Principal Accountant

Principal Accountant

Public Sector

Salary range 50,000 - 57,000 per annum based on experience

37 hours per week

Permanent

The main purpose of this role is to:

Support the Head of Finance in advising senior leadership on strategic and tactical financial issues, managing the provision of a wide range of financial services, and deputising for the Head of Finance when necessary. You will act as a Senior Corporate Manager within the organisation, ensuring effective financial operations and contributing to high-level financial decisions.

Duties will include:

• Managing and developing the Finance Team to deliver high-quality financial services, including management accounting, statutory accounts production, budget preparation, treasury management, and ensuring timely and accurate financial returns.
• Advising the Head of Finance and Service Managers on strategic financial issues, ensuring finance aligns with corporate plans and performance management.
• Managing the effectiveness of the organisation's financial systems, ensuring strong control mechanisms and providing reliable management information for decision-making.
• Evaluating new initiatives to inform financial decisions, investigating inefficiencies and budget variances, and providing training to non-financial managers on financial systems and policies.
• Representing the Finance Department in multi-disciplinary projects and meetings, ensuring financial implications are considered.
• Supporting the Head of Finance in managing relationships with auditors and other partners.
• Deputising for the Head of Finance as necessary and acting as a Senior Corporate Manager.

Requirements for the role include:

• Professional accounting qualification
• Logical thinker with attention to detail
• Proven track record in financial and staff management at a senior level
• Ability to interpret and present financial data, statistics, and trends in a meaningful way
• Sound working knowledge of public sector accounting practices
• Analytical skills, with the ability to research, appraise, and evaluate financial and strategic issues
• Demonstrable problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated, with the ability to influence and motivate others

Our client offers an excellent benefits package, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities, and on-site parking.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

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