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Treasurer Job Description

November 16, 2022 by in Employment

Guilford, Vermont

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Town Treasurer position is responsible for the oversight and execution of all the Town’s financial activities, and for ensuring compliance with accepted accounting principles and standards. Primary responsibilities include:

  • Receipt, investment, and disbursement of funds
  • Collecting other funds receivable by the Town
  • Paying orders drawn on town accounts as approved by Guilford Selectboard
  • Keeping a record of taxes voted, billed, and collected
  • Acting as the Town’s collector of current taxes and delinquent taxes
  • Grant and project accounting and reporting

Reports to Town Administrator; supervises Assistant Treasurer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The listed duties illustrate the various functions of the Guilford Treasurer. The omission of a specific duty or responsibility does not exclude it from the duties and responsibilities of the position of Treasurer if the specific duty and responsibility is like, or related to, these characteristic duties and responsibilities, or is a logical assignment to the position.

The Treasurer works with departments and commissions of the town, and with elected officials, to best implement the requirements of the position. Specific tasks include: 

  • Annually, with the Town Administrator, prepare the preliminary town budget and assist the Selectboard and Finance Advisory Committee in finalizing the FY budget for voter approval and preparing for town budget presentations. Facilitate department heads and commissions budget proposals to the budget process, assisting and reviewing all for the Selectboard’s approval.
  • Plan, prepare, and present annual operating budgets for all relevant funds to Selectboard for approval. Coordinate and manage all fiscal reporting activities including revenue/expense and balance sheet reports, budget reports, fiscal yearend financial statements, capital program reports, grants, and funds reports, etc. 
  • Track source and use of funds for each major acquisition, capital project, highway project, grant award, etc. to ensure that funds are allocated and spent appropriately, that the potential impact on future budgets is assessed; report on each to the Selectboard periodically or as exceptions require.
  • Work with Town Administrator to accurately code each receivable and disbursement according to the Chart of Accounts; maintain and recommend updates to the Chart as advised. 
  • Process invoices, prepare checks and warrants for selectboard approval at each Selectboard meeting; present annotated budget status reports and invoice lists at each meeting
  • Manage and execute payroll.
  • Issue quarterly invoices, collect receivables, and handle delinquent Waterline accounts.
  • Work with the Algiers Fire District #1 bookkeeper to issue quarterly invoices, collect receivables, and handle delinquent accounts.
  • Consistently monitor the Town’s Trial Balance to ensure that the appropriate accounts are cleared out in a timely manner.
  • Prepare for and work with the independent auditor during the annual audit. Work cooperatively with the Town Administrator to ensure that the financial reports required for the annual Town Report are furnished to the elected Town Auditors; produce these reports.
  • Coordinate, manage, and maintain liability, property, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance for all Town property, equipment, and activities.
  • From time to time, attend and speak at meetings to provide a concise overview and detailed explanations on the Town’s financial status.
  • Work with Selectboard on developing and implementing financial policies and procedures, reviewing and recommending revisions as necessary. Ensure that all town financial policies and procedures are fully and accurately implemented.
  • Investigate and recommend to the Selectboard methods for improving cost control and containment and increasing efficiency of Town services. Institute such methods as approved by the Selectboard.
  • Attend educational seminars/webinars offered by the Vermont League of Cities and Towns (VLCT), Government Financial Officers (GFO) Association, Vermont Municipal Clerks and Treasurers Association (VMCTA) and any other organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, or accounting, or equivalent. 

At least two years’ work experience in municipal environment and/or business accounting preferred.

Preference for experience in municipal general ledger reporting and financial statement preparation in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles. Experience with NEMRC Fund Accounting System software preferred. 

Preference for experience in payroll processing and systems administration including a knowledge of legal payroll requirements and basic employment law. 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations. 

Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from town employees, elected officials, and the general public. 

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and trends and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables. 

Full command of business-related computer skills, and comfort with learning new programs and keeping pace with evolving best practices and new applications. Specifically: proficiency with accounting software, including but not limited to: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, spreadsheet applications and word processing; Microsoft programs, particularly Word and Excel; and Google Suite applications.

Outstanding communication skills, with English language fluency. 

This position requires a professional who is detail-oriented and can work effectively with all levels of employees, management, elected and appointed town officials, and volunteers. Must be able to organize and prioritize work effectively and adapt to changing demands in an active environment. 

Salary depends on qualifications, experience, and organizational fit. The Town offers a competitive, and full, benefits package, including participation in the Vermont State Employees Retirement System.

Temporary Position through March 2023. Anticipated start date: December/January 2023, to shadow the current Guilford Town Treasurer. The Selectboard will ask Town voters for approval to appoint a Treasurer on the Town Meeting ballot in March. If Guilford Voters approve appointing a Treasurer, the Selectboard will change the position to “regular, full time” status, March 7, 2023. 

For more information, please contact the Assistant Town Administrator, Sheila Morse, at help@guilfordvt.gov.