Principal Accountant - Interims

Principal Accountant - Interims

Temporary 40500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Tempest Resourcing Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in producing the Statement of Accounts and support daily accounting activities.
  • Company: Join the London Borough of Haringey, a dynamic local government.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Enjoy a collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on financial management in your community.
  • Qualifications: Experience in accounting and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.

  • London Borough of Haringey
  • Principal Accountant - Interims
  • Duration: 36 weeks (9 Months)
  • Hours per week: 36
  • PAYE: 317.86 per day
  • Limited/Umbrella: 436.83 per day
  • Hybrid working, 2 days in the office

Job description

  • To assist the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant with on the annual production of the Statement of Accounts.
  • To support the Deputy Chief Accountant with day-to-day activities within the Chief Accountant's team, including design and implementation of processes and procedures for other staff to follow.
  • To maintain the integrity of the underpinning chart of accounts, balances and transactions to facilitate all aspects of statutory and management reporting.
  • To provide technical accounting advice to Council staff to ensure that best practice and relevant accounting standards and guidance is adhered to.
  • To deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant as may be reasonably required from time to time.
  • To lead on Collection Fund, Revenue Accounting, Chart of Accounts, Balance Sheet Management, VAT and ensure the efficient and timely completion of all completion of related Returns (statutory or otherwise).
  • To ensure robust, accurate and compliant collection fund accounting and record keeping including being responsible for compiling working papers that satisfy audit requirements.
  • To liaise with LG Futures on all collection Fund matters and review information supporting the estimation of the collection fund surplus/deficit during the year.
  • To advise senior management on all collection fund matters and act as the collection fund contact with external bodies such as preceptors, experts, collection fund network.
  • To have an oversight of information provided by the Revenue Service Teams to ensure that all collection fund returns are accurate and completed on a timely basis.
  • To support on tasks such as the setting of council tax.
  • To lead on annual closure of all revenue activities including the preparation of reconciling related general ledger accounts including reserves.
  • Maintain oversight of the Council's Balance Sheet to ensure that all balances are understood, can be supported, and represent real assets or liabilities.
  • To complete statutory and non-government returns such as the NNDR1-3, CTR1, Revenue Outturn Returns and Whole Government Accounts
  • Consolidate accounts for group companies and related bodies.
  • Oversight of accounting for schools and related party organisations
  • An oversight of the accounting processes around Debtors (including capital loans Bad Debts provision and Creditors.
  • To lead on Grant accounting
  • To lead on the completion of statutory and non-government returns eg. WGA, RO,
  • To lead on strategic VAT issues & ensure that the council's financial processes are robust in line with changes in VAT legislation.
  • Support council-wide service initiatives with complex VAT implications through obtaining specialist advice and building a library of advice from tax experts for the purpose providing timely advice across the council.
  • Review monthly VAT Returns & provide VAT advice to senior leadership.
  • Undertake Partial Exemption calculations annually.
  • To ensure that finance colleagues and services are aware of the closure timetable and protocols to follow to ensure that the appropriate year-end adjustments are actioned.
  • Prepare Collection Fund Statement at year-end.
  • Prepare some aspects of the Core Financial Statement e. g. Cash Flow Statement and group accounts including notes to the accounts.
  • To satisfactorily respond to complex internal and external audit queries and recommendations in line with the Council's current audit protocol with the aim of continually improving the Council's financial management and reporting.
  • To ensure all work undertaken is compliant with Council financial regulations, standing orders, policies and practice, statutory requirements and CIPFA guidance.
  • To action all relevant virements on SAP as and when required ensuring appropriate authorisation has been obtained for each item processed.
  • To prepare accounting guidance, briefing papers, electronic templates, audit working papers and committee reports as and when required.
  • Document and review procedures and processes on a regular basis keeping Line Manager informed of situation.
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Principal Accountant - Interims employer: Tempest Resourcing Limited

Tempest Resourcing Limited is an excellent employer for Community Occupational Therapists, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With the flexibility of hybrid working in the picturesque South Lakes, Cumbria, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of adults while enjoying competitive pay and potential contract extensions.

Tempest Resourcing Limited

Contact Details:

Tempest Resourcing Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant - Interims

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 Tempest Resourcing Limited.

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 Tempest Resourcing Limited 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 Principal Accountant - Interims

Technical Accounting
Financial Reporting
Statutory Compliance
VAT Legislation Knowledge
Collection Fund Management
Balance Sheet Management
Audit Preparation

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 Tempest Resourcing Limited 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 Tempest Resourcing Limited. 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 Tempest Resourcing Limited confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Tempest Resourcing Limited

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 Tempest Resourcing Limited.

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 Tempest Resourcing Limited 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.