At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial advice and support the new Finance system for East Lothian Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to financial governance and transformation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Home/hybrid working options available; must reside in the UK.
- Why this job: Shape the future of financial governance while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with CCAB membership and experience in financial management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 € per year.
Hourly rate of pay: £30.02 - £33.79
Days and Hours of Work: Monday - Friday, 09:00-17:00. Starting and finishing times are flexible, and flexi time is applicable. To start July 2026.
We are seeking a qualified accountant to join the team. The post will be based in Corporate Accounting and will support the control requirements of the new Finance system. This is a critical post within the structure, and there will be opportunities for the successful applicant to help shape the future direction and the financial governance of the financial ledger.
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.
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.
Principal Accountant - EAL12630 employer: East Lothian Council
East Lothian Council is an excellent employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering hybrid working options to support employees' needs. With a strong focus on professional development and continuous improvement, the Principal Accountant role provides a unique opportunity to influence financial governance while being part of a collaborative team dedicated to achieving strategic objectives. Located in the picturesque East Lothian, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and community impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant - EAL12630
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on East Lothian Council and their financial governance. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to financial management and your experience as a qualified accountant. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed resources or led a team. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the Finance Team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a few thoughtful questions prepared about the role or the team dynamics. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the job is the right fit for you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant - EAL12630
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what’s expected of you and how your skills align with the role. This will help you tailor your application to stand out!
Highlight Your Qualifications:Since this role requires specific qualifications, don’t forget to showcase your CCAB membership and relevant experience. Be clear about how your background makes you a perfect fit for the Principal Accountant position.
Address the Essential Criteria:Make sure you meet every 'essential' criterion listed in the Person Specification. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet these requirements. This is crucial for getting noticed!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our online form. So, head over to our website and fill it out completely. Don’t rely on importing data from your CV; make sure everything is tailored and accurate!
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 principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to manage resources efficiently.
✨Understand the 'East Lothian Way'
Familiarise yourself with the values and behaviours expected by East Lothian Council. During the interview, be prepared to provide examples of how you embody these values in your work. This will show that you're not just qualified, but also a good cultural fit.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to financial management and governance. Review the job outline and person specification thoroughly, and think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities outlined. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Flexibility and Adaptability
With hybrid working options available, be ready to discuss your approach to flexible working. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully adapted to changing work environments or managed teams remotely. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role's requirements.
