At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial support for housing, providing insights and budget management.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity and promotes equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community services through strategic financial decision-making.
- Qualifications: Fully or part-qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 54267 - 57402 € per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO6 £54,267- £57,402
Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent
Working hours per week: 36
Reference: 2074
About the role
This is a key role responsible for delivering high quality financial management information to support effective decision making across housing. You will work closely with service managers, providing expert financial advice, budget monitoring and strategic insight to help drive performance and value for money.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading on financial support for the Housing Service
- Providing timely and accurate financial management information
- Supporting budget planning, monitoring and forecasting
- Contributing to strategic decision making and service improvement
Qualifications and Requirements
We are looking for a fully or part-qualified accountant, or equivalent experience, with strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
Terms and Conditions
Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks; Satisfactory declaration of interest; Continued professional body registration; As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role. This requirement does not refer to any particular English language qualifications, regional or international accents, dialects, speech impediments or the tone of conversations. It does not require staff to speak only in English.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives:
- Promoting equality of opportunity
- Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage
- Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels.
- Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all.
Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.
Principal Accountant employer: Waltham Forest Council
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As the largest employer in the area, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring a meaningful impact on the community through strategic financial management in housing services. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises equality and delivers excellent services to a rich mix of communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the London Borough of Waltham Forest 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 brushing up on your financial management knowledge. We should be ready to discuss how we can provide strategic insight and support budget planning. Practise common interview questions related to financial decision-making.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our analytical skills during the interview. Bring examples of how we've used data to drive performance and value for money in previous roles. This will help us stand out as the ideal candidate for the Principal Accountant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how we meet the specific qualifications and requirements listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Accountant role. Highlight your financial management experience and any relevant qualifications. 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 role. Mention specific examples of how you've provided financial support or strategic insight in previous positions, as this will resonate with us.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since strong analytical skills are a must-have, make sure to include examples of how you've used these skills in your past roles. Whether it's budget monitoring or forecasting, we want to see how you can contribute to effective decision-making.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Waltham Forest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waltham Forest Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Principal Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can provide the high-quality financial management information they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves working closely with service managers, practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial insights to non-financial stakeholders. This will highlight your ability to influence and challenge constructively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to support budget planning or improve service performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Familiarise yourself with Waltham Forest's commitment to diversity and equality. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values in your role. Showing alignment with their core values will demonstrate that you're not just a fit for the job, but also for the organisation's culture.
