NORTH ATTLEBORO -- The brain drain at town hall continues, with the town accountant moving over to North Attleboro Electric to join her former boss.

Town Accountant Paula Tattrie will join the electric department's staff as business division manager on April 3.

North Attleboro Electric General Manager James Moynihan said Tattrie was selected from a field of 17 applicants for the job.

`` We're thrilled to have an individual with Ms. Tattrie's background of fiscal management and integrity come on board,'' Moynihan said. `` It will be a great step for us in moving forward to rebuild public confidence in North Attleboro Electric.''

Tattrie, who has served as town accountant since 1994, said she ready for a new challenge. `` It's a new opportunity for me. I've been with the town for 22 years,'' she said.

During 10 of those years, Tattrie worked with Moynihan, who formerly served as town administrator.

Tattrie's departure comes at a time when the town accountant's office is already short on personnel.

The office is normally staffed by four people, but with Tattrie's departure, there will be only one person in the office.

Former Assistant Town Accountant James Puello recently left to become Norton's town accountant and another staff member is away on maternity leave.

`` It's a great career move for Paula, but it's a tremendous loss for the town of North Attleboro,'' Selectmen Chairman John Rhyno said. `` It creates a gaping hole in the town side of government because no one is going to be able to fill Paula's shoes.''

The town budget is still being prepared and a new financial software package is being installed, but acting Town Administrator Mark Fisher said there never would have been a good time to lose such a valuable employee.

`` It's a great opportunity for Paula,'' Fisher said. `` She has been a tremendous asset to the town in a lot of ways.''

Fisher said the town accountant's job is already being advertised, with applications due March 21.

A screening committee comprised of Fisher and Selectmen Marjorie Kraskouskas and William Moffitt will review the applications. Fisher said the town also will look into contracting with a company to temporarily fill the post until a new town accountant can be hired.

The town is already interviewing applicants for the assistant town accountant's job, for which 52 applications have been received.

It has not been decided whether the post will be filled before or after a new town accountant is hired, Fisher said.

AMY DEMELIA can be reached at 508-236-0334 or by e-mail at ademelia@thesunchronicle.com.