At a Glance
- Tasks: Support local authority finance team with budgeting, reporting, and strategic financial advice.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation focused on education finance.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, professional development, and impactful work in the community.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to influence financial decisions in education.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education finance while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified accountant with experience in public sector finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Wakefield, West Yorkshire (WF1) £26.62 per hour PAYE 22 June 2026 – 1 December 2026. Lynx Employment Services are recruiting for an experienced Principal Management / Financial Accountant to support a busy local authority finance team. This role focuses on the management of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and financial support for maintained schools, ensuring robust financial management, statutory compliance, and high-quality financial advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy by analysing future funding, income streams, demand pressures, inflation, and legislative changes.
- Assist in ensuring proper financial administration and effective stewardship of public funds.
- Coordinate the production of revenue and capital budgets, forecasts, and final accounts in line with statutory and best practice requirements.
- Provide regular financial reporting, analysis, forecasting, and strategic advice to operational managers and senior stakeholders.
- Support effective budget management and resource planning across service areas.
- Deliver professional financial advice on policy developments, service changes, and financial implications of strategic decisions.
- Attend and contribute to meetings, working groups, budget clinics, and management forums.
- Ensure accurate and timely completion of grant claims and financial returns.
- Produce financial information and statutory returns for government departments and external bodies.
- Support the financial management and reporting requirements of maintained schools.
- Provide oversight and monitoring of the Dedicated Schools Grant, including reporting and liaison with key stakeholders.
- Deputise for senior finance management when required.
Essential Requirements
- CCAB-qualified accountant (or equivalent).
- Significant experience within public sector or local government finance.
- Strong knowledge of management accounting, financial accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Experience of DSG, education finance, schools funding, or grant management.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate findings clearly.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial systems experience.
- Experience supporting senior managers and budget holders with financial decision-making.
Desirable
- Experience working with maintained schools and education funding.
- Knowledge of local government finance regulations and reporting requirements.
- Experience preparing returns and submissions to organisations such as the DfE and CIPFA.
- Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified finance professional to play a key role in supporting education finance and strategic financial planning within a large public sector organisation.
Principal Management / Financial Accountant in Wakefield employer: Lynx Employment Services Ltd
Lynx Employment Services offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for finance professionals, particularly in the public sector. With a focus on education finance, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, collaboration with key stakeholders, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on local schools. The culture promotes teamwork and innovation, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to strategic financial planning.
Contact Details:
Lynx Employment Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Management / Financial Accountant in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local government or education finance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Dedicated Schools Grant and public sector finance. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to financial management to show you’re the perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for someone just like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Management / Financial Accountant in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Management / Financial Accountant role. Highlight your experience with public sector finance, especially around the Dedicated Schools Grant and budgeting. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key responsibilities, like financial reporting or stakeholder management. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills in your application. We love candidates who can interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly. Give us examples of how you've done this in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lynx Employment Services Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Management / Financial Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. This will show that you can handle the financial intricacies of the Dedicated Schools Grant and other funding.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and regulations of public sector finance, especially in education. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated these in the past, as this will highlight your relevant experience and understanding of the role's context.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully managed relationships or provided financial advice to non-financial managers. Being able to communicate complex financial information clearly is crucial, so practice articulating your thoughts.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific financial scenarios, such as budget cuts or unexpected funding changes. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges in managing the DSG and how you would approach them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
