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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-21 Board of Selectmen PacketPage 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 11:55 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Roberts, Carol; LeLacheur, Bob; Schena, Paula Subject: Town Accountant interview Attachments: Ad for Town Acct.doc; Town Acct Job Description.doc; Interview Questions.doc; Angstrom Sharon.pdf Board of Selectmen Attached are the following materials regarding the Town Accountant interview(s) scheduled for next Saturday, April 21 at 9 am: ♦ Ad for Town Acct ♦ Job Description ♦ Interview Questions ♦ Sharon Angstrom's resume and written responses to questions A second candidate for the position, who the Screening Committee was going to forward for the Board of Selectmen's interview, has withdrawn for family reasons. The Screening Committee is meeting on Tuesday to determine whether there is another candidate that they would like to schedule for an interview on Saturday, and if there is we will forward their resume and other information to you on Tuesday afternoon. The Screening Committee reviewed 37 resumes, and interviewed 7 candidates. Prior to the interview the candidates were asked to answer the following 2 questions in writing, and Sharon's responses are on the 3rd page of her resume material: 1.Usin._current or previous employment, how does your experience make you a good candidate for this position? 2. What are your short -term and long -term career goals? Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781 - 942 -9043 fax 781 -942 -9071 web www.rea,dingma.gov email townmanageerc "ci_ reading. ma. us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http_:_//_ readingma- survev.virtualtownhall. net /survey/sid /ccc2f035993bd3c0% o 4/18/2012 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Fax: (781) 942 -9037 Website: www.readinlZma.gov Town Accountant Town of Reading Finance Department Human Resources Division (781) 942 -9033 The Town of Reading (population 24,600, budget $80 million) is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Town Accountant. This position is appointed by the Board of Selectmen and works under the general supervision of the Town Manager. Responsibilities include maintaining accurate financial records, preparing the annual financial statements of the Town, performing internal audits of Town and School Departments, and coordinating annual financial software upgrades to MUNIS. The Town Accountant also advises Town and School officials and departments in their day to day financial administration, certifies the accuracy and legality of all financial transactions, and administers the Town's retirement system. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, or finance and a minimum of three years experience (pursuant to the Town charter). Knowledge of GASB is required. Certified Public Accountant is desired. Vacancy is available due to retirement. Midpoint of salary range is $92,781. Apply in confidence by sending a cover letter, resume and three references to the Human Resources Administrator, Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 or by e -mail as a Word document to croberts(Daci.reading ma. us. Resumes reviewed in order of receipt until position is filled. Reading is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F Title: Town Accountant Department: Accounting Division: Date: 01 -18 -12 GENERAL PURPOSE POSITION DESCRIPTION Grade: I FLSA: Exempt Union: Non Location: Town Hall This is a department head level position which performs technical and administrative work in maintaining the financial records of the Town. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Appointed by the Board of Selectmen annually and works under the general supervision of the Town Manager. SUPERVISION EXERCISED Supervises accounting and retirement support staff. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Determines work procedures and expedites work flow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Responsible for maintaining accurate financial records of the Town and prepares the annual financial statements of the Town. Responsible for internal audits of Town and School Departments. Prepares a variety of studies, reports, and related information for decision - making. Prepares financial reports and provides financial data as required or requested by Federal, State, or other governmental jurisdictions, investment bankers, and bond rating services, educational and research organizations, auditors and actuaries, citizens and taxpayers. Advises Town and School officials and departments in their day to day financial administration. Certifies the accuracy and legality of all financial transactions. Responsible for coordinating annual financial software upgrade and maintaining user permissions in conjunction with the Technology Division. Responsible for training new employees on the financial software. Responsible for the administration of the Town's retirement system. PERIPHERAL DUTIES Serves as a member of various employee committees. One of five members of the Contributory Retirement Board. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: (A) Graduation from an accredited four -year college or university with a degree in accounting, business management, finance or a closely related field, and (B) Minimum of three (3) years of accounting experience (pursuant to the Town Charter). (C) Certification as "Certified Governmental Accountant" desirable; (D) Certified Public Accountant is desirable. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: (A) Extensive knowledge of accounting and auditing theory, principles, and practices. .� a, (B) Considerable knowledge of governmental accounting and financial reporting standards. (C) Understanding of Commonwealth of Massachusetts' "Uniform Municipal Accounting System" manual and "Public Employee Retirement Administration" (P.E.R.A.) Accounting Manual. (D) Understanding of Commonwealth of Massachusetts General Laws pertaining to municipal finance and to retirement, (E) Understanding of applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations pertaining to financial management. (F) Ability to supervise staff. