At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and budget preparation for a local authority in Devon.
- Company: Join a supportive local authority team focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible contract, and valuable experience in public finance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with auditors and influence key financial decisions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in local governance while enhancing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: CCAB qualified with 3+ years in financial management and accounting.
The predicted salary is between 46656 - 51600 € per year.
Location: Devon
Contract: Temporary (3 months)
Salary: 28.00 umbrella / 25.18 PAYE Inclusive / 22.47 PAYE Exclusive
Start Date: ASAP
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Devon for a Principal Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will provide a comprehensive accountancy and financial management service, including consolidating the revenue budget monitoring process, producing the annual budget and medium-term financial strategy, and working closely with internal and external auditors.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate revenue budget monitoring, forecasting, and annual budget preparation across Council services.
- Provide strategic financial advice and support for projects, service planning, and organisational initiatives.
- Take responsibility for key areas of the annual Statement of Accounts and liaise with external auditors throughout the audit process.
- Oversee the preparation and submission of complex statutory returns and government claims, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
Candidate Criteria
- CCAB qualified with minimum 3 years financial management accounting experience, including year‑end accounts and statements process, with an emphasis on capital and asset accounting.
- Ability to see the bigger picture and impacts that investment opportunities have.
- Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it to local conditions, understanding impacts and options.
- Effective communicator, particularly to a non‑financial audience.
- Proficient in numeracy and IT, particularly Microsoft.
Principal Accountant in Northam employer: Service Care Solutions
Service Care Solutions is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. As a Principal Accountant in Devon, you will benefit from a competitive salary and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the local authority, while enjoying a temporary role that allows for flexibility and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant in Northam
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial management knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with budget monitoring and annual accounts. We want you to shine when they ask about your strategic financial advice!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with non-financial audiences during interviews, which is key for a Principal Accountant role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team in Devon.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant in Northam
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Accountant role. Highlight your CCAB qualifications and relevant experience in financial management. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this temporary position. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to provide strategic financial advice and manage budgets effectively.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an effective communicator, it's important to show us how you can convey complex financial information to non-financial audiences. Include examples in your application that highlight your ability to simplify financial concepts and engage with various stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss your experience with budget monitoring and preparation. Be specific about the tools and methods you've used in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a big-picture perspective. Prepare examples of how you've provided strategic financial advice in previous positions. Think about projects where your insights led to significant improvements or cost savings.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll often need to explain complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Practice simplifying your explanations and using relatable examples. This will show that you can bridge the gap between finance and other departments.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Given the importance of compliance in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with statutory returns and audits. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and be prepared to explain how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.
