FRANKLIN—Brian Stump has been on the job as the city’s new director of finance for several weeks and, despite it being a tough budget cycle, said he is acclimating well to the business of Franklin.

“Everyone on the staff has been helpful,” Stump said. “I have definitely depended on them to get up to speed, and they are doing a great job.”

Stump was hired to replace Andy Rose, who moved to Georgia last fall. He comes to Franklin at a time when city budgets across the country are being shaved and taxpayers are examining municipal coffers with more interest. Interim City Manager June Fleming said Stump has already made a tremendous impact.

“He hasn’t even been here a full month and already he’s corrected some accounting errors, taken things out of the budget that probably didn’t need to be there and has been instrumental in helping staff through this current budget process,” Fleming said.

Stump has more than 20 years of experience in finance and accounting, spanning both the private and public sectors. Prior to his appointment with the city, Stump was the interim director of finance for Suffolk. Stump also held positions as the Director of Finance for Specialty Foods Group Inc. and was the Coordinator of Fiscal Services for the Community Services Board of Williamsburg. He previously held lead financial positions in the private sector for companies including Canon, Philip Morris and Ferguson Enterprises.

Stump is a certified public accountant who graduated with a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Christopher Newport University in Newport News.

He has been a member of the Institute of Management Accountants since 1996 and a member of the Virginia Society of CPA’s since 1998. He also is a member of the Virginia Government Finance Officers’ Association.

Stump and his wife, Dorrie, are lifelong residents of the Peninsula, living between Williamsburg and Newport News. However, Stump said they are looking forward to moving to Franklin in the near future.

“I am excited about the opportunity to live and work in the city of Franklin and am eager to get acquainted with the people in town,” Stump said.