FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE AND CONTRACTS SPECIALIST

FINANCIAL COMPLIANCE & CONTRACTS SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Financial Compliance and Contracts Specialist for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Under the direction of the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, the Financial Compliance & Contracts Specialist performs advanced professional, administrative, and financial work overseeing departmental budgeting, grants administration, contract development, procurement compliance, and fiscal accountability for the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The position serves as the Department's central resource for financial operations and compliance across all HHS divisions. The Financial Compliance & Contracts Specialist develops and maintains financial systems, internal controls, and standardized administrative processes to ensure compliance with municipal, state, federal, and grant requirements. The position collaborates with other City departments and funding agencies to support HHS ensuring the responsible stewardship of public funds and consistent financial practices across the Department.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Develop, monitor, and manage departmental operating budgets across multiple funding sources.
• Monitor expenditures, revenues, encumbrances, and budget projections.
• Prepare financial analyses, budget forecasts, and executive reports.
• Manage the financial administration of federal, state, municipal, and private grants.
• Prepare reimbursement requests, financial reports, grant closeouts, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure compliance with grant agreements, Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), and applicable funding requirements.
• Coordinate Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), contract procurement, and contract administration.
• Develop and maintain departmental contract tracking systems.
• Develop, draft, administer, and monitor grant agreements, subrecipient contracts, MOUs, MOAs, and other contractual documents to ensure compliance with funding requirements and City policies.
• Review contracts, amendments, renewals, invoices, and payment requests for compliance.
• Monitor subrecipient and contractor performance to ensure contractual obligations, programmatic deliverables, financial reporting requirements, and compliance standards are met throughout the contract lifecycle
• Coordinate procurement activities with the City's Purchasing Division.
• Develop and implement internal financial controls and standardized fiscal procedures.
• Prepare documentation for internal and external financial audits.
• Coordinate responses to audit findings and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor contract performance and vendor compliance.
• Develop financial dashboards, reports, and performance measures for executive leadership.
• Provide financial guidance and technical assistance to Division Directors and program managers.
• Develop departmental financial policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial operations through process improvement and technology.
• Serve as the Department's primary liaison to Finance, Purchasing, Human Resources, the Law Department, auditors, and funding agencies.
• Assist with the preparation of the Department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Perform all similar or related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of governmental accounting principles and municipal finance.
• Knowledge of budget development and financial forecasting.
• Understanding of federal and state grant administration.
• Knowledge of uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200).
• Understanding of Massachusetts procurement laws and municipal purchasing practices.
• Knowledge of contract administration and compliance.
• Knowledge of internal controls and financial risk management.
• Knowledge of financial reporting and audit preparation.
• Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel.
• Experienced in financial management and enterprise resource planning systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply financial regulations and grant requirements.
• Ability to read, interpret and document financial transactions in compliance with City Ordinances, State Statutes, other regulatory laws and accounting principles.
• Ability to become knowledgeable in applicable Federal/State/Local regulations, procurement & municipal budgeting standard operating practices.
• Ability to prepare detailed financial analyses and reports.
• Ability to develop and monitor complex budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple grants and funding sources simultaneously.
• Ability to coordinate procurement and contract administration.
• Ability to analyze financial data and identify trends.
• Ability to develop policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to build productive relationships with City departments, vendors, and funding agencies.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Organization skills.
• Ability to organize multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to lead process improvement initiatives and implement organizational efficiencies.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field; AND;  

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in governmental finance, accounting, grants management, budget administration, contract management, procurement, or municipal financial operations OR;
  • Any equivalent combination of education, training and seven (7) experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered in lieu of above requirement

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, public administration, economics or related field
• Two (2) years of experience working in municipal government.
• Two (2) years of experience administering federal and state grants.
• Two (2) years of experience managing government contracts and procurement.
• Two (2) years of experience preparing for or coordinating financial audits.
• Professional certification such as CPA, CGFM, CGMS, or similar credentials.

 SALARY RANGE: $68,875 - $90,122 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit:  www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA  01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to:  City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.