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- Tasks: Lead budget preparation, monitor finances, and mentor a finance team.
- Company: Join a local authority committed to community development and financial integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pay rate and a stable 12+ month contract.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public finance while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualification or relevant experience; strong analytical and communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours from Monday to Friday, with a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: CV43 4UL
Start date: ASAP
Contract duration: 12+ months
Working hours: Mon – Fri, 08:45 – 17:15, 37 hours per week
Pay rate: £28.43 per hour
As Principal Accountant, you will:
- Lead the preparation and monitoring of Council budgets.
- Ensure timely and accurate production of statutory Final Accounts.
- Advise senior officers and Members on key financial decisions.
- Manage and mentor a small finance team.
- Act as the lead on a specialist portfolio (e.g. Treasury, HRA, Systems or Projects).
What we're looking for:
- CCAB qualification (or significant relevant experience with part-qualification).
- A deep understanding of public sector finance and legislative codes.
- Strong analytical, IT, and spreadsheet skills.
- Excellent communication – able to translate complex financial data into clear advice.
- Experience managing people and projects.
Principal Accountant employer: i-Jobs
Contact Detail:
i-Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and legislative codes relevant to local authorities. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in public sector finance. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to gain insights and make connections that could lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams and projects. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or improved processes, as this will be crucial for the Principal Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your analytical and IT skills, particularly with spreadsheets. Being able to showcase your proficiency in these areas during discussions can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CCAB qualification or relevant experience. Emphasise your understanding of public sector finance and any specific projects you've managed that relate to the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Principal Accountant position. Mention your experience in budget preparation, statutory accounts, and team management to demonstrate your suitability.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Provide examples in your application that showcase your strong analytical and IT skills. Mention specific tools or software you are proficient in, especially those relevant to financial analysis and reporting.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about how you would explain complex financial data in simple terms, as this is a key requirement for the role. Be ready to discuss your approach to advising senior officers and managing a finance team.
How to prepare for a job interview at i-Jobs
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Principal Accountant, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of public sector finance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed budgets or produced statutory accounts.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role requires translating complex financial data into clear advice, practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to communicate effectively with senior officers and Members.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
You'll be managing and mentoring a small finance team, so be ready to share your experiences in leading teams. Discuss your approach to mentoring and how you've helped others develop their skills in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to specific financial regulations and legislative codes relevant to the public sector. Brush up on these topics and be ready to provide insights on how they impact financial decision-making.
