New Fairfield hires Kan as new finance director

NEW FAIRFIELD – The Town of New Fairfield has hired a new finance director to replace Olga Melnikov, who stepped down in May to take a similar position in New Milford, according to the town’s October newsletter.

Vladimir Kan, who took over as finance director over the summer, is a graduate of Columbia University. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in international affairs with a strong emphasis in finance, economics and political science. He is working towards his Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute.

Kan has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, NATO, the British Embassy in Uzbekistan, as well as municipalities in Massachusetts. He is originally from Uzbekistan and speaks fluent Russian, English, and Spanish.

At their regular meeting on May 23, New Fairfield’s Board of Selectmen announced the departure of Melnikov, who is taking the same position at a bigger scale in New Milford, where she previously served as comptroller, according to the Town Tribune of New Fairfield and Sherman.

The Town of New Fairfield Finance Department supports the town as well as the Board of Education. The finance staff is responsible for overseeing the daily financial affairs which includes accounts payable, account reconciliations, payroll, purchasing, investments, and maintaining the general accounting system.

Other responsibilities include recording receipts, making deposits, assisting with the budget process, assisting with the yearly audit, long term financial planning, handling insurance related matters, and the issuance of bonds.