At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice and support to managers across the Council.
- Company: Join Cumberland Council, a supportive and innovative organisation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Guaranteed interviews for eligible applicants and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Shape financial processes and support cultural change for better public services.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part-qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Cumberland Council is looking to appoint a Principal Finance Officer who possesses strong technical and analytical skills to join our Finance team. The role contributes to budget setting, ongoing budget monitoring, and year‑end processes, providing accurate financial information to support informed decision‑making across services. You will play a key role in supporting the Finance Manager to deliver flexible and professional financial services that enable effective budget management and informed decision‑making across the Council. The role is offered on a hybrid working basis, combining remote work with on-site attendance at our Council offices across Carlisle, Workington, or Whitehaven. Office attendance will be required for key meetings, collaboration, and business needs, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert financial advice and support to managers across the Council.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and complete financial statements, grant claims, and returns.
- Build strong business partnering relationships with service managers.
- Deliver training and coaching to improve financial skills and budget management.
- Support the development of reports, business cases, and options papers ensuring financial implications are clear and accurate.
What We’re Looking For
- Fully qualified AAT or part‑qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant or qualified with relevant experience with transferrable skills.
- Strong technical knowledge of accounting standards and practices.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
Why Join Us?
You’ll help shape financial processes and support cultural change to improve value for money across the Council. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real impact. This role is available on a permanent basis.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation’s core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities. We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Paula Gledhill by email at Paula.Gledhill@cumberland.gov.uk.
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role:
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive. If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing Resourcing@Cumberland.gov.uk. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Easily apply by submitting your CV, covering letter, and answering a few short questions.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 30/06/2026
Interview date: week commencing 13/07/2026
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please Read The Supporting Information
Post Specification
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more: Our Staff Benefits Candidate Support About Cumberland Council
Principal Finance Officer CMB2547e in Carlisle employer: Cumberland Council
Cumberland Council is an excellent employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work environment, offering flexible hybrid working arrangements that allow for a balance between remote and on-site collaboration. With a strong commitment to professional development and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and contribute to innovative financial solutions that enhance public services. Join us to be part of a team that values ambition, compassion, and empowerment, while shaping the future of our local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer CMB2547e in Carlisle
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Cumberland Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can discuss accounting standards and practices confidently, as this will show you're ready to hit the ground running in the Principal Finance Officer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills during the interview! Be ready to share examples of how you've used data to support decision-making in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to provide expert financial advice.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference at Cumberland Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer CMB2547e in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Principal Finance Officer, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical and analytical prowess!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Finance team. Be sure to mention your passion for budget management and how you can contribute to informed decision-making across the Council.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships and delivering training, make sure your application reflects your excellent communication skills. We want to see examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we’ll be able to process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cumberland Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical and analytical skills. Brush up on key financial concepts, accounting standards, and practices relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous positions.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication skills to provide financial advice and support to managers. Practice explaining complex financial information in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial insights to non-financial colleagues.
✨Build Relationships
The job involves building strong business partnering relationships. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with service managers in the past. Highlight any training or coaching experiences that showcase your ability to empower others in budget management.
✨Embrace Flexibility
With hybrid working in play, show your adaptability. Be ready to talk about how you manage your time effectively between remote work and on-site attendance. Share examples of how you've successfully met deadlines while working flexibly.
