Letter: Finance director doesn’t meet primary requirement

Posted 5/3/18

To the editor,

The Town Council of Portsmouth recently approved the hiring of a new finance director, the third in two years. It appears, however, that the candidate does not meet the primary …

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Letter: Finance director doesn’t meet primary requirement

Posted

To the editor,

The Town Council of Portsmouth recently approved the hiring of a new finance director, the third in two years. It appears, however, that the candidate does not meet the primary qualification.

The first qualification stated in the job announcement was (that) applicants must have a CPA license. In light of the missing $2 million dollars recently discovered during the warrant review, this makes sense. Out of the 55 applicants who responded, six were finalists and were vetted through the new administrative director. 

It is the Town Council who holds the overall responsibility of running the town. When council members requested the applicants’ résumés for verification of the best candidate, (Town Administrator Richard) Rainer refused to provide the data needed for the council to make a quality decision. To refuse the council’s request denies the members of the council the opportunity to do their due diligence.

The council, by Town Charter, must approve the administrator's financial director selection. But without the information they need, how can our elected representatives do their job properly? If a “must-have” qualification is arbitrarily eliminated, our councilors need to understand why the chosen person is actually the best quailed. Councilors should also be able to see any town information they desire in the performance of their duties.

There is a clear difference between an accountant and a licensed CPA. They provide a higher degree of professional accountability and credibility. In view of the number of applicants, the town had a clear opportunity to hire a qualified CPA.

A licensed CPA has important credentials which guarantee that the license holder is up to date with the changing states laws and municipal accounting practices. This is done through required continuing professional education.                                                            

Laws and accounting practices have changed a great deal in the 13 years since the chosen candidate let her CPA certification lapse. When questioned by a council member, the candidate responded that it will take three to four years to get reinstated.  

So, why was a licensed CPA required as a “must,” but one was not hired anyway? This was a complete injustice to the other applicants.              

That is the same as not meeting the job requirements, so why would some of the council vote to hire a less-qualified applicant and why would they be willing to give that up since the candidate cannot get a CPA license for at least three years?

Debra Faber Cardoza

99 Summit Road

Portsmouth

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