Principal Accountant

Rochford; Brentwood; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council authority in England is looking for a Principal Accountant to lead the year-end accounts closure and audit processes. This role involves managing compliance with accounting requirements and providing financial guidance to officers and senior leaders. The ideal candidate will have a CCAB qualification, extensive treasury experience, and strong management skills. The position offers a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and enrollment in a pension scheme, along with a hybrid work model across council sites.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Discounts across retailers

Qualifications

• Extensive post‑qualification experience in financial accounting and treasury.
• A strong internal motivation and innovative mindset are essential.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the closure of accounts and the audit process.
• Ensure compliance with technical accounting requirements.
• Provide expert financial advice to Officers and Members.

Skills

Financial accounting

Treasury management

Excellent communication

Team management

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

Principal Accountant

Permanent Position (37 hours per week)

Salary - One Team Band 10 £50,269 to £54,495 per annum

(Starting salary dependent upon skills and qualifications, progression subject to satisfactory performance)

The OneTeam partnership

Rochford District Council and Brentwood Borough Council have formed an exciting strategic partnership, and the Corporate Finance Team provide support to both Councils.

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our recently formed Corporate Finance Team for a Principal Accountant. You will provide leadership, direction and effectively manage the year‑end accounts ensuring that both Councils are providing effective services that support the delivery of Corporate Priorities by developing and maintaining robust partnerships to deliver positive outcomes.

You will lead on the closure of accounts and the audit process and be responsible for Treasury practices.

Be responsible for ensuring compliance with technical requirements and accounting, such as the Collection Fund, disseminating training as required.

Providing expert advice to Officers and Members in relation to financial compliance, attending relevant committees. Advising Senior Leaders on treasury, capital and ensuring the delivery of Corporate Priorities, as well as the wider ambitions of driving delivery through collaborative, partnerships and relationship building.

About the candidate

You will ideally possess a CCAB qualification, with extensive post‑qualification experience. Extensively experience of financial accounting and treasury. You will be highly motivated and possess excellent communication skills. The ability to manage and motivate a team, with a passion for forward‑thinking and innovative solutions is vital.

Benefits of working for us

In return, we offer a generous annual leave entitlement, enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme, access to our employee assistance programme and staff benefits platform with discounts across a range of retailers.

For an informal discussion please contact David Dickinson, Strategic Director Finance – [e-mail]

Please note – this is a hybrid role, which will require working at both Councils' sites. The successful candidate will be employed by Brentwood Borough Council.

Further information on this vacancy

• Job application guidance
• Job Description and Person Specification