Accountant

Overview

The functions of the Accountant's Office include coordinating and managing budgetary and financial information, forecasting revenues for the forthcoming fiscal year, processing Accounts Payable for Town departments and preparing the annual Capital Plan and Budget documents in advance of the town meeting.

Under Chapter 41, Section 55 of the Massachusetts General Laws, any town may authorize the Board of Selectmen to appoint a Town Accountant who shall perform the duties and possess the powers of town auditors as defined in Sections 50 to 53 inclusive.

The Town Accountant:

• Serves as the town's accounting officer in developing, implementing and supervising procedures for the control and accountability of the town's assets.
• Assists town officials in the preparation of budgets and the setting of the tax rate.
• Supervises the expenditures and revenues of all town funds, examines all vouchers, department bills and payrolls for accuracy, legality and availability of funds before payment by the Treasurer.
• Prepares year-end financial statements as required by the Department of Revenue for the certification of Free Cash.
• Prepares and submits federal, state and town reports