Principal Accountant

Principal Accountant

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
London Borough of Waltham Forest

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Deliver high-quality financial insights to support decision making in housing.
  • Company: Join a diverse council committed to equality and community service.
  • Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development, and a supportive environment.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on housing services while developing your financial expertise.
  • Qualifications: Fully or part-qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.

Key Role Overview
This key role is responsible for delivering high‑quality financial management information to support effective decision making across housing. The role works closely with service managers, providing expert financial advice, budget monitoring and strategic insight to help drive performance and value for money. It leads on financial support for the Housing Service and provides timely and accurate financial management information to support budget planning, monitoring and forecasting, and contributes to strategic decision making and service improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver high‑quality financial management information to support effective decision making across housing.
  • Work closely with service managers to provide expert financial advice, budget monitoring and strategic insight.
  • Lead on financial support for the Housing Service.
  • Provide timely and accurate financial management information to support budget planning, monitoring and forecasting.
  • Contribute to strategic decision making and service improvement.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Fully or part‑qualified accountant, or equivalent experience.
  • Strong analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to influence and challenge constructively.
  • Continued professional body registration.

Requirements

  • Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks.
  • Satisfactory declaration of interest.
  • Continued professional registration.
  • Ability to speak fluent English with confidence and accuracy sufficient to perform the role.
  • No requirement for specific English language qualifications or accent.

Equality and Diversity
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and integral to both service delivery and employment. The Council is committed to meeting its equality objectives:

  • Promoting equality of opportunity.
  • Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage.
  • Ensuring the workforce reflects the diverse communities at all levels.
  • Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent services to all.

Respecting Diversity is a core Council value. The Council operates an anonymous shortlisting process and considers internal candidates for roles graded up to and including SO2, including those who identify as having a disability.

Flexible Working
Wherever possible, working arrangements will be considered to suit individuals’ personal circumstances whilst meeting the Council’s needs. Applicants may discuss flexible working options during the interview.

Principal Accountant employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest

As a Principal Accountant with Waltham Forest Council, you will be part of an organisation that values diversity and promotes equality of opportunity, ensuring a supportive and inclusive work environment. The Council offers flexible working arrangements to accommodate personal circumstances, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within the public sector. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying a collaborative culture that prioritises strategic insight and financial excellence.

London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contact Detail:

London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in housing. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial management knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you can deliver high-quality financial insights and support decision-making in housing. Show them you mean business!

Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Principal Accountant role. We love seeing applications directly from motivated candidates like you who are eager to make a difference in housing finance!

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant

Financial Management
Budget Monitoring
Strategic Insight
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Influencing Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can support effective decision-making in housing!

Show Off Your Analytical Skills:Since strong analytical skills are a must, don’t shy away from showcasing specific examples where you’ve used these skills to drive performance or improve processes. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise!

Communicate Clearly:Excellent communication is key in this role, so ensure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to understand your fit for the position.

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’s super easy to do!

How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Waltham Forest

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 data to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can deliver high-quality financial management information.

Communicate Clearly

Excellent communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to provide expert advice to service managers, so being able to articulate your thoughts clearly will set you apart.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare examples of how you've used your analytical skills to influence budget planning and monitoring. Think about specific situations where your insights led to improved performance or value for money, as this aligns perfectly with the job's responsibilities.

Embrace Diversity

Waltham Forest values diversity, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace. Share experiences that highlight your ability to work with diverse teams and how you respect different perspectives in decision-making.