Durham County Council is currently seeking a Principal Accountant (Capital and Treasury Management) to work within their Corporate Finance and Commercial Service.
Why Durham County Council?
County Durham is a forward thinking area with a strong sense of community. Our friendly people, fascinating history and beautiful natural environment, from the dales to the coast, are what makes our county great. We have rebuilt and reinvented our economy and communities to overcome past challenges. We are passionate about building a better future for all and building on our relationship between the County Durham Partnership and everyone who lives in, works in or visits our county.
The Council’s vision for County Durham (delivered through the County Durham Partnership) is structured around three ambitions:
- More and better jobs
- People living longer and independent lives
- Connected Communities
To achieve these ambitions, we recognise that we need people who share our passion, and have an overriding commitment to serve our communities, delivering better services and better outcomes for residents and places across the county.
WHAT IS INVOLVED?
As Principal Accountant within the Financial Planning and Technical Accounting team, this role offers an excellent opportunity to develop your career within a forward looking council with bold ambitions and gain financial and strategic experience across our large finance function.
You will learn from, and work alongside amazing and talented people, enabling you to strengthen your technical and softer skills and you grow as a professional.
Finance Business Partnering is at the heart of our approach to financial management with emphasis on collaboration between our finance teams, operational services and external partners.
In this role, you will provide strategic and technical financial information and advice to senior officers and elected members in relation to the Council’s Capital Programme and Treasury Management function.
You will be directly accountable to the Finance Manager, supporting the Financial Planning and Technical Accounting team in relation to forecasting and managing the Council’s financial affairs.
You will also be responsible for:
- Co-ordinating the financial management of the Council’s capital programme, ensuring robust governance arrangements for the programme and its financing requirements.
- Providing professional financial advice on complex capital finance and treasury management matters.
- Formulating the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy.
- Formulating the Council’s Capital and Investment Strategy
- Co-ordinating the Capital Accounting and financing year-end processes, supporting the external audit process
For further information on this vacancy, please contact Jo McMahon, Finance Manager via email at joanne.mcmahon@durham.gov.uk.
WHAT WILL I NEED?
You should be CCAB Qualified (or equivalent), or CCAB exam-qualified with evidence of working towards the completion of any requisite portfolios of work experience needed to finalise the applicable CCAB qualification (or equivalent).
You should have knowledge of public sector accounting principles and procedures and have experience of delivering financial advice and guidance to a range of audiences alongside the ability to develop, analyse, understand and interpret complex financial information.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.
INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held week commencing 30th November 2026.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
Principal Accountant in North East employer: North East Combined Authority
Northumberland County Council is an excellent employer for those seeking flexible and meaningful work opportunities within the community. As part of the Staff Bank, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and offers training to enhance your skills, all while contributing to the maintenance of local housing. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to equal opportunities, this role provides a unique chance to make a positive impact in the Blyth area.
Contact Details:
North East Combined Authority Recruitment Team
