Principal Accountant in Burton upon Trent

Join to apply for the Principal Accountant role at Point 13 Jobs. Base pay range East Staffordshire Borough Council – a high-performing local authority located at the heart of the East Midlands, recognised for its strong financial position and commitment to serving diverse communities – is seeking a Principal Accountant to lead key areas of financial management and support the Council’s continued growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the in-year revenue budget monitoring and reporting process in line with established guidelines.
• Providing financial advice, guidance and innovative financial solutions to support informed and timely decisions by officers and members.
• Leading the preparation of the Statement of Accounts in accordance with relevant standards and codes of practice.
• Maintaining a detailed knowledge and understanding of financial codes of practice and regulations, and providing advice on their application and interpretation.
• Preparing and contributing to the development of the Medium Term Financial Strategy under the direction of the Chief Accountant.
• Identifying and leading projects or initiatives that contribute to continuous improvement and team efficiency.
• Ensuring the accurate completion of statutory and non-statutory financial returns within required timescales.
• Providing financial advice and analysis in respect of grant and discretionary funding applications.
• Supervising, managing and developing staff within Financial Management as designated by the Chief Accountant.
• Providing training, guidance and development to managers and team leaders in relation to their responsibilities as budget managers.
• Deputising for the Chief Accountant as required.
• Supporting the Deputy Section 151 Officer in delivering professional financial advice to services, the Leadership Team, Council and Cabinet.
• Ensuring the integrity of the Council’s Balance Sheet and compliance with financial regulations.
• Contributing to the Council’s financial planning and performance monitoring to maintain long‑term sustainability.

Skills and Experience

• CCAB or CIMA qualified with evidence of continuous professional development.
• Extensive post‑qualification experience in accounting and budgeting within a local authority environment.
• Strong practical experience of corporate management accounting, including in‑year monitoring and budget setting.
• Proven ability to lead the preparation of statutory financial accounts and ensure the integrity of the Council’s Balance Sheet.
• In‑depth knowledge of local authority finance, including accounting codes of practice, regulations and legislation.
• Experience of managing and developing staff within a financial management setting.
• Demonstrated ability to provide professional financial advice and analysis to senior management, services and elected members.
• Experience of contributing to the preparation of the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
• Skilled in interpreting and applying financial regulations and codes of practice.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills suitable for providing advice to senior officers and members.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Competent in using financial management systems and IT applications.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven capability to lead or support projects that drive continuous improvement and efficiency.
• Flexible and positive attitude towards working and managing staff in an agile or hybrid environment.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of up to 33 days after five years of continuous local government service, plus public holidays, an extra statutory day and two concessionary days.
• Flexible working scheme allowing for up to 16 additional flexi days leave per year.
• Hybrid working opportunities supporting an optimum work‑life balance.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Payment of professional subscriptions.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the Council recognised as a Disability Confident Employer.

Salary £49,282 to £54,495 per annum.

Seniority level Director

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Finance, Accounting/Auditing, Strategy/Planning

Industries Staffing and Recruiting, Civic and Social Organizations, Financial Services