Principal Accountant

I am currently partnering with a respected client within the public sector who is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and experienced Principal Accountant. This pivotal role requires a finance professional with strong technical expertise and proven leadership capabilities to drive the financial management function, compliance, and strategic financial oversight. The successful candidate will play a critical role in delivering accurate and timely financial reporting, managing complex accounting processes, and providing authoritative financial advice to senior stakeholders. This opportunity offers the chance to contribute to an organisation committed to excellence, transparency, and effective stewardship of resources.
Role Overview:Provide professional leadership and expert financial management within the Finance team, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, financial reporting standards, best practice, and emerging developments to support the organisation\’s financial integrity and compliance.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, production, and quality assurance of the statement of accounts, including all associated notes and working papers.
• Maintain rigorous control of the Balance Sheet and related financial records.
• Act as the primary liaison for internal and external audits, coordinating audit processes and ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Provide clear, accurate financial advice and guidance to senior management and budget holders.
• Manage capital accounting functions, including asset register maintenance, calculation of capital charges, capital financing, and support for capital strategy development.
• Oversee the payroll function, including management of salary sacrifice schemes and liaison with pension service providers.
• Lead treasury management responsibilities encompassing banking services, cash flow monitoring, investment management, and preparation of treasury management strategies, ethical investment policies, and annual financial reports.
• Supervise insurance arrangements and risk management activities.
• Ensure effective control and maintenance of finance systems.
• Maintain VAT compliance and provide appropriate advice and guidance to relevant stakeholders.
• Represent the finance function at internal governance and management meetings as required.
• Manage statutory financial returns and other mandatory reporting requirements.
• Ensure the finance team is well-trained and equipped to meet service and organisational needs.
• Manage workload to meet deadlines in a dynamic environment with changing priorities.
• Deputise for the Accountancy Manager as required.
• Promote and exemplify the organisation\’s values and behaviours in all activities.
• Undertake any additional duties reasonably within the scope of the role.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Recognised CCAB (or equivalent) accountancy qualification.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accountancy codes of practice relevant to the industry sector.
• Proven experience in producing Annual Statements of Accounts for complex organisations or key services.
• Experience advising senior managers and budget holders on financial matters.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing and developing finance teams.
• Understanding of legal and administrative processes essential for compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage complex individual and team workloads efficiently.
• Skilled in financial reporting and presenting to a diverse range of stakeholders, including those without a financial background.
• Ability to operate effectively within commercially or politically sensitive environments.
• Capacity to undertake complex specialist work requiring advanced technical expertise.

Complexity and Creativity:

• Ability to provide advanced, innovative solutions to complex technical financial issues.
• Skilled in generating financial data and reports that support problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
• Capacity to apply fresh and innovative thinking to address challenges and improve processes.

Judgement and Decision-Making:

• Exercise discretion in areas with limited guidance where decisions materially impact financial management and service delivery.
• Make well-informed decisions supporting the organisation\’s financial health and governance.

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