Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial services for Housing, ensuring compliance and accuracy in all activities.
- Company: Join a supportive team within the Resident Services department of Wandsworth.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing finance while developing your skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Finance qualification or local government experience, with strong analytical and communication skills.
- Other info: Ongoing training provided, promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43545 - 52767 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Finance Officer to join our Housing finance team in the Resident Services department. As the Principal Finance Officer, you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive financial service to the department, ensuring that financial activities relating to all areas of Housing are conducted in a timely, accurate and compliant manner. In this role, you will provide a comprehensive financial service to the department, including providing advice to, and work jointly with, managers throughout the department covering all aspects of financial management, grants and funding co-ordination, financial policy and procedures and audit administration. You’ll be actively involved in the preparation of detailed management reports and offering crucial advice and support to departmental staff. Ensuring strict compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures is paramount, as is working closely with other departments to guarantee seamless financial coordination. Your role also involves contributing significantly to the continuous improvement of financial systems and processes.
The Departmental Housing Finance Support team plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth financial operations of the Resident Services department. Our team is composed of highly skilled and experienced officers who possess an intimate understanding of the department's intricate financial processes. We are adept at handling a wide range of financial tasks, demonstrating exceptional versatility and expertise in all areas of the department's financial management. Our collaborative and supportive work environment promotes continuous learning, allowing us to provide unparalleled service to the department. Our exceptional communication skills enable us to effectively interact with officers at all levels, fostering strong partnerships and contributing significantly to the overall success of the department.
Key duties include:
- Monitoring of departmental Housing budgets and expenditure both general fund and HRA.
- Maintaining a high level of technical knowledge of the Housing Management system (NEC) and uses said knowledge to interrogate Repair and Maintenance trends.
- Compiles monthly findings for monthly board forecast review.
- Preparation of monthly forecast reports working with the relevant service heads to analysis and integrate detail.
- Providing general financial advice and support to Housing departmental staff.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations and procedures.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will have an appropriate finance qualification or proven local government experience and knowledge of financing local government and preferably previous experience of Housing Revenue Accounts. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are able to demonstrate a high level of transferrable skills and knowledge. Ongoing training will be provided to the successful candidate in keeping with the council’s commitment to staff development. You will need to have a practical approach to problem solving and be comfortable with cyclical tasks. You will have an analytical mind and be a well-developed communicator both orally and written, familiar with Microsoft software suite, self-motivated and be committed to providing good customer care. You will have the ability to work independently without direct supervision yet still be an active member of the team.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 26th January 2026
Interview Date: W/C 2nd February 2026
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Principal Finance Officer (HRA) employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer (HRA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in the Housing finance team. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they value in candidates and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial regulations knowledge. We want to see that you can navigate compliance with ease, so be ready to discuss how you've handled similar situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. We love candidates who can think critically and contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer (HRA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Principal Finance Officer role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Financial Expertise: Since this role is all about finance, don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications and experience in financial management. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and make sure your key points stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or financial reports in the past. This shows you understand the role's demands and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Make sure you're familiar with relevant financial regulations and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles. This will highlight your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards in financial management.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific financial challenges or scenarios. Think about examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex financial situations. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and analytical mindset.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since the role involves advising and collaborating with various departments, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples to illustrate your points and show how your communication skills have helped you build strong working relationships in the past.