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- Tasks: Lead strategic risk management, tax management, and budget monitoring for local government finances.
- Company: Join a vibrant team in Canterbury, close to beautiful coastal towns.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working with two days in the office and competitive salary.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified or substantial experience; 5 GCSEs including Maths and English.
- Other info: We value equity and accessibility in our recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Principal Accountant
Canterbury, Kent
£44,551pa
Permanent, Full time and Hybrid working (2 days in the office)
Our client is looking for a Principal Accountant to join their team. If you want to work in a cultural and vibrant city whilst also being close to the coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay this could be the perfect place for you to develop your career.
Key Responsibilities
- As the Principal Accountant, you\’ll take a lead role in the strategic risk management, tax management, audit liaison and budget monitoring for the general fund revenue account.
- You will be looking after our statutory obligations in relation to VAT including advising on the correct VAT treatment of supplies and tax planning and overseeing fraud prevention.
- You\’ll contribute to the financial year end processes relating to the publishing of the Statement of Accounts and the Local Government Transparency Code.
- As an expert in your field, you\’ll provide financial advice to support our objectives and tax affairs.
- You\’ll lead on budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate plan objectives within a challenging financial environment for local authorities.
- As our new Principal Accountant, you will monitor and analyse financial performance, ensure robust controls are followed and collaborate with stakeholders.
Requirements
- Able to continually develop and improve your specialist knowledge, within the context of Local Government.
- Understanding of Local Government Finance
- Understanding and knowledge of accounting regulations
- Knowledge of financial systems
- Understanding and knowledge of financial legislation
- Understanding of government guidance on specific service areas
- Knowledge of Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders
- Experience of preparing and managing budgets
- Experience in managing people
- Experience of writing and presenting finance reports
- Managing changes of processes and procedures within a team setting
- CCAB qualified or substantial work-related experience.
- 5 GCSE\’s including Maths and English grades C/4 or above
In our company values we aim for equity at all stages of the recruitment process, please let us know if we can do anything to make the process more accessible to you.
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Principal Accountant - CANTERBURY employer: MN Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCIFA)
Contact Detail:
MN Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCIFA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant - CANTERBURY
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and legislation relevant to local government. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the local government finance sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others in the field, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting and financial planning in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's current financial challenges and objectives. Understanding their context will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant - CANTERBURY
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in local government finance, budget management, and any relevant qualifications. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in strategic risk management and financial planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Discuss how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, particularly your experience with VAT and audit liaison.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your CCAB qualification or substantial work-related experience. Mention your GCSEs, especially in Maths and English, as these are essential requirements for the position.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing people and processes, provide examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in a financial context.
How to prepare for a job interview at MN Climate Innovation Finance Authority (MNCIFA)
✨Showcase Your Expertise
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your deep understanding of Local Government Finance and accounting regulations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that highlight your expertise in these areas.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to VAT treatment, budget management, and financial planning processes. Brush up on relevant legislation and be ready to explain how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves managing people and collaborating with stakeholders, be sure to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects. Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing others in a financial context.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Local authorities often face challenging financial environments. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated similar situations in the past, including any innovative solutions you implemented to improve financial performance or compliance.
