government and establish a standard that the municipal organization seeks to maintain or improve.

Preferred candidates should have an advanced degree in public or business administration plus at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government finances and municipal operations, including supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates should be proactive and strategic thinkers, who are able to prioritize and to build collaborative relationships with government officials, residents, and employees.

Full salary range: $138,174 – $193,440; starting rate depending on qualifications. The successful candidate will receive an attractive compensation package including health and retirement plans, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Town of Concord, MA is an EEO Employer.  We value diversity and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Under the general direction of the Town Manager, and as a member of the Town’s Senior Management Team, serves as the chief financial officer of the Town; ensures the long-term financial and operational health and success of the municipal enterprise, with fiduciary and statutory responsibility over all financial assets; interprets and administers federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies relevant to municipal financial management.  Accountable for and manages the services and staff of the Treasury, Collections, Accounting,
Assessing, Town Clerk, Retirement, and Budget and Purchasing operations.

The CFO is responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the direction and control of the position. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Incumbent is called upon to handle a significant amount of details, each varying from the other in substance and content, requiring incumbent to approach workload with flexibility.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who are or become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis.

 Provides collaborative, forward thinking and responsive leadership in the planning, analysis, development, implementation and maintenance of the Town’s financial management programs and services in accordance with the directives of the Town Manager and the mission and strategic priorities of the Town. Advises the Town Manager, Finance Committee, and town department heads regarding financial strategies, plans, and management.

• Provides administrative direction and coordination for all operational areas of the department. Promotes the alignment of department and divisional goals and objectives with those of the Town Manager and Select Board; reviews, evaluates, and monitors service delivery methods and systems;  keeps Town Manager informed of department activities and operations; regularly meets with management staff to coordinate and provide input into services; disseminates and ensures the execution of Town-wide management plans, strategies, initiatives, values, policies, procedures, and standards of behavior.
• Analyzes financial and economic data and trends; analyzes changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations that have an economic impact on the town. Prepares recommendations and reports for the Town Manager, the Select Board, the Finance Committee, and for financial management strategies, plans, policies, and actions.
• As the appointed Treasurer-Collector, oversees the administration of all revenue and collection operations of the town for taxes, fees, and other revenue generated from town services, grants, etc. Oversees the investment management for town general funds and trust funds, including short-term cash management activities assigned to the Assistant Treasurer-Collector.  Oversees debt management policy and administration, including work with bond counsel and credit rating services; designs maturity schedules for long-term bonds and prepares offering statements.
• Oversees the overall development and preparation of the Town Manager’s budget recommendations, including the general fund, the enterprise funds and capital improvement programs. Participates with the Town Manager and others in presenting, defending and resolving final budget plans before the Finance Committee, other decision-making bodies, and public hearings.  Monitors the implementation and compliance with adopted budgets through direction of the Budget & Purchasing Administrator and coordination with town department heads.  Serves as liaison to the Finance Committee.
• As delegated by the Town Manager/Chief Procurement Officer, oversees purchasing, procurement, and contracting functions performed by all departments reporting to the Town Manager, including authorization of purchase orders and contracts up to limits assigned.
• Serves as Treasurer of the Concord Retirement Board, responsible for investment management and for overseeing program administration through the Town Accountant and related support staff.
• Serves as Treasurer of town trust funds; maintains liaison with investment advisors and reports to fund trustees; manages and accounts for all receipts and disbursements of trust funds.
• Appointed as Parking Clerk. Administers the parking and fine collection system. Appoints Hearing Officer.
• Oversees town-wide payroll administration and all federal/state tax and earnings reporting.
• Coordinates all Town and School group insurance matters; works with brokers, insurers, consultants, legal counsel and Town staff to ensure that the Town’s group benefit plans are well managed.
• Provides administrative support for the Finance Committee. Regularly attends numerous evening meetings before a variety of public boards and committees including, but not limited to, Finance Committee, Select Board, annual and special town meetings, etc.
• Acts as liaison between the Town Manager and designated town boards, committees; regularly facilitates communications between and on behalf of parties. Represents the Town Manager in conducting business and may act as Town Manager when the Town Manager is absent.
• Performs special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Directly supervises the activities and performance of and provides functional oversight to five division heads, the Treasury Assistant, Retirement Administrator and Finance Assistant.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance and recommending pay increases; implementing succession plans; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and making recommendations to the Town Manager concerning employee hiring, rewards or discipline.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field, plus at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government finances and municipal operations, including supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Expert knowledge of municipal finance management and all related laws, bylaw, rules, and regulations. Complete working knowledge of and skill in using computer applications for accounting and financial management.  Ability to establish and maintain complex financial record keeping systems. Ability to analyze and interpret financial data and to present findings clearly in multiple forums
• Ability to recognize town-wide priorities and work cooperatively to support their accomplishment. Ability to analyze complex issues and to develop relevant and realistic plans, programs and recommendations.  Excellent organizational, planning, decision-making, and supervisory skills; ability to conceptualize and put into operation goals and objectives for the department.
• Ability to work with a high level of detail; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and deal effectively with interruptions, often under considerable time pressure; ability to identify and analyze complex issues and to develop appropriate recommendations.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Normal office environment, not subject to extreme variations of temperature, noise, odors, etc.  Majority of work is performed in a quiet work environment, with constant interruptions.  Frequently subjected to the demands of other individuals and the volume and /or rapidity with which tasks must be accomplished.  Limited off-site travel and required to attend meetings and seminars.

Operates computer, printer, video display terminal, keyboard, calculator, telephone, copier, facsimile machine and all other standard office equipment requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Balancing, crouching, grasping, pulling, reaching and stooping may also be required.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job.  The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  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.

 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.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: #municipalfinance #finance. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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