Assistant Town Accountant Duxbury, MA
Kaizen Lab Inc., Duxbury, MA, United States
JOB TITLE: Assistant Town Accountant
DEPARTMENT: Accounting
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, full-time, benefit-eligible
POSITION GRADE: Grade 8, Personnel Policies, Management Provision (non-union)
COMPENSATION: Hiring range $32.10 - $37.72 per hour. Full range $32.10 - $43.33
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
SUPERVISOR: Town Accountant
START DATE: Position available July 1, 2026
Statement of Duties
The Assistant Town Accountant performs a variety of responsible accounting duties requiring the use of judgment in accordance with state, federal, and local regulations and policies, and in accordance with standard municipal accounting practices, administrative, and clerical services in support of the operation of the accounting department. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of the Town Accountant. The employee is expected to solve through experience judgement most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions to resolve the particular problem. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor, but ordinarily the employee plans the work, lays it out and carries it through completion independently. Work is generally reviewed for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements; the methods used in arriving at the end result are not usually reviewed in detail.
Supervisory Responsibility
Not applicable.
Confidentiality
Employee has access to department-wide confidential information, including employee records, information related to the financial implications of litigation, collective bargaining agreements, the related processes, and other finance related matters including during the process of collective bargaining. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times with regard to this information in accordance with Departmental policy, federal, state and local laws and Public Records Act.
Accountability
Consequences of errors, missed deadlines, or poor judgment could severely jeopardize department operations, or result in a delay of service, confusion, monetary loss, or have extensive financial and/or legal repercussions and adverse public relations for the Town of Duxbury.
Judgment
Experienced professional judgment is required at all times including related knowledge of relevant practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines.
Complexity
Work consists of employing many different concepts, theories, principles, techniques, and practices. Assignments typically concern such matters as studying regulatory changes, assessing services and recommending improvements, devising new techniques for application to the work, and recommending procedures, standards, or criteria.
Nature and Purpose of Public Contact
Employee regularly interacts with co-workers, department heads, Town officials, and vendors. Contact is by telephone, in person, and via written correspondence. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required, involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in resolving complaints or concerns of the public and/or employees.
Essential Function
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.
Performs monthly reconciliation of cash, withholdings, and receivables, and researches and resolves discrepancies identified during monthly cycles, working closely with all departments.
Oversees weekly deposits that are posted to the proper accounts and serves as backup for processing.
Under the direction of the Town Accountant, prepares correcting journal entries and works with departments to correct and prevent errors.
Monitors all state and federal grants received by the Town. Performs monthly analysis and communicates with departments the status of their grants, confirming that reimbursements are submittable timely. Creates new accounts in the computer system as needed and maintains organized files of all grant paperwork.
Provides support to the Accounts Payable Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist and serves as backup during their absence.
Understands and assists the Town Accountant in the interpretation of all collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and Personnel Policies By-law.
Scans and maintains digital copies of all relevant accounting records. Archives paper records according to state and departmental procedures.
Provides training for departments and end‑users in the use of the town’s computerized accounting software systems.
Compiles end‑of‑year school report and annual town report workbook for review by the Town Accountant.
Performs other special projects, including research, analysis, data collection, and reporting on special projects as needed by the Town Accountant or Finance Director.
Performs a variety of clerical duties as required, including answering the telephone, ordering supplies, and responding to public records requests.
Exercises professionalism and sound judgment.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Associate degree in accounting or finance or equivalent with three to five (3‑5) years of professional accounting experience, preferably municipal accounting or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of UMAS, and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Business Office software programs, e.g., Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Special Requirements
Municipal accounting experience preferred. Employee must have strong customer service and interpersonal skills, and a valid driver’s license. Some travel by personal automobile may be required from time to time.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Knowledge:
Working knowledge of municipal accounting principles, practices, and budgetary functions. Working knowledge of computer applications for financial management.
Abilities:
Ability to interact effectively and appropriately with the public and other personnel; ability to perform multiple tasks and maintain confidential information. Strong attention to detail and be adept in handling stressful situations.
Skills:
Effective organization skills and ability to perform duties without direct supervision. Excellent communication skills. Excellent computer skills.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Demands:
Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be occasional lifting of objects such as books, office equipment, and computer paper. Regular interruptions to assist other Town department staff. May spend extended periods at a computer, on the telephone, or operating other office machines. The duties of this job require the employee to sit and talk or hear, to walk and climb stairs, regularly lift and carry files, documents, and records, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Motor Skills:
Duties require hand and eye coordination, finger dexterity, and motor coordination. Examples include moving objects, operating a telephone, a personal computer, and/or most other office equipment, typing, and/or word processing, filing, sorting papers, and operating a motor vehicle.
Visual Demands:
Visual demands require the employee to constantly read documents/computer screen for general understanding, accuracy, and analytical purposes. The employee is required to distinguish colors.
(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.)
