All _Town Manager Richard Montuori _wanted for Christmas was a new finance director.

Turns out he didn't need to wait for Santa to leave one under the tree Sunday morning. Instead, Montouri found his hire in his own backyard.

The MetroWest Daily News is reporting that Natick Comptroller Karen Kucala has submitted her resignation, effective Dec. 31, in order to accept the position of Tewksbury Finance Director.

The official announcement is expected to be made by Montouri at tonight's Board of Selectmen's meeting.

Kucala is a Chelmsford resident, as is Montuori.

Tewksbury has been without a finance director since Donna Walsh resigned in August to take a similar position in Andover.