Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management for pooled budgets and collaborate with partner organisations.
- Company: Join a supportive team within the Business Partner Finance department.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in Adult Care Services while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in local government.
The predicted salary is between 53806 - 59497 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £53,806 with opportunity to progress to £59,497 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: 37.0
Location: Stevenage/Hybrid
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Resources
About the team
This role is within the Business Partner Finance team supporting Adult Care Services (ACS), leading on health integration and pooled budgets. The role reports to the Finance Manager and includes line management responsibility for an Accounting Officer in the team. As a senior member of the ACS Finance team, responsibilities include leading on all areas of pooled budgets including budget setting, monitoring and year end.
About the role
- To be the lead contact for partner organisations in relation to health integration and financial requirements for pooled budgets, creating positive working relationships with officers at all levels in partner organisations.
- To attend monthly monitoring meetings and present the monitor to the Board.
- To be the expert in relation to pooled budgets and providing challenge where necessary.
- To co-ordinate and agree the pooled budget contributions with partners at the start of the financial year and agree changes throughout the year.
- To provide professional financial support for the mental health contract including agreeing baselines and new funding streams during the year.
- To lead on the completion of the financial elements of statutory returns for the Pooled Budgets and provide information for partners for statutory health financial returns.
The duties and responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present. The post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that may from time to time be necessary.
About you
Essential- Be a fully qualified accountant (CIPFA or equivalent) or be qualified by experience.
- Ability to build relationships up to Executive level both within HCC and partner organisations, creating trust and confidence and fostering a partnership approach.
- Ability to problem solve. Determine solutions that reflect wider implications (e.g. political, managerial, or equal opportunities) and stakeholder needs. Ensure identification and delivery of improvements and negotiating the delivery of actions where these are outside your direct control (and even your own organisation).
- Ability to explain complex financial information and any risks associated with the information to senior managers within HCC and partner organisations.
- Ability to interpret, apply and explain financial policies, procedures, guidance and legislation.
- Ability to challenge effectively and influence others where those people may not be within HCC.
- Ability to manage personal workloads, considering the business need and role of finance in reviewing the urgency of tasks.
- Ability to respond to feedback and make appropriate amendments.
- Ability to provide innovative solutions/recommendations, including challenging existing practice.
- Previous exposure to Adult Care Services would be beneficial, although not essential.
- Experience in working for local government would be beneficial.
Please provide a supporting statement. The supporting statement should provide evidence demonstrating the skills above.
We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role.
This job role is within the Corporate Services, level CORP13 job profile.
Interview Date: 17 February 2026
Benefits of working for us
How to apply
As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert/job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.
Additional information
Disability ConfidentWe are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
English FluencyThe ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Principal Accountant in London employer: Hertfordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in Adult Care Services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to pooled budgets and financial management. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills during interviews. Think of specific examples where you’ve tackled complex financial issues and how you built relationships with stakeholders to achieve results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in pooled budgets and financial management, so we can see how you fit into our team.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated the skills mentioned in the job description. We want to know how you can contribute to our success.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex financial information.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to upload your CV and supporting statement there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts related to pooled budgets and be ready to discuss how you've managed similar responsibilities in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong relationship-building skills, especially with partner organisations. Think about times when you've successfully collaborated with others, particularly at an executive level. Be prepared to share these experiences and how you foster trust and confidence in your professional relationships.
✨Problem-Solving Mindset
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Reflect on challenges you've faced in previous roles, especially those involving financial management or stakeholder negotiations. Be ready to discuss how you identified solutions that considered wider implications and stakeholder needs.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
The ability to respond to feedback and adapt is crucial. Think of instances where you've had to adjust your approach based on feedback or changing circumstances. Highlight your innovative solutions and how you've challenged existing practices to improve outcomes in your previous roles.