Benefits
75% town/25% employee paid health insurance; Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO & HMO plans
Defined benefit pension
12 Paid Holidays
Vacation Pay
Personal Time Off Days
Sick Leave
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Life Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Medical and dependent care flexible spending account
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DEPARTMENT: Accounting
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, full-time, benefit-eligible
POSITION GRADE: Grade 8, Personnel Policies, Management Provision (non-union)
COMPENSATION: Hiring range $32.10 - $37.72 per hour. Full range $32.10 - $43.33
WORK SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week
SUPERVISOR: Town Accountant
START DATE: Position available July 1, 2026
Statement of Duties
The Assistant Town Accountant performs a variety of responsible accounting duties requiring the use of judgment in accordance with state, federal, and local regulations and policies, and in accordance with standard municipal accounting practices, administrative, and clerical services in support of the operation of the accounting department. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.
Supervision Received
Works under the general supervision of the Town Accountant. The employee is expected to solve through experience judgement most problems of detail or unusual situations by adapting methods or interpreting instructions to resolve the particular problem. Instructions for new assignments or special projects usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor, but ordinarily the employee plans the work, lays it out and carries it through completion independently. Work is generally reviewed for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy or other requirements; the methods used in arriving at the end result are not usually reviewed in detail.
Supervisory Responsibility
Not applicable.
Confidentiality
Employee has access to department-wide confidential information, including employee records, information related to the financial implications of litigation, collective bargaining agreements, the related processes, and other finance related matters including during the process of collective bargaining. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times with regard to this information in accordance with Departmental policy, federal, state and local laws and Public Records Act.
Accountability
Consequences of errors, missed deadlines, or poor judgment could severely jeopardize department operations, or result in a delay of service, confusion, monetary loss, or have extensive financial and/or legal repercussions and adverse public relations for the Town of Duxbury.
Judgment
Experienced professional judgment is required at all times including related knowledge of relevant practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines.
Complexity
Work consists of employing many different concepts, theories, principles, techniques, and practices. Assignments typically concern such matters as studying regulatory changes, assessing services and recommending improvements, devising new techniques for application to the work, and recommending procedures, standards, or criteria.
Nature and Purpose of Public Contact
Employee regularly interacts with co-workers, department heads, Town officials, and vendors. Contact is by telephone, in person, and via written correspondence. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required, involving courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in resolving complaints or concerns of the public and/or employees.
Essential Function
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. 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.
Performs monthly reconciliation of cash, withholdings, and receivables, and researches and resolves discrepancies identified during monthly cycles, working closely with all departments.
Oversees weekly deposits that are posted to the proper accounts and serves as backup for processing.
Under the direction of the Town Accountant, prepares correcting journal entries and works with departments to correct and prevent errors.
Monitors all state and federal grants received by the Town. Performs monthly analysis and communicates with departments the status of their grants, confirming that reimbursements are submittable timely. Creates new accounts in the computer system as needed and maintains organized files of all grant paperwork.
Provides support to the Accounts Payable Bookkeeper and Payroll Specialist and serves as backup during their absence.
Understands and assists the Town Accountant in the interpretation of all collective bargaining agreements, employment contracts, and Personnel Policies By-law.
Scans and maintains digital copies of all relevant accounting records. Archives paper records according to state and departmental procedures.
Provides training for departments and end‑users in the use of the town’s computerized accounting software systems.
Compiles end‑of‑year school report and annual town report workbook for review by the Town Accountant.
Performs other special projects, including research, analysis, data collection, and reporting on special projects as needed by the Town Accountant or Finance Director.
Performs a variety of clerical duties as required, including answering the telephone, ordering supplies, and responding to public records requests.
Exercises professionalism and sound judgment.
Recommended Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
Associate degree in accounting or finance or equivalent with three to five (3‑5) years of professional accounting experience, preferably municipal accounting or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of UMAS, and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Business Office software programs, e.g., Excel, Word, and Outlook.
Special Requirements
Municipal accounting experience preferred. Employee must have strong customer service and interpersonal skills, and a valid driver’s license. Some travel by personal automobile may be required from time to time.
Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Knowledge:
Working knowledge of municipal accounting principles, practices, and budgetary functions. Working knowledge of computer applications for financial management.
Abilities:
Ability to interact effectively and appropriately with the public and other personnel; ability to perform multiple tasks and maintain confidential information. Strong attention to detail and be adept in handling stressful situations.
Skills:
Effective organization skills and ability to perform duties without direct supervision. Excellent communication skills. Excellent computer skills.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position’s essential functions.
Physical Demands:
Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be occasional lifting of objects such as books, office equipment, and computer paper. Regular interruptions to assist other Town department staff. May spend extended periods at a computer, on the telephone, or operating other office machines. The duties of this job require the employee to sit and talk or hear, to walk and climb stairs, regularly lift and carry files, documents, and records, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Motor Skills:
Duties require hand and eye coordination, finger dexterity, and motor coordination. Examples include moving objects, operating a telephone, a personal computer, and/or most other office equipment, typing, and/or word processing, filing, sorting papers, and operating a motor vehicle.
Visual Demands:
Visual demands require the employee to constantly read documents/computer screen for general understanding, accuracy, and analytical purposes. The employee is required to distinguish colors.
(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.)
Benefits
75% town/25% employee paid health insurance; Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO & HMO plans
Defined benefit pension
12 Paid Holidays
Vacation Pay
Personal Time Off Days
Sick Leave
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Pet Insurance
Life Insurance
Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Medical and dependent care flexible spending account
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