Principal Accountant

Purpose Of The Role

The post holder will have overall responsibility for overseeing financial planning, management and coordination of financial arrangements for a given area across both revenue and capital finance and/or cross cutting areas such as corporate and statutory reporting, and technical finance.

The post holder will expected to lead on a number of processes to ensure that internal and external deadlines are met. The post holder will maintain a proactive relationship with key stakeholders across the council, providing valuable finance support and effective challenge. They will play a key role in delivering an integrated approach to the development of financial strategy across the council.

The post holder will be expected to maintain up to date technical knowledge and develop processes and procedures to ensure compliance with new requirements and legislation.

The post holder will provide high quality, responsive, effective and timely advice, to the Council, its committees and officers, Government Departments, external auditors and external bodies, partnerships, on all matters of financial significance.

Essential Knowledge And Experience

A CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or senior finance relevant accounting experience.

Experience or knowledge of the work of a public authority Finance Department at a similar level.

Knowledge and application of local government finance and an understanding of relevant financial legislation, professional accountancy codes and financial best practice.

Experience of financial analysis and forecasting to support decision making with an awareness and understanding of service delivery as well as financial implications.

Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to explain complex matters (financial and non-financial information) effectively in a variety of formats to different audiences.