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- Tasks: Support financial operations for Adult Social Care and Public Health departments.
- Company: St Helens Borough Council, a transformative organisation in the North West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real difference in community services.
- Qualifications: AAT-qualified or nearing completion of CCAB/CIMA qualification.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with guaranteed interviews for disabled applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We Are St Helens Borough Council. Located in the heart of the North West close to Liverpool, Manchester and Lancashire, St Helens is a transformational Council which is passionate and ambitious about the communities we support. We provide a wide range of services to the Borough's residents, businesses, schools and visitors. We can only do this because of our highly-valued, highly-skilled workforce.
Making A Difference as a Principal Accountant in the Finance and Accountancy service. The Council is at an exciting stage of a significant transformation programme, with the modernisation of the finance function integral to these plans.
Roles That Matter. We currently have an opportunity for one ambitious person who is either AAT-qualified or in possession – or nearing completion – of a CCAB/CIMA qualification to support the Finance Business Partner and Finance Manager in delivering financial support to the Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health department.
Person Specifications- Qualifications: AAT-qualified or in possession – or nearing completion – of a CCAB/CIMA qualification.
- Deliver financial support to the Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health department.
- Provide timely, accurate and high-quality budget and financial information.
- Complete statistical returns.
- Contribute to budget-setting and the year-end closure of accounts and the associated production of financial statements.
- Competitive salary and pension.
- Generous annual leave allowance.
- Access to salary sacrifice schemes.
- Flexible and agile working arrangements.
- Professional development opportunities and a rewarding, challenging career.
Equality & Diversity. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, who share our values, our commitment to inclusion, and who will help us on our journey to transform our organisation. The Council guarantees an interview to disabled applicants who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for the job, as detailed on the Person Specification, and will, for qualifying disabled candidates, make reasonable adjustments within selection.
Be scam aware. St Helens Council will never ask applicants to share payment information or charge recruitment fees when applying for vacancies. If in doubt, contact recruitment@sthelens.gov.uk
Principal Accountant in St Helens employer: St Helens Borough Council
Contact Detail:
St Helens Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant in St Helens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at St Helens Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and the team, plus it shows our genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Council's recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re not just another candidate; we’re passionate about making a difference in the community!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance and accountancy. We should be ready to discuss our qualifications and how they align with the needs of the Adult Social Care and Public Health department.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the St Helens team.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant in St Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Accountant role. Highlight your AAT or CCAB/CIMA qualifications and any relevant experience in financial support, especially in areas like Adult Social Care and Public Health.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with St Helens Borough Council and how your skills align with their transformation programme. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you’ve used them in real-life situations. Provide examples of how you've delivered high-quality budget and financial information in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Helens Borough Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll be dealing with budgets and financial statements. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets or contributed to financial reporting in the past.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with St Helens Borough Council's goals and transformation plans. Show that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to the Council’s mission in supporting the community.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to AAT or CCAB/CIMA standards. Be prepared to explain your approach to budget-setting, year-end closures, and how you ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Soft Skills
While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to highlight your communication and teamwork abilities. Discuss how you've collaborated with other departments or supported colleagues in achieving financial goals, especially in a public sector context.
