At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead key statutory reporting and technical accounting functions in a dynamic local authority.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and immediate impact on financial governance.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and continuous improvement in finance processes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial reporting while enhancing your expertise.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with experience in local authority finance and statutory accounts.
9 Month Contract | ASAP Start
£500 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
Hybrid Working
CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place shortly.
Are you an experienced Principal Accountant looking for a contract where you can take ownership of key statutory reporting and technical accounting functions? Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will play a pivotal role in year-end accounts production, collection fund accounting, VAT compliance, and balance sheet management. This is an opportunity to use your technical expertise to influence financial governance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure robust financial reporting across a complex local authority environment.
Your Role as Principal Accountant:
- Lead on Collection Fund Accounting, including council tax, NNDR returns, surplus and deficit calculations
- Take ownership of year-end closedown, Statement of Accounts, Group Accounts and Cash Flow Statements
- Provide expert technical accounting and VAT advice to finance colleagues and senior stakeholders
- Manage Balance Sheet integrity, reconciliations, reserves, grants accounting and chart of accounts maintenance
- Act as the key contact for audit queries, statutory returns and financial compliance, ensuring adherence to CIPFA guidance
Your Previous Experience as Principal Accountant:
- Proven experience delivering statutory accounts and year-end closedown within a Local Authority environment
- Strong knowledge of Collection Fund Accounting, VAT, Revenue Accounting and Balance Sheet Management
- Experience completing NNDR1-3, CTR1, Revenue Outturn Returns and Whole Government Accounts
- Ability to provide technical financial advice and confidently engage with senior leaders, auditors and external stakeholders
- CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with a strong understanding of local government finance and CIPFA regulations
This Principal Accountant opportunity will see you working on some of the most important areas of financial reporting, governance and compliance. As Principal Accountant, you will have the autonomy to lead on complex accounting matters while supporting continuous improvement across finance processes. This is an excellent opportunity for a Principal Accountant seeking a challenging and rewarding contract where your expertise will make an immediate impact.
Our clients are passionate about creating and evolving a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on your experience and skills. Any reasonable adjustments in the workplace will be fully supported during the application and hiring process.
Principal Accountant employer: Baltimore Consulting
Baltimore Consulting is an exceptional employer that fosters a values-driven culture, prioritising quality and integrity in every aspect of its work. As a Recruitment Consultant in Bristol, you'll benefit from a hybrid work model, enjoy uncapped commission, and generous holiday allowances, all while contributing to meaningful appointments in the public sector. The company is committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Baltimore Consulting.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Baltimore Consulting might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Baltimore Consulting will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Baltimore Consulting. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Baltimore Consulting confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Baltimore Consulting
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Baltimore Consulting.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Baltimore Consulting that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
