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- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budget setting, and team management in a strategic role.
- Company: Respected organisation offering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Full training provided and excellent career progression opportunities.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 43000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: North Devon (Hybrid options available)
Hours: Full time (part-time considered)
Start: ASAP
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 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
Principal Accountant in Northam employer: Carrington Wood
Contact Detail:
Carrington Wood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant in Northam
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in local government or similar sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨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 that might come up in a Principal Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams or projects in the past. Highlighting your ability to guide others will set you apart as a candidate who can take on the responsibilities of this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant in Northam
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 qualifications, especially if you're CCAB-qualified, and any relevant experience in budget management or financial strategy.
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 specific examples of how you've influenced financial planning or led teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong technical ability, don’t shy away from mentioning your proficiency with Excel and other financial software. If you have experience with year-end accounts or presenting reports, make sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Wood
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll be expected to handle complex financial information. Brush up on your technical skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets or financial strategies in the past. This will show your confidence and expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical financial problems or explain how you'd approach budget setting. Practise articulating your thought process clearly, as this will demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves line managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed team members or led projects, highlighting your ability to guide others while maintaining high standards of professionalism and integrity.
✨Stay Updated on Regulations
The job requires keeping up with legislation and financial regulations. Make sure you can talk about recent changes in accounting standards or relevant policies. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and your readiness to adapt to sector-specific processes.