Southold Comptroller Bids Adieu

SOUTHOLD, NY — After 30 years of dedicated service to Southold Town, Comptroller John Cushman is leaving to pursue a new dream.

"An opportunity has presented itself for a position in a field that I am personally very passionate about – I have accepted a position with Ducks Unlimited, Inc. as a Director of Development, and my region of responsibility will be New York and New England," Cushman told Patch Friday.

Ducks Unlimited is a not-for-profit organization focused on the preservation and conservation of wetlands and habitats for waterfowl and other habitats.

Cushman said his "old friend and colleague, Jim McMahon, recruited me as a Ducks Unlimited volunteer nearly 30 years ago, and I have been deeply involved ever since in various capacities, locally, statewide and as member of the National Board of Directors, all the while helping fellow volunteers raise funds in support of DU’s conservation mission to conserve, restore and manage wetland and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. This is an exciting opportunity that I believe would not present itself again during my remaining working years."

Cushman said his retirement date is March 6, and his last official day in the office will be March 3.

"I will have worked for the town for 30 years, and will most certainly miss my dear friends and colleagues here at the town the most. For me, the best parts about of working with this town board and the supervisor have been building and solidifying the personal relationships that I have with each of them."

Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the loss is tremendous.

"He's irreplaceable and one of my closest advisors and good friends. I have worked far more closely with him than any other staffer," Russell said. "The job he performs is critical. It will be very difficult to find someone as knowledgeable, hardworking and as deeply committed to this town as he is. His leaving is a huge loss to this town and I can't stress that enough."

The supervisor said he has "torn emotions. I'm still stunned by his departure yet am happy for him. He's moving on to better things."

The search for a replacement has commenced, town officials said.

The ad for the post reads:

"The Town of Southold is seeking a full time Comptroller.

The Comptroller is the primary accounting officer for and oversees all financial and audit activities of the Town. The Comptroller is responsible for establishing sound financial policies and procedures, maintaining accurate and complete financial accounting records, assisting the Supervisor and Town Board in the preparation of the Town's Annual Operating and Capital Budgets, ensuring compliance with all Town Board approved funding and appropriations, providing timely and useful financial reporting and management information to the Supervisor, Town Board, the State Comptroller and the public, maximizing opportunities for all investment and borrowing requirements, and coordinating independent, forensic, and New York State audits. The Comptroller supervises employees in the Accounting & Finance Department who perform payroll, personnel and benefits administration, accounting, and accounts payable functions.

Applicants must demonstrate a history of leadership in a municipal setting as well as the ability to develop and maintain a flexible, collaborative, adaptive, personable and professionally supportive work environment.

Minimum Requirements:

Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered College or University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration as well as a certification as a Certified Public Accountant is required. Candidates should have at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as in a municipal finance, treasurer, or comptroller position in a New York State municipality. Applicants may substitute demonstrable training and experience for parts of this requirement. Salary commensurate with experience.

Please submit resumes to: Elizabeth Neville, Town Clerk, Town Hall, PO Box 1179, Southold, New York. Resumes must be received by 4 p.m. on February 16. Southold is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action Employer."