Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and support the Chief Accountant in maintaining council accounts.
- Company: Join a Local Authority in London dedicated to community service and financial integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working and a competitive rate of £450 per day.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local housing finance while developing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: CCAB/CIMA qualified or PQ with relevant experience in Local Authority Finance.
- Other info: Immediate start available for a 6-month temporary contract.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 126000 £ per year.
Principal Accountant
Location: London
Contract: Temporary (6-month initial)
Rate: £450.00 per day umbrella
Start Date: ASAP
*Hybrid Working*
Contact:
Job Description
Service Care Solutions are currently recruiting on behalf of a Local Authority in London for a Principal Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. This role will be responsible to the Housing team within the Local Authority so experience in this area will be preferred.
This post is key to supporting the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in maintaining the integrity of the Council’s accounts and producing the Statement of Accounts each year.
The Principal Accountant works closely with the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant to ensure that the Council’s financial reporting processes, procedures and policies are pragmatic, fit for purpose, up to date with best practice, and deliver maximum value.
This role is the lead on collection fund and revenue accounting including the completion of notes to the council’s statutory accounts, group accounts, cash flow statement and statistical returns.
Candidate Criteria
- CCAB/CIMA Qualified Accountant or PQ with extensive relevant experience
- Experience of working in a similar capacity within a Local Authority Finance environment
- Experience of Housing Finance within a Local Authority is highly preferred
- Experience of leading on collection fund and revenue accounting
- Great communication skills with the ability to work well on own initiative as well as part of a team
If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who may be, please contact Greg at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208969 or email
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Principal Accountant employer: Service Care Recruit
Contact Detail:
Service Care Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in Housing Finance during any conversations or interviews. This is a key area for the Principal Accountant role, and demonstrating your expertise will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the Local Authority finance sector. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others in the field. This can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with the Council's financial reporting processes and best practices. Being knowledgeable about current standards will not only help you in the role but also impress the hiring team during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experience in collection fund and revenue accounting. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your capability for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Accountant position. Understand the key responsibilities, especially those related to Housing Finance and collection fund accounting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your CCAB/CIMA qualifications and any relevant experience in Local Authority Finance. Make sure to mention specific projects or roles that align with the requirements of the job.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since great communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. This could include past experiences where you successfully collaborated on financial reporting or led a project.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific needs of the Local Authority. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your application stands out and shows that you are a perfect fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Recruit
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in Local Authority Finance, especially in Housing Finance. Be prepared to discuss specific projects or challenges you've faced and how you successfully navigated them.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Skills
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to be well-versed in financial reporting processes and procedures. Brush up on your knowledge of collection fund and revenue accounting, and be ready to explain how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Great communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, and be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with teams and stakeholders to achieve financial goals.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Show your interest in the role by preparing thoughtful questions about the team, the Council's financial strategies, and any upcoming challenges they may face. This demonstrates your proactive approach and eagerness to contribute.
