Town Treasurer and Tax Collector

The Town of Needham, Massachusetts, is seeking a highly qualified professional to serve as Town Treasurer/Tax Collector. This full-time position reports to the Assistant Director of Finance and works as part of the municipal Finance team, including the divisions of Treasurer/Collector, Accounting, Assessing, Purchasing, and Finance. This position serves as custodian of the financial assets of the town with a specific focus on general fund cash management, stabilization funds, trust funds, enterprise funds and investments, borrowing and debt management, tax titles, and collection of all taxes due to the town. The Town Treasurer/Tax Collector is responsible for the management of revenue for both the Town and the Schools. The ideal candidate has a high degree of organization, timely task management, and the drive to improve and streamline processes. The ideal candidate is someone who excels at interpersonal communication, communicating strict legal and financial concepts with residents and taxpayers, building relationships and providing information.

About the Team:

The Town of Needham has had a bond rating of AAA, assigned by Standard & Poor’s, since 2000. The FY2024 annual revenue was over $260 million, including general fund, two enterprise funds, and the Community Preservation funds.

Hours per week: 37.5

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Some evening hours for committee and board meetings. After six months, there is the opportunity for flexibility in schedule.

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Finance and in accordance with State statutes and Town by-laws, plan, control, and direct the functions of the Treasurer and Tax Collector's Office, including the billing, collecting, and depositing of receipts; cash and investment management; and the sale of short and long-term borrowing. 
• As a member of the municipal finance team, participate in planning and coordination of Town-wide financial operations.
• Receive, disburse, and account for all Town funds, utilizing automated systems; and ensure that adequate funds are available from Town accounts for the timely payment of Town obligations. 
• Responsible for the issuance, collection, receipt, and accounting of all committed taxes, betterments, utility charges, and other receivables. The office certifies municipal liens and counts and records parking meter receipts. 
• Oversees an office of 5.0 FTEs. Plan overall departmental activities and develop and recommend policies and procedures in areas of responsibility; interview, select, orient, train, and schedule assigned staff; and evaluate performance and recommend personnel actions. 
• Respond to Town resident inquiries, with a “customer service” attitude.
• Use of outstanding diplomatic skills in dealing with the task of collecting delinquencies.
• Position necessitates extensive knowledge of banking regulations.
• Supports the borrowing decisions made by the Deputy Town Manager/Director of Finance. 
• Serves on relevant boards and committees as assigned, including the Property Tax Relief Committee and the Trust Fund Committee.
• Serves as Treasurer of Needham Contributory Retirement Board. 
• Perform other related duties as required by statue or as directed.

Upcoming Projects:

• This position will play a vital role in the upcoming conversion to a new financial ERP software. Candidates who are interested in the opportunity streamline processes, optimize systems, and be a part of an exciting initiative are strongly encouraged to apply.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job:

• Completion of four-year college degree in Public Administration, Finance, Administration, or a related field.
• Seven (7) years of related experience including three (3) years of supervisory experience
• Attainment of a Massachusetts Certified Treasurer/Collector is desirable
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to be bonded.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and possess a tactful approach in customer service.

Please upload your cover letter and resume by clicking "Apply."

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis with priority consideration for applications received by September 22, 2025. Vacancy will remain posted until a suitable candidate is found.

About Needham:

Needham, MA (pop. 32,091), incorporated in 1711, is a primarily residential suburban community with a highly regarded school system, a well-managed town, and a strong sense of community. A desirable suburb of Boston, Needham is an ideal location for anyone working in the city or along the I-95/Route 128 corridor as there are three exits providing access to the town. Needham borders Dover, Westwood, Dedham, Wellesley, Newton, and the West Roxbury section of Boston. Needham is 10 miles southwest of Boston, 29 miles east of Worcester, and about 208 miles from New York City. Commuter rail service is available via four stations to Back Bay Station and South Station in Boston. Needham is a member of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which provides fixed bus route service between Needham Junction and Watertown Square.

Needham has a thriving downtown and is home to global high-technology firms, life science companies, world-class healthcare facilities, and the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Multi-modal transportation is very important to the residents and climate resiliency efforts are in the forefront. The town has a strong and dedicated management team, and its departments are provided with the tools, resources and support to promote efficient operations.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov. 

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