Principal Finance Officer

Principal Finance Officer

Full-Time 37800 - 46200 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
London Borough of Waltham Forest

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support year-end closedown and external audit processes for accurate financial reporting.
  • Company: Join the dynamic London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
  • Benefits: Enjoy fair pay, workplace well-being, and opportunities for skills development.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to support work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Enhance your accounting skills while making a real impact in the community.
  • Qualifications: AAT qualified or equivalent experience required.

The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.

We are looking to recruit a Principal Finance Officer within our Financial Reporting & Treasury team.

The successful candidate will primarily support the year-end closedown and external audit processes, helping to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of financial reporting requirements The post holder will be expected to work closely with colleagues across Finance and with external auditors to support the Council in meeting its statutory responsibility to publish a high-quality Statement of Accounts.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your technical accounting knowledge and enhance your skills in collaborating with key stakeholders across the organisation and with external partners.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assisting with the efficient and timely completion of specific tasks within the annual closing of accounts process and ensuring that information presented in the financial statements complies with the CIPFA Code of Practice and reporting standards.
  • Supporting effective liaison with external and internal audit through the Head of Finance- Closedown.
  • Completing statutory and other returns, supported by clear and appropriate workings, in line with statutory requirements, and liaising with government departments and agencies as required.
  • Providing support to other areas of Finance, as directed by the Principal Accountant, Head of Finance, or Chief Accountant.

The London Borough of Waltham Forest only advertises vacancies via our official website and approved recruitment platforms (e. g. Jobsgopublic).

  • Key Requirements
  • AAT qualified or equivalent work experience and training.
  • Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work.

We will never ask for payment or request sensitive personal or financial information as part of our recruitment process.

If you are contacted by a third party claiming to represent the Council, please verify the vacancy via our official careers website before sharing any information.

If you have concerns about a job advert or communication, please report it to.

We are a highly ambitious borough.

Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities.

Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents.

London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard employers.

This accreditation is a proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace.

This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.

Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff.

The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.

We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace.

The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: - Promoting equality of opportunity - Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage - Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. - Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.

Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.

To support the above and reduce the risk of bias in its recruitment activities, the council is operating an anonymous shortlisting process, which hides personal information that can identify individuals until their application has been considered for shortlisting.

The council also operates a scheme whereby, for jobs graded up to and including scale SO2, internal candidates are considered first.

This includes those candidates who self-identify as having a disability for the purposes of the Disability Confident scheme.

For more information, please refer to our recruitment and selection policy.

We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments.

Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.

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Principal Finance Officer employer: London Borough of Waltham Forest

The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an excellent employer for those passionate about inclusive education, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth. As a SENDCO & Inclusion Leader, you will be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and provides ample opportunities for development, all within a supportive community committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all learners.

London Borough of Waltham Forest

Contact Details:

London Borough of Waltham Forest Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like London Borough of Waltham Forest. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer

Financial Reporting
Technical Accounting Knowledge
CIPFA Code of Practice
Audit Liaison
Statutory Returns Completion
Stakeholder Collaboration
AAT Qualification or Equivalent Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on London Borough of Waltham Forest's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

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

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with London Borough of Waltham Forest.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at London Borough of Waltham Forest will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former London Borough of Waltham Forest employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.