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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budget setting, and team management in a strategic role.
- Company: Respected organisation in North Devon with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy while enjoying a great work/life balance.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Full training provided and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 43000 £ per year.
Are you a qualified accountant looking to step into a strategic, technically engaging role where you can genuinely influence financial planning and organisational decision-making? Whether you come from the public sector, private sector, or practice, this Principal Accountant position offers exceptional development and support for the right candidate.
We are partnering with a respected organisation seeking a professional, detail-driven Principal Accountant. You will play a central role in budget setting, financial strategy, annual accounts, statutory returns, and team leadership. Full training can be provided on sector-specific requirements, making this a fantastic opportunity for a qualified accountant seeking progression or a new environment. Additionally, benefiting from an excellent work/life balance with the likes of flexible working time, enhanced holiday allowance and closure over Christmas.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the annual revenue budget process, challenging and supporting budget managers
- Providing professional financial advice on budgets, forecasts and new projects
- Producing the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return
- Contributing to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and supporting long-term planning
- Keeping up to date with legislation, policy changes and financial regulations
- Leading on complex elements of the annual accounts (revenue and capital)
- Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and supporting external audit activity
- Supporting service managers with financial guidance and planning
- Line managing and developing members of the Finance Team
- Managing bank processes such as faster payments, BACS files and administration
- Taking on additional responsibilities tailored to your experience (treasury, capital, VAT, payroll, CT/NNDR, insurance or risk)
What We’re Looking For
- CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW etc.)
- Strong technical ability with confidence interpreting complex financial information
- Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues
- Strong analytical, modelling and problem-solving skills
- Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills
- High levels of integrity, professionalism and accuracy
- Willingness to learn sector-specific processes – full training provided
Desirable (but not essential):
- Experience with year-end accounts, capital or asset accounting
- Experience writing or presenting committee or board reports
Why You’ll Love This Role
- Local Government Pension Scheme (defined benefit – employer contribution 16%, employee 5%)
- Flexitime with core hours
- 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 5 years’ service) plus bank holidays
- Christmas closedown – 3 additional days
- Option to buy up to 10 extra days holiday
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Supportive, collaborative team
- Full training for sector-specific areas
- A meaningful role with big-picture influence
Apply now for a confidential conversation about this Principal Accountant opportunity in North Devon.
Principle Accountant in Bideford employer: Carrington Wood
Contact Detail:
Carrington Wood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principle Accountant in Bideford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know about opportunities in North Devon. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the specific financial regulations relevant to the role. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to budget management and financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve managed teams or projects before, be ready to discuss these experiences. Highlight how you’ve influenced financial planning and decision-making in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for qualified accountants who are eager to make an impact in their next role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principle Accountant in Bideford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Principal Accountant role. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and any relevant experience in budget management or financial strategy to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your strong analytical skills and how you can contribute to our financial planning and decision-making.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for someone with solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills. Don’t forget to mention any experience you have with financial regulations or compliance, as these are key for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Wood
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical ability. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've interpreted complex financial information in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves line managing and developing members of the Finance Team. Think about your previous experiences in leadership and how you’ve supported team members. Be prepared to share specific instances where you’ve guided others through financial processes or challenges.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
The job requires contributing to long-term financial strategies. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's goals and how the finance department supports them. During the interview, express your understanding of how financial planning influences organisational decision-making.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to budget setting, compliance with accounting standards, and external audits. Review relevant legislation and financial regulations beforehand. Being able to explain these concepts clearly will show your confidence and expertise in the field.