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- Tasks: Lead complex financial accounting and reporting while supporting budget holders with expert advice.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to financial excellence and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and to mentor finance staff.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial management and help shape the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Strong financial accounting skills and experience in providing financial advice.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Purpose of the role: To lead on complex financial accounting and reporting, support budget holders and senior managers with financial advice, and ensure the Council's finances are accurate, compliant and well-controlled.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a key area of financial or management accounting
- Prepare and review budgets, forecasts and financial reports
- Provide financial advice, modelling and analysis to managers
- Monitor budgets and identify financial risks early
- Support year-end accounts and respond to audit queries
- Ensure compliance with legislation, CIPFA guidance and council rules
- Maintain oversight of balance sheet accounts
- Support, train and guide finance staff
- Deputise for the Finance Business Partner when required
Principal Accountant employer: PACER GROUP
Contact Detail:
PACER GROUP 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 local councils. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial accounting knowledge. Be ready to discuss complex financial scenarios and how you've tackled them in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Principal Accountant, you'll be guiding others. Share examples of how you've supported and trained finance staff in previous roles during your interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial accounting and reporting. We want to see how you've led teams or projects, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to provide financial advice and support budget holders. We’re looking for someone who can communicate complex financial concepts clearly, so give us examples of how you’ve done this.
Be Specific About Compliance: Mention your familiarity with legislation and CIPFA guidance. We need someone who understands the rules, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your compliance knowledge.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at PACER GROUP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial accounting. Brush up on key financial concepts, budgeting techniques, and reporting standards. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed complex financial situations.
✨Showcase Your Advisory Skills
This role involves providing financial advice to managers. Prepare to share instances where you've offered valuable insights that influenced decision-making. Think about how you can articulate your approach to financial modelling and analysis, as this will be crucial in the interview.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Compliance is a big deal in this role. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, CIPFA guidance, and council rules. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles and how you would approach it in this position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Training Experience
You'll be expected to support and guide finance staff, so highlight your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've trained or mentored team members in the past. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also someone who can uplift the team.