Are you an experienced finance professional looking to make a real impact? We are seeking a Principal Accountant to play a key role in providing high-quality financial advice, business partnering and technical accounting support across the organisation.
Leading a small team, you will work closely with senior managers to support strategic decision-making, drive continuous improvement and ensure strong financial governance, helping the Council deliver sustainable, value-for-money services for our communities.
At Bracknell Forest, we pride ourselves on being a council which is stable and well-managed where our employees can thrive in a supportive environment. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offer a variety of flexible working practices, including options for remote working and arrangements that allow you to work from home, dependent on the needs of the service. This role includes an expectation to work from our Time Square office 1 day per week, alongside flexible working arrangements.
About you…
You will be a CCAB qualified accountant with strong local government finance experience and a passion for using financial insight to support decision-making.
As a values-driven professional, you will be committed to continuous improvement, excellent customer service and developing those around you.
You will be confident providing professional advice and constructive challenge to senior managers, analysing complex financial information, and leading others to deliver high-quality outcomes.
About the team…
The Finance Team has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality financial management, professional advice and effective business partnering across the council.
Based at Time Square and operating through a flexible Home Flex model, you will work closely with Finance Business Partners, senior managers and service teams, helping to ensure sound financial governance and sustainable decision-making.
We are a supportive, collaborative team that values innovation, continuous learning and sharing expertise.
Key responsibilities…
- Provide professional financial advice, challenge and assurance to senior managers and budget holders, supporting effective decision-making and financial sustainability.
- Deliver financial modelling, business cases, options appraisals and analysis to support transformation programmes and service improvements.
- Manage and develop the Finance Support Team, providing leadership, coaching and quality assurance.
- Support budget setting, medium-term financial planning, statutory returns and year-end accounts processes.
- Promote strong financial governance, controls and continuous improvement across finance systems, policies and reporting.
Our benefits…
- 28 days annual leave increasing to 33 days after 3 years’ continuous service, with the opportunity to buy up to 10 and sell up to 5 days.
- Hybrid working opportunities to support your wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme, with life insurance cover.
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme (subject to eligibility).
- Reimbursement of one annual professional subscription/registration.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits. (Terms and Conditions apply)
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support your health and wellbeing
- Inclusive and social working environment with a variety of staff networks and a sports and social club.
Find out more about all our benefits or see the candidate pack.
Our values...
At Bracknell Forest Council our values define who we are and what is important to us. Our core values are inclusive, ambitious, and always learning. These values influence the way we work with each other and the way we serve our residents and engage with our communities. We make our values real by demonstrating them in how we behave every day. If you are excited about joining a diverse team that celebrates learning and strives for excellence, we would love to hear from you.
Reasonable adjustments...
We are committed to ensuring an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application or interview, please let us know by contacting recruitment@bracknell-forest.gov.uk. We will work with you to support you throughout the process. Find out more about reasonable adjustments.
Disability confident and inclusive recruitment...
Bracknell Forest Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader and an inclusive employer. This means that if you tell us on your application form that you have a disability, are an armed forces veteran or are a care leaver, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.
Want to ask us a question?
For an informal discussion or to ask any questions about this role, please contact:
Helen Pennington
Finance Business Partner – Place & Resources
01344 351468
Bracknell Forest Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect everyone employed with us to share this commitment.
We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK.
Candidates currently residing in the UK who require sponsorship to work are encouraged to assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) based on the relevant criteria. Please be aware that sponsorship availability varies and is subject to eligibility requirements and budget limitations. As a result, we cannot guarantee sponsorship for all roles and will evaluate sponsorship requests on a case-by-case basis.
No agencies please.
Equal Opportunities
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided.
Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
