MANSFIELD - After months of searching, selectmen have found the town's new accountant, tapping a Marshfield man for the position.

Eric Hart, Rockland's town accountant, was chosen by selectmen to replace Bea Kearney, who will retire at the end of the month.

"I'm excited to work with such a seasoned, professional team," Hart said. "It's truly an honor to fill Bea Kearney's position, she was a truly wonderful town accountant."

Selectmen said they liked Hart's eagerness and that he will be a good fit in Mansfield.

"He has a great energy level. He's really ready for the challenge," Selectman Kevin Moran said. Town Manager John D'Agostino praised Hart's computer savvy as the reason he rose above other candidates, including finalist Arti Mehta, Walpole's town accountant.

"He will be able to integrate computer technology more so than we've done in the past," D'Agostino said.

A graduate of Bridgewater State University, Hart is certified in Microsoft systems engineering, as well as being certified as a public purchasing official and a government accountant.

Both finalists were interviewed at the Sept. 24 selectmen meeting, and Hart was unanimously chosen by board members.

"We had two really good finalists to chose from," Moran said. "It was a very tough choice."

Hart will begin work on Oct. 20 and spend about nine workdays with Kearney, whose retirement takes effect on Oct. 30.

"She's one of the best town accountants I've ever worked with," D'Agostino said. "Eric is going to have huge shoes to fill."

MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.