At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, budgeting, and performance management across the organisation.
- Company: Dynamic organisation based in Brighton with a hybrid working model.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced team and enhance your career in finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by providing strategic financial insights to senior management.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified accountant with strong financial analysis skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: 3 months
Location: Brighton, UK (Hybrid - 2 days in the office)
Working shifts: Monday to Friday (Full time)
Working pattern: 9:00am to 5:00 pm (35 working hour/week)
Job Purpose
We are seeking a highly analytical and commercially minded Principal Accountant to support financial planning, budgeting, and performance management activities across the organisation. The successful candidate will play a key role in consolidating budget information, producing detailed financial reports, analysing financial performance, and providing strategic financial insight to support effective decision-making. This role requires strong stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to translate complex financial data into meaningful recommendations for senior management.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the consolidation, monitoring, and reporting of budgets across multiple departments or business areas.
- Prepare and deliver accurate and timely financial reports, forecasts, and management information for senior stakeholders.
- Analyse financial performance, identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and provide actionable recommendations.
- Support the annual budgeting and financial planning process, ensuring robust financial controls and accurate forecasting.
- Conduct variance analysis and investigate significant deviations from budget or forecast.
- Work closely with budget holders and departmental managers to provide financial guidance and challenge where appropriate.
- Develop and maintain financial models to support business planning, scenario analysis, and strategic initiatives.
- Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of financial data used for reporting and decision-making.
- Prepare presentations and financial summaries for senior leadership, committees, and key stakeholders.
- Support the development and continuous improvement of financial reporting processes, systems, and performance measures.
- Contribute to organisational projects and initiatives by providing financial analysis and business insight.
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, accounting standards, policies, and procedures.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
- Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) or significant relevant experience.
- Strong experience in financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and management reporting.
- Experience consolidating financial information from multiple departments, services, or cost centres.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including financial modelling, pivot tables, and data analysis.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail.
- Experience presenting financial information to senior stakeholders and non-finance audiences.
- Strong stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
- Knowledge of financial systems and reporting tools.
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience within local government, public sector, education, healthcare, housing, or large corporate organisations.
- Experience using finance systems such as SAP, Oracle, Unit4, Agresso, or similar.
- Knowledge of performance management frameworks and strategic financial planning.
- Experience developing dashboards and reporting solutions using tools such as Power BI.
Principal Accountant in Brighton employer: Guidant Global
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Brighton as a Principal Accountant, where your analytical skills will directly influence strategic decision-making. Our hybrid work model promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With a culture that values collaboration and innovation, you'll thrive in an environment that encourages meaningful contributions to the organisation's financial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant in Brighton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance world! Attend industry events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more connections we make, the better our chances of hearing about job openings before they’re even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you land an interview, don’t just talk about your experience—show it! Bring along examples of your financial reports or models you've created. We want to see how you can translate complex data into actionable insights, just like the Principal Accountant role requires.
✨Ask Smart Questions
During interviews, ask questions that show you understand the business and its challenges. This not only demonstrates your analytical skills but also your genuine interest in the role. Let’s impress them with our knowledge of financial performance and strategic planning!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial analysis, budgeting, and reporting skills, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Principal Accountant role. Share specific examples of your past achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully analysed financial data in the past. We love seeing how you can turn complex information into actionable insights for decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've analysed financial performance and provided actionable insights.
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
When presenting financial information, it's crucial to translate complex data into relatable stories. Practice explaining your previous financial reports and analyses in a way that even non-finance stakeholders can understand. This will showcase your communication skills and stakeholder engagement abilities.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with advanced Excel functions and any financial systems mentioned in the job description. Be prepared to discuss specific tools you've used for financial modelling or reporting, and consider bringing a portfolio of your work to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle financial challenges. Think of scenarios where you've had to conduct variance analysis or manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
