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- Tasks: Manage financial services for Housing, ensuring compliance and accuracy in all activities.
- Company: Join a supportive team within the Resident Services department of Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing finance while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification or local government experience, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Ongoing training provided, promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43545 - 52767 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Finance Officer to join our Housing finance team in the Resident Services department. As the Principal Finance Officer, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive financial service to the department, ensuring that financial activities relating to all areas of Housing are conducted in a timely, accurate and compliant manner. In this role, you will provide a comprehensive financial service to the department, including providing advice to, and work jointly with, managers throughout the department covering all aspects of financial management, grants and funding co-ordination, financial policy and procedures and audit administration. You’ll be actively involved in the preparation of detailed management reports and offering crucial advice and support to departmental staff. Ensuring strict compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures is paramount, as is working closely with other departments to guarantee seamless financial coordination. Your role also involves contributing significantly to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.
The Departmental Housing Finance Support team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth financial operations of the Resident Services department. Our team is composed of highly skilled and experienced officers who possess an intimate understanding of the department's intricate financial processes. We are adept at handling a wide range of financial tasks, demonstrating exceptional versatility and expertise in all areas of the department's financial management. Our collaborative and supportive work environment promotes continuous learning, allowing us to provide unparalleled service to the department. Our exceptional communication skills enable us to effectively interact with officers at all levels, fostering strong partnerships and contributing significantly to the overall success of the department.
Key duties include:
- Monitoring of departmental Housing budgets and expenditure both general fund and HRA.
- Maintaining a high level of technical knowledge of the Housing Management system (NEC) and uses said knowledge to interrogate Repair and Maintenance trends.
- Compiles monthly findings for monthly board forecast review.
- Preparation of monthly forecast reports working with the relevant service heads to analysis and integrate detail.
- Providing general financial advice and support to Housing departmental staff.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will have an appropriate finance qualification or proven local government experience and knowledge of financing local government and preferably previous experience of Housing Revenue Accounts. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are able to demonstrate a high level of transferrable skills and knowledge. Ongoing training will be provided to the successful candidate in keeping with the council’s commitment to staff development. You will need to have a practical approach to problem solving and be comfortable with cyclical tasks. You will have an analytical mind and be a well-developed communicator both orally and written, familiar with Microsoft software suite, self-motivated and be committed to providing good customer care. You will have the ability to work independently without direct supervision yet still be an active member of the team.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 26th January 2026
Interview Date: W/C 2nd February 2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Principal Finance Officer (HRA) employer: Connected Local Government
Contact Detail:
Connected Local Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer (HRA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Housing finance team. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial regulations knowledge. We want to show that we’re not just familiar with the basics but can also discuss how we’d ensure compliance in this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our communication skills! Since the role involves advising and supporting staff, let’s rehearse explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help us shine during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer (HRA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Principal Finance Officer role. We want to see how you can contribute to our Housing finance team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Showcase Your Financial Knowledge: Since this role involves a lot of financial management, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of financial regulations and procedures. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know about your qualifications and any local government experience you have.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points if necessary to make your key achievements stand out – we love a good list!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Local Government
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or financial reports in the past. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them effectively.
✨Understand Housing Finance
Familiarise yourself with the specifics of Housing Revenue Accounts and local government financing. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these areas will set you apart from other candidates and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves advising and collaborating with various managers, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues in the past.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with financial regulations and procedures. Think of specific instances where you ensured compliance or improved processes, as this will highlight your attention to detail and commitment to best practices.