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Per Reading Home Rule Charter, the Town Accountant shall have at least three years of accounting experience before being appointed. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer, including spreadsheet and word processing software; accounting, billing /collections, and payroll software, document storage software; telephone; calculator; copy machine. PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required, The duties listed above 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. The 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. Prev. Date: 09/26/95 07/01/99 05/17/05 Town Accountant 2 L, Town Accountant Interviews Candidates Name: Date: 1. Tell us about your experience supervising, training and communicating with employees? How do you communicate changes that affect their jobs? 2. What software do you use? Did you have any involvement in its upgrades, implementation or permission control? If not, explain who does this for your company and how it is done. 3. Describe a situation where a co- worker or supervisor asked you to you to do something that was in conflict with a policy, procedures or guidelines? How did (would) you handle it? 4. Describe a situation where you had to win the trust of an individual or team. What steps did you take to build trust? How did the individual or team respond to your efforts? What challenges have occurred in your work with other (municipal) departments and /or divisions? 6. How do you respond when an employee who does not report directly to you repeatedly makes the same mistakes despite your numerous efforts to educate them? 7. Have you ever been hired for a position where you had a lot to learn to perform the job (i.e. Mass General Laws, Reading Contributory Retirement System)? If so, how did you proceed to get up to speed? 8. (If no municipal experience) How do you feel about everything being public information? (BOS, Town Meeting, residents requesting info, etc.) Have you ever worked in a similar I ituation? r� a _ SHARON ANGSTROM, CPA 28 Rainbow Drive, Bradford, MA 01835 - H (978) 223 -2280 - C (978) 880 -8321 • SharonAngst•om @comcast.net SUMMARY Certified Public Accountant with extensive accounting experience in real estate, goverranental, retail and service based industries, Proven skills in leadership, staff development, problem solving, management of critical projects and budget control, Strong interpersonal skills with a solid track record of building positive relationships with clients and colleagues HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS • Diligent, reliable, and extremely well organized • Proven ability to represent the company in an eloquent and professional manner • Experienced team worker; able to work cooperatively or independently • Successful in mastering accounting theory and technical skills • Proficient with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PeopleSoft , Infinium, ADP, Adobe, Crystal Reports and Nvision EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS CPA, Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 2008 MBA, University of Phoenix, 2007 (Highest Honors) BS, Accounting, Salem State College, 1996 pROFCsSIONAL ExPCItIENCG ORCHARD BRANDS, Beverly, MA An apparel retailer grossing revenues of $1,1 billion per year 2009 - Present Senior Accountant ■ Generated and processed monthly journal entries, including medical accruals and brand allocations, ■ Performed Balance Sheet and Overhead Analysis to ensure financial statement accuracy. ■ Converted and recorded monthly activity of international buying offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and New Delhi. ■ Recorded elimination entries to provide consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP, ■ Maintained monthly intercompany activity and reported activity to each brand to ensure agreement, ■ Executed the daily sales interface to record the sales from Commercialware software into Infinium. • Completed daily cash analysis and initiated daily repayments to minimize debt borrowings. ■ Prepared audit data for various audits conducted throughout the year. ■ Provided documentation requested for bankruptcy filing as needed to fulfill requirements, • Analyzed data to assist management in resolving forecast to actual variances, ■ Maintained ownership of outbound shipping expenses and accruals for both of Orchard Brand's distribution centers to ensure accuracy and consistency across brands. ■ Posted bi- weekly payroll entries and calculated month -end payroll accruals to ensure accuracy of payroll expenses, ■ Served as mentor to new staff accountant to provide ease of transition, ■ Filed sales and use tax and commercial activity tax returns and initiated payment to ensure compliance with individual state deadlines and requirements. • Compared duty, freight and commissions estimates by PO to actual expenses and recorded monthly adjustment to ensure proper capitalization of costs, SHARON ANGSTROM, CPA PAGE TWO DICICCO GULMAN & COMPANY LLP, Woburn, MA 2007 -2009 A raid -sized professional accounting firm Audit Senior ■ Conducted audits of non- public entities primarily in the real estate sector generating approximately $500,000 a year of fee revenue for the firm, ■ Developed client customized audit programs to gain audit efficiency, ■ Supervised staff on audit engagements to improve performance and increase profit realization. a Delegated audit work and performed detail review of work - papers to ensure the highest quality product, ■ Provided guidance, training and support to audit associates to enhance staff skills and development resulting in increased audit efficiency, ■ Evaluated staff performance after each engagement to align staff performance with firm expectations, ■ Prepared audited financial statements and disclosures in accordance with GAAP, GIUSTI & HINGSTON LLP, Georgetown, MA A small professional accounting firm 2004 -2007 Auditor • Performed municipal audits of schools, cities and towns gencrating substantial fee revenue for the firm, ■ Provided consulting services to clients as needed