JOB POSTING – February 5, 2026

DEADLINE – May 8, 2026

Job Title: Chief Administrative and Financial Officer

Department: Finance

Reports to: The Mayor

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Mayor, the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer (CAFO) supports the operations of the City. The position includes oversight of all City departments and coordination of special projects and interdepartmental initiatives. The CAFO performs a variety of management duties involving budgeting, collective bargaining, and purchasing, and is responsible for the implementation of all policies set by the Mayor. The CAFO provides professional advice to the Mayor, City Council, and a variety of officials, departments, boards and committees concerning the development, implementation and administration of the policies, goals, regulations, and statutory requirements related to the administration and operation of the City.

Supervisory Responsibility:

● Supervision Scope: The CAFO works in accordance with the Massachusetts General Laws. The CAFO performs highly responsible work of a complex nature requiring the exercise of considerable judgment, initiative, and attention to detail.

● Supervision Given: The CAFO supervises all financial department heads and other administrative staff under the direction of the Mayor.

Essential Functions:

● Facilitates the financial and administrative operations of the City in accordance with City Ordinances, City Charter, and all state and federal laws: serves as a liaison between the Mayor and finance department heads, keeping the Mayor apprised of departmental activities; provides oversight of professional contractors and consultants as needed; assists departments with resolution of issues requiring the attention of the Mayor; monitors and evaluates progress of departments towards the goals and objectives of the Administration.

● Implements and maintains uniform systems, controls, and procedures for all financial activities in all departments, including the school department, boards, commissions, agencies or other units of City government the operations of which have a financial impact upon the general fund and enterprise funds of the City, and including, but not limited to, maintaining all financial and accounting data and records.

● Attends all meetings of the City Council Finance Subcommittee; briefs the Council on pending agenda items and other City issues; responds to inquiries and provides Council Members with information on the status of City operations and projects; provides analysis as needed to assist the Mayor and Council to make informed policy decisions.

● Performs financial and managerial analyses for the Mayor and City Council, as required by the Mayor pertaining to City operations and programs; evaluates data and makes recommendations based on findings; prepares financial reports and projections; and makes necessary presentations to the Mayor and, as needed, to the City Council and other interested parties.

● Assists the Mayor and City Council with strategic and long-range planning for the City: participates in appropriate planning efforts at the local and regional level; keeps the Mayor apprised of developments at the state and federal level that impact the City; monitors pending legislation for impact on the City; oversees compliance with new legislation.

● Develops the annual operating and capital budgets: prepares annual budget document in coordination with the Comptroller; reviews departmental budget requests for inclusion in the Mayor’s recommendation to the City Council; coordinates the scheduling of budget meetings; ensures compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.

● Provides executive direction to the labor relations and collective bargaining function: serves as member of the negotiation team representing the City’s position; conducts costing analysis in preparation for contract negotiations; drafts responses to grievances in consultation with the Solicitor and Human Resources Director.

● Facilitates problem solving at all levels in the organization: works with department heads and senior management to ensure effective coordination and cooperation among departments; coordinates the continuous review of interdepartmental processes for quality control and improvement; responds to inquiries from the public regarding issues unresolved at the departmental level.

● Assists in the oversight and management of the purchasing function in coordination with the Chief Procurement Officer, ensuring the City engages in cost effective purchasing procedures and is in compliance with Massachusetts Laws governing public procurement; assist in the development of bids, request for proposals and request for quotations; review specifications, draft contract terms and supplemental conditions; support all City departments in procurement related matters. The essential functions or 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.

Knowledge, skill, and abilities required:

● Extensive knowledge of all aspects of municipal management including labor relations, collective bargaining, procurement, financial management, and budgeting, and relevant Massachusetts General Law.

● Comprehensive knowledge of GAAP and UMAS

● Experience supervising projects that involve large budgets.

● Strong ability to prepare budgets and provide fiscal analysis on a large scale.

● Ability to gather and interpret statistical and technical information and prepare reports.

● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and city officials.

● Ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and written correspondence with the broadest range of development participants including federal, state and local elected and appointed officials, the media, business and community leaders.

● Possess a high code of personal ethics and integrity in meeting demands and carrying out the responsibilities of the position.

● Expertise in budgeting, financial forecasting, and managing both operating and capital budgets.

● In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and procedures, with experience in balancing and reconciling accounts and ledgers.

● Understanding of local, state, and federal financial laws, specifically Massachusetts General Law, and the ability to enforce compliance.

● Ability to prepare complex financial reports, statistical statements, and year-end closing reports, including certification of free cash and tax rate establishment.

● Strong skills in accounting software, with experience in training, maintaining, and improving integrated accounting systems.

● Experience in overseeing, training, and managing staff, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in daily operations.

● Strong analytical skills to identify discrepancies, recommend solutions, and make improvements to accounting practices.

● Strong attention to detail in reviewing financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

● Capability to assess and recommend improvements to accounting policies, systems, and processes for greater efficiency.

Education & Experience required:

● Bachelor’s degree or higher in finance, public/business administration, or equivalent degree required in addition to a minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years successful senior level financial management experience in a municipal setting, or (3) three to (5) five years as municipal chief administrative officer, CFO or city/town manager. A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, public finance or other appropriate fields is strongly preferred.

● A strong and consistent track record of successful achievements, alongside a clear progression in supervisory responsibilities within complex organizational environments

● Experience with Massachusetts General Laws, collective bargaining, civil service and personnel administration preferred.

● (3) three to (5) five years of hands-on experience using accounting and ERP systems; experience with Tyler ERP/Munis strongly preferred

● Certification as a Certified Public Financial Officer within thirty-six (36) months of appointment.

● Certification as a MCPPO (Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official) within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) status:

Exempt Hours: Full-Time, 35 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Pay Rate: $115,000.00 to $160,000.00 (GRADE -17, SCHA)

Employee Benefits: Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Optional Vision, Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Short-term Disability

How to Apply: Please apply on Indeed.com or send resume and cover letter to Personnel@holyoke.org