The town has just started to advertise for the position, which is offering a salary of between $72,154 and $94,102.
John P. MusanteAMHERST – Town Manager John P. Musante is searching for a new finance director to replace the previous director who left to take another job – himself.
Musante became town manager Oct. 1, succeeding Laurence R. Shaffer who retired. Until he hires a replacement, Musante is doing double duty.
Musante became head of finance in 2004, replacing Nancy A. Maglione, who had been in the position for more than 15 years.
“I’m beating the bushes,” looking for a candidate. “We think we’d be an attractive organization (for someone) who wants to be a leader in the field,” he said.
The town is a $75 million per year operation. “This is an important job. It’s one of the key senior” positions.
The town has just started to advertise for the position, which is offering a salary of between $72,154 and $94,102 depending on qualifications. Applications will be taken until Nov. 26.
According to the job description, the town is seeking someone able to “perform administrative, planning and technical work in the coordination and management” of town government “including financial management, budgeting, purchasing, insurance, personnel and other related functions.”
The candidate will be responsible for “both strategic and short range financial planning, development of financial policies and practices,” as well as coordinating the annual budget process for the town.
He’s looking for “a strong leader with the ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with peers, subordinates and committees.”
While Musante had been treasurer as well, the Personnel Board recently approved a request to combine the Treasurer and Collector jobs and approved the appointment of Claire McGinnis to take on both. McGinnis has been collector. In the past, the collector and treasurer positions had been combined.