At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting, prepare budgets, and provide financial advice to managers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public finance and support your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial accounting and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and to mentor finance staff.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 Staffing
Contact Detail:
Pacer Staffing 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 how you've led complex financial projects and provided valuable advice to managers. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with real examples! When discussing your experience, highlight specific instances where you monitored budgets, identified risks, or ensured compliance. This will help us see how you can add value to our team.
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
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 complex projects and supported budget holders, so don’t hold back on those details!
Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, emphasise your ability to provide financial advice and analysis. We’re looking for someone who can monitor budgets and identify risks, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to financial matters, so avoid jargon unless necessary.
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 Staffing
✨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, and how it benefited your previous employers.
✨Understand Compliance Inside Out
Compliance is crucial in this position. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation, CIPFA guidance, and council rules. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles and how you would approach it in this new position.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Training Experience
You'll be expected to support and guide finance staff. Think of examples where you've led a team or trained colleagues. Highlight your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative environment, as this will show your potential to deputise for the Finance Business Partner effectively.