resulting in strong, trust based client relationships, • Conducted Single and MSBA Audits as needed in conjunction with yearly audit, ■ Prepared audited financial statements for clients in accordance with GAAP. OXFORD GLOBAL RESOURCES, INC., Beverly, MA A $200 million technical sigffing service company 1998 -2004 Senior Accountant ■ Maintained the accuracy of the General Ledger to ensure accurate financial statements, ■ Assisted in preparing for yearly external audit conducted by KPMG, ■ Performed Balance Sheet and Overhead Analysis on a monthly basis for executive management review • Trained and assisted new associates within the financial reporting group, • Prepared monthly management reports including balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and statements of equity for internal and external use, • Reviewed payroll calculations and billing for accuracy and corrected issues discovered with appropriate staff members, • Produced weekly Statements of Position for management review and analysis • Reconciled bank accounts to the general lodger on a monthly basis, • Generated and processed journal entries, including monthly revenue and payroll accruals, • Maintained fixed asset database and calculated monthly depreciation entry. ■ Analyzed actual financial reporting data against monthly budgets and researched any discrepancies to assess the accuracy and classification of financial data. ■ Filed monthly sales tax returns in the various states of operation where placement services are subject to tax, COMPUTER PROCESSING INSTITUTE, Cambridge, MA 1996 -1998 A technical traintng school specializing in graphic design, computer programming and electronics Staff Accountant • Calculated monthly revenue recognition for accurate financial reporting. • Reconciled cash in the general ledger to the bank statements on a monthly basis, • Resolved credit accounts receivable balances by issuing refunds when necessary, • Performed monthly accruals and compiled financial statements, 1. Using current or previous employment, how does your experience make you a good candidate for this position? From 2004 to 2007 1 worked for Giusti, Hingston and Company as an auditor. While working with the firm I audited municipalities (Le. cities, towns, schools and water districts). This position gave me exposure to fund accounting. Although this was my first job involving fund accounting, I adapted quickly, Auditing municipalities not only helped me to develop my fund accounting skills but also allowed me to learn how cities, towns, schools and water districts are run. In addition, I gained exposure to the software used by most municipalities (Le. Budget Sense and Munis). Although my software exposure was limited I found the software generally used by municipalities was quite user friendly, All the skills I obtained in this role will assist me greatly in my role as Town Accountant. The otherjobs I have held helped me develop additional skills that will be extremely useful. For instance, my role as an Audit Senior for DICicco, Gulman & Co. required me to supervise staff and learn new things very quickly. In this role I audited many different clients in different areas of business. This required me to learn about different industries and how they do things. I learned that I adapt well to new situations and that my problem solving skills are one of my strongest assets. This role also charged me with developing my staff which is a key supervisory skill. My roles at Orchard Brands and Oxford Global Resources required me to manage a large workload. In order to do this I learned to prioritize my tasks and efficiently manage my time. These skills will be invaluable in my role as Town Accountant. 2. What are your short -term and long -term career goals? My short -term and long term career goals are very closely aligned. I would like to take on a position within an establishment that I could see myself growing with for years to come. I want to feel that my job challenges me and provides me with opportunity for long term growth. I feel the Town Accountant position will provide me with a wealth of opportunities to expand my skillset. In the long term, I could see myself potentially exploring other opportunities within the town administration. Roberts, Carol Page 1 of 1 From: SharonAngstrom @comcast,net Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 4:36 PM To: Roberts, Carol Subject: 107565873 Town Accountant 2000593998 Monster Resume #wwpybtw2fJddpctn Attachments: wwpybtw2fjddpctn,doc Attachment format Is according with the document provided by the applicant and checked for viruses, This job seeker is applying to the following: Resume Value: wwpybtw2flddpctn Resume Headline: CPA with 16 years experience Job ID: 107666873 Job Title: Town Accountant Ref Code; 2000693998 Match Criteria: V Job Seeker meets all criteria Sharon Angstrom Last updated: 02/23112 Job Title: Town Accountant Company: no specified Rating: Not Rated Screening score: no specified Status: Resume Received SUMMARY Haverhill, MA 01836 US Home: 978 - 223 -2280 SharonAngstrom Moomcasl,nej Desired Salary/Wage: 90,000,00. 100,000,00 USD yr Desired Job Type: Employee Desired Status: Full -Time Education Level: Master's Degree Work Status: US - I am authorized to work in this country for any employer. Relocate: No MATCH CRITERIA Job Seeker meets all criteria; FIELD Work Authorization Career Level DESIRED RESPONSE US Experienced (Non - Manager) Quick View Links: Besumg Section Summary Section Match Criteria ABACK ABACK TC ACTUAL RESPONSE I am authorized to work In this country any employer. Manager (Manager /Supervisor of Staff, You may download a Word document of this resume from the Town Accountant folder. View Resume 3/19/2012 Draft Motions April 21 2012 Board of Selectmen Meeting Move that the Board of Selectmen appoint Sharon Angstrom to the position of Town Accountant for a term beginning on or about July 1, 2012, for a term ending March 31, 2013 (in accordance with the Reading Home Rule Charter), and subject to agreement between the Town Manager and Ms. Angstrom on the terms of her employment. Move to adjourn the Board of Selectmen meeting of April 21, 2012 at - - -- am