At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead capital budget monitoring and manage treasury functions in a dynamic council environment.
- Company: A large county council with a complex finance function and significant stakeholder engagement.
- Benefits: Competitive rate, potential for contract extension, and impactful work on high-value projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and manage complex priorities.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in shaping the council's finance during a major transition.
- Qualifications: Proven capital accounting experience and CCAB qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
A large and complex county council is looking for an experienced interim Principal Accountant to join their Capital and Treasury team on an urgent basis. This is a high-profile role sitting at the heart of the council's finance function, with significant exposure to senior stakeholders, large-scale capital programmes, and a genuine opportunity to extend beyond the initial contract to support the authority through Local Government Reorganisation.
The details
- Contract: 6 months minimum – strong potential to extend into LGR support
- Start date: August/September 2025 – urgent requirement
- Arrangement: On site 1 day/week
- Rate: Competitive, dependent on experience
What you'll be doing
- Leading on capital budget monitoring, budget setting, and closure of accounts
- Managing the Treasury function including cashflow forecasting, investment, and borrowing
- Contributing to the Treasury Management and Capital Strategies
- Overseeing fixed asset registers and year-end valuations, working closely with property, highways, and technology teams
- Producing capital monitoring reports and presenting to members and senior stakeholders
- Managing banking and third-party contract arrangements
- Liaising with external auditors on capital, treasury, and fixed asset matters
- Ensuring all statutory capital and treasury returns are submitted accurately and on time
What we're looking for
- Proven capital accounting experience within a large, complex organisation – county council level or equivalent strongly preferred
- Treasury exposure desirable, particularly an understanding of the treasury implications of capital schemes
- Experience with IFRS 16, PFI accounting, and capital grant returns an advantage
- Finalist or fully CCAB-qualified – qualified by experience also considered
- Comfortable challenging budget holders and influencing at a senior level
- Track record of managing competing priorities at pace within a political environment
Why apply now?
This authority has a substantial capital programme and a busy treasury function – the successful candidate will hit the ground running on genuinely complex, high-value work. With LGR on the horizon, there is a clear pathway for the right person to extend and play a meaningful role in shaping the council's finance function through transition.
Interested? Apply now with your CV.
InterimPrincipal Accountant- Capital and Treasury in Hertford employer: Panoramic Associates
Panoramic Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in a vibrant London special school. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead innovative pastoral strategies while working alongside dedicated professionals in a multi-disciplinary team. The role not only allows for meaningful contributions to student wellbeing but also provides a pathway for professional development in a dynamic educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land InterimPrincipal Accountant- Capital and Treasury in Hertford
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Panoramic Associates.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Panoramic Associates might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace InterimPrincipal Accountant- Capital and Treasury in Hertford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Panoramic Associates will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Panoramic Associates. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Panoramic Associates confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Panoramic Associates
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Panoramic Associates.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Panoramic Associates that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
