Principal Accountant

We are currently supporting a local authority in the South East region in their search for an Interim Principal Account to support across financial planning.

Rate: £500 Per Day Inside IR35

Hybrid: 2-3 days in the office per week

Contract: 6 Months

Location: South East

Main Duties:

• Support the delivery of strategic financial advice across the authority to enable effective decision-making.
• Provide a high-quality, professional finance service by overseeing daily operations and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, financial reporting standards, best practices, and developments.
• Deliver accurate and timely financial support to senior stakeholders within designated service areas, aligning with the Council's strategic vision and values.
• Collaborate with the councils service managers to prepare clear, comprehensive monthly and quarterly financial monitoring and budgeting, including robust and detailed financial forecasts.
• Assist in the preparation of the Council's statement of accounts and related financial returns. Support external audit processes by ensuring all required documentation and evidence are submitted promptly.
• Contribute to the development and assessment of budget proposals
• Support the evaluation of service transformation initiatives and business improvements to enhance operational efficiency and value for money.
• Play a key role in managing and developing the team by ensuring that staff are effectively trained and supported to help meet the service requirements.
• Undertake any additional duties reasonably expected within the scope of the role.

Essential Requirements:

• Extensive experience of financial management and modelling in a large local authority
• Experience of process reviews and developments
• Understanding of the local authority legislative frameworks and compliance frameworks relating to the code of practice
• Experience of team management and developing staff
• CCAB or CIMA qualified or similar demonstrable experience at a similar level

If you are keen on the role, then please apply and one of the team will be in touch with you should you meet the minimum requirements.

Alternatively, please refer someone for a referral voucher if they are successfully placed.