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- Tasks: Lead a team of accountants, manage budgets, and provide financial advice.
- Company: Join a reputable public sector organisation focused on financial governance and compliance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work options, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while enhancing your financial expertise in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with experience in budget management and team leadership required.
- Other info: Proximity to the Scottish Central belt is needed for occasional meetings.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 49000 £ per year.
Contract: 12 months+
Location: West Coast of Scotland
FPSG seek an experienced Accountant who has operated in the Principal or Team Lead role, coordinating accounting colleagues of between 8 and 10. Core functions will include budget management, financial planning, and performance reporting. Working with senior stakeholders, you will provide financial advice and support across capital and revenue budgets, with oversight for governance and compliance.
The Principal Accountant's responsibilities will include:
- Hands-on management and support of accounting colleagues.
- Providing medium and long-term financial planning advice.
- Coordinating Revenue and Capital budgets (Preparation / Monitoring / Reporting).
- Assisting in financial performance reviews.
- Overseeing financial governance, tax management, and corporate finance services.
- Championing continuous improvement and cost efficiency initiatives.
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinating the personal and professional development of colleagues.
To be the successful Principal Accountant, you will need experience of:
- A recent track record of performing at Principal Accountant level, coordinating and managing peers.
- CCAB Qualified accountant with post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
- Demonstrable experience in budget preparation, financial performance monitoring, and reporting.
- Strong ability to provide financial advice to senior managers.
- Experience in staff and performance management of teams of 6+.
- Knowledge of financial governance, treasury management, and tax management.
- Proven experience in the Public Sector (Local Government and/or Council exposure preferred).
Please note: This role, although remote, may entail the ability to attend meetings on the Scottish West Coast at short notice, hence proximity to the west of the Scottish Central belt is required. This role does not currently provide sponsorship support.
Reward: This public sector business has a salary scale in place. As a contract or temporary role, candidates can pursue either a PAYE temp engagement or operate inside IR35 through an umbrella company. PSCs cannot be used. For comparator understanding: £52,000 - £58,200. The client does have a reputation of offering candidates a diverse range of enterprise project opportunities, where complexity and collaboration will ensure continual personal and technical development.
Actions: Please submit your CV, highlighting your relevant experience, accounting qualifications, and pertinent level of seniority.
Key skills terminology: Principal Account, Account Team Lead, Qualified Accountant, CCAB, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, Local government finance, Council finance, MD Office, MS Excel, VAT, Oracle Financials, Tax Management, Financial Governance.
We are Disability Confident and neurodiverse aware. If you have a disability, please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to assist you in your application or with your recruitment process.
Principal accountant employer: FPSG Connect
Contact Detail:
FPSG Connect Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector, especially those who have experience in local government finance. Attend relevant industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the specific challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the financial regulations and compliance requirements specific to the public sector. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in budget management and financial performance monitoring in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully coordinated budgets and supported senior stakeholders in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your leadership skills and experience in managing teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've developed colleagues or led initiatives that improved team performance and efficiency.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Principal Accountant or in a similar role. Emphasise your qualifications, particularly your CCAB accreditation, and any relevant experience in budget management and financial planning.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a team of 8 to 10 accounting colleagues, be sure to include examples of your leadership and performance management experience. Mention specific instances where you have successfully coordinated teams or improved processes.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Detail your experience in public sector finance, especially if you have worked with local government or councils. Include any specific projects or responsibilities that demonstrate your knowledge of financial governance and compliance.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the job requirements. Address your ability to provide financial advice to senior stakeholders and your commitment to continuous improvement.
How to prepare for a job interview at FPSG Connect
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Accountant, you'll be managing a team. Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading and developing accounting colleagues. Share specific examples of how you've successfully coordinated teams and improved their performance.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
You need to exhibit a strong understanding of budget management and financial planning. Prepare to discuss your experience with revenue and capital budgets, including any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Given the emphasis on financial governance and compliance, be ready to talk about your knowledge of financial regulations and how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. Highlight any relevant experiences in public sector finance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working with senior stakeholders, practice articulating how you've provided financial advice to management in the past. Think of examples where your insights led to significant decisions or improvements.
