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- Tasks: Lead financial management for the exciting Blindwells project and support strategic objectives.
- Company: Join East Lothian Council, shaping Scotland's first new town since 1966.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and a career average earnings pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for home or hybrid working arrangements available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a transformative project that benefits communities at all levels.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with substantial financial management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £30.02 - £33.79
Temporary for 23 months.
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable. To start 3rd of August 2026.
Blindwells New Settlement – Project Team
East Lothian Council has an ambition to deliver and expand Blindwells new settlement, which could become Scotland’s first new town at scale since Irvine in 1966. Our emerging vision for Blindwells is to create an ‘Influential, Innovative, Health and Net Zero Place’ that is a vibrant destination and attractor; we want to create a high-quality place that is of benefit at UK, national, regional and local levels.
Blindwells is one of seven strategic sites supported by the Edinburgh and southeast Scotland City Region Deal. It is in the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 (2023) and Housing Emergency Action Plan (2025). It is supported by the interim Regional Spatial Strategy for south east Scotland (2020), the Regional Prosperity Framework for South East Scotland (2021) and its Delivery Plan (2023) as well as the Strategic Sites Programme (2025). A Blindwells Prospectus (2026) is also published.
The Council has worked with Scottish and UK Government, Scottish Futures Trust as well as private sector partners and others to develop a Strategic Outline Business Case for Blindwells, which is now approved by Government. We are now preparing an Outline Business Case, working with our private sector partners, Key Agencies and others, with Scottish Government providing investment and support to help achieve this.
The Council is therefore creating a multidisciplinary team, and a number of new full time posts have been created on a temporary basis. The following posts will sit in the Council’s Growth Delivery Team, managed by the current Blindwells Project Manager:
- Developer Contributions Officer
- Principal Accountant
- Senior Project Officer
- Planner
Resources are also to be augmented across the Council more widely to support our associated business objectives across the organisation:
- Project Architect
- Quantity Surveyor
- Solicitor
- Senior Procurement Officer
We invite applications for these posts from suitably qualified candidates to help us realise Blindwells full potential. The relevant Job Outline and Person Specifications for these roles can be accessed via the links above.
The council offers flexible working, flexi time, generous annual leave entitlement and a career average earnings pension scheme.
For an informal discussion on Blindwells, and on how successful candidate will be expected to help us progress the project to the next stage, please contact: Andrew Stewart, Project Manager, East Lothian Council Tel: 07734 370 825
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview. Please Note: All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details
As a senior member of the wider Finance Team, the Principal Accountant will be expected to:
- In collaboration with the Service Manager operationally manage the provision of professional technical financial advice across the Council identifying and delivering the strategic objectives for the Finance team and wider Finance service.
- Oversee the development and training of the Finance Team, ensuring the service has the appropriate skills, demonstrating continuous improvement, and is resourced to support the Council’s wider transformational change agenda.
- Play a key role in ensuring Council services are managing their resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Please download the Job Outline/Person Specification for the full range of tasks and duties associated with this job. You will need to refer to these in order to complete the application form. You must ensure you meet every 'essential' criteria stated on the Person Specification to be considered for interview.
The ‘East Lothian Way’ – values and behaviours we expect our employees to demonstrate in their everyday work. Should you be invited to interview, you may be asked questions based on these behaviours.
Job Requirements
Relevant Qualifications
- Qualified accountant with membership of a CCAB (CIPFA/ACCA/ICAS) professional accounting body, combined with substantial experience in a financial management role.
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
- Level 2 Disclosure Clearance. This role requires Level 2 Disclosure Clearance. ELC will submit a Police Act Disclosure application on behalf of the preferred candidate and receipt of the subsequent certificate will be required prior to commencement.
- Please note: If you have spent more than 3 months working or living out with the UK in the last 5 years then you will also be required to present a copy of an overseas criminal record check.
Details of how to apply and contact details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Additional Information
For additional East Lothian Council employment information please click on the following link: www.eastlothian.gov.uk/nonteachinginfo
If you have any difficulties creating an account on MyJobScotland or applying for this post please contact the MyJobScotland support team.
If you require further information about this vacancy, please call 01620 827868, or email us on recruitment@eastlothian.gov.uk
Please note: We do not accept CV's (either electronically or by mail). All our vacancies must be applied for by fully completing the on-line application form.
Although there is an ‘import data from my CV’ function on MyJobScotland, this only imports very limited data and should not be relied upon to complete the application form. If, for example, due to a disability, you are unable to complete the on-line application form you can contact us for a paper application via the telephone number or email address above.
Principal Accountant - Blindwells Project - EAL12541 employer: East Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
East Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant - Blindwells Project - EAL12541
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might have insights into the Blindwells Project. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with the strategic objectives and the Council’s vision for Blindwells. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to financial management and team leadership. We want to see how you can bring your skills to the table and help us achieve our goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate, so no stress there!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant - Blindwells Project - EAL12541
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description and person specification thoroughly. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you tailor your application to highlight how you meet those essential criteria.
Showcase Your Qualifications: As a qualified accountant, it's crucial to clearly outline your qualifications and relevant experience in your application. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements and professional development!
Be Specific and Concise: When filling out the application form, be specific about your experiences and skills. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to manage resources effectively and contribute to our ambitious goals for the Blindwells project. Keep it concise but impactful!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure to complete the online application form. It’s straightforward, and this way, we can keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re following our process right from the start!
How to prepare for a job interview at East Lothian Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can manage resources effectively, which is crucial for the Blindwells Project.
✨Understand the Vision
Familiarise yourself with the Blindwells project and its strategic objectives. Be prepared to discuss how your skills align with their ambition to create an 'Influential, Innovative, Health and Net Zero Place'. Showing that you understand their goals will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be overseeing the Finance Team, so highlight your experience in developing and training team members. Prepare examples of how you've led teams through change or improved processes, as this aligns with the Council's transformational agenda.
✨Embrace the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. Be ready to provide examples of how you've embodied these in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the job, but also for the culture.