Chief Financial Officer

OBJECTIVES

Under the general direction of the First Selectman, acts in the capacity of the Town's Chief Fiscal Officer to plan, develop, coordinate, and manage the Town's fiscal controls and activities which entails the application of budgeting and accounting principles and practices. Assists the First Selectman in preparing the annual operating and capital improvement budgets. Advises the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance regarding fiscal matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversees and is responsible for the application of principles and practices for financial management for the Town, establishes proper accounting, reporting and control systems to the Town's fiscal activities.
• Plans and organizes duties according to the fiscal cycle and in accordance with municipal accounting practices; supervises a Finance Assistant.
• Coordinates, advises and provides internal audits and financial controls of all Town departments, including, but not limited to, the offices of Tax Collector, Assessor, Town Clerk and Treasurer; implements new GASB accounting initiatives.
• Prepares the Town budgets in cooperation with the First Selectman, department heads, commissions and boards, and others; develops and monitors approved Town budgets, debt services, etc.; ensures uniform consistent financial-recording and reporting of all fiscal transactions; supervises the preparation of monthly appropriations; provides departmental financial information to department heads in a consistent and timely basis.
• Plans, develops and oversees the Town accounting and payroll systems, and financial controls, including cash management, maintains the chart of accounts for all Town funds, supervises the Town's general ledger; recommends improvements in services and to attain operational efficiencies.
• Maintains accounting of special accounts and oversees the Town's payroll procedures; reviews payroll and analyzes various payroll related summaries; tracks and submits information used for Department of Labor reports, statistical data, and census reports.
• Supervises the preparation of payroll taxes, maintenance of payroll records, 941 reports and W-2 forms for the Town; maintains government reports.
• Supervises the continuing audit of all Town payrolls, bills, invoices and claims; provides financial information and advice to department heads, acts as Purchasing Agent, approves purchase orders and invoices, directs scouting of quotations, directs the preparation of bids, analyzes bids and selects vendors.
• Prepares periodic financial statements and coordinates all government and miscellaneous reports pertaining to Town financial activities and assists in other financial matters as needed.
• Administers debt services; maintains schedule of all Town debts; advises borrowing for Town projects; prepares financial statements for perspectives, bank information and bond rating data; administers all bond issues. ·
• Coordinates with the Assessor who is responsible for planning and coordinating Town-wide assessments of real and personal property preparation in order to compile the Grand List for taxation purposes.
• Prepares, applies processes and manages state and federal Town grants; assists Town department heads and other officials by preparing financial and other information for various government grants; prepares grant reimbursement documentation. ·
• Oversees and is responsible for the Town-wide Workers' Compensation, safety and risk management programs, working closely with department heads, insurance carriers and state agencies.
• Administers employee benefit plans, pension investments and negotiates insurance coverages, including group insurances and benefit plans with insurance brokers and carriers; administers personnel and employee benefit records and activities.
• Assists in bid processing for Town purchasing; tracks payments and receipts for Town services; maintains Fixed Assets; establishes and oversees the internal audit program. Prepares statistical and narrative reports, including financial statements; provides fiscal consultation to Town officials and Board of Finance; coordinates the annual financial audit working closely with outside auditors.
• Completes all required federal and state tax forms for the Town.
• Attends Board of Finance meetings, and other Town meetings, as necessary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with town staff, officials, vendors, financial advisors, boards and commission members, department heads, employee benefit organizations and banking institutions;
• Ability to prioritize work assignments to meet established deadlines with an aptitude for working with and expounding accounting policies and procedures;
• Excellent written and verbal skills;
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of governmental finances, municipal budgeting, payroll and data processing, state and federal grants, Workers' Compensation and Unemployment Compensation laws, risk management and municipal administration.
• Thorough knowledge of all types of insurances applicable to Town government, including liability insurance and group insurances, laws, statutes, ordinances and regulations which govern the management and control of municipal funds.
• Ability to analyze the operations of a variety of municipal departments and to identify opportunities for costs savings through efficiency of operations and provide analytical data.
• Considerable knowledge of internet, telephone and technical systems, procedures relating to union negotiations, grievances and arbitrations; personnel administration and employee benefits.
• Excellent management skills with knowledge of bidding procedures for insurance and major purchases and the ability to effectively negotiate with outside vendors and insurance carriers, devise and install new financial systems, forms and procedures.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with the Assessor and other Town officials regarding accounting, payroll, treasury and other financial functions.
• Ability to deal effectively and harmoniously with members of the Town government, various boards and commissions, subordinates, general public and outside agencies and to coordinate activities and motivate department staff and others.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION

• Operates a personal computer, accounting software (Excel, Word, Access, Power Point), and standard office equipment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (MINIMUM)

• Municipal finance experience, Graduation from an accredited college; Master's degree in Finance, Business or Public Administration or and five years of experience in municipal government accounting or a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business or Public Administration and seven years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be eligible for bonding in accordance with state statutes and possess a valid motor vehicle driver's license.
  Reviews treasury functions with the Treasurer, including bank procedures, cash management programs, investment funds, etc.
• Excellent customer service skills, provides general information to the public, attorneys, banking officials, etc.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time