Principal Accountant

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

Job summary

A local government council in England seeks a Principal Accountant to lead financial management and compliance. You will oversee audits, provide expert financial advice, and manage a motivated team. Applicants should hold a CCAB qualification and possess extensive experience in financial accounting. The role offers generous leave, a pension scheme, and employee benefits. The position involves hybrid working from both councils' sites.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Staff discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive post-qualification experience in financial accounting.
• Experience in managing audits and compliance.
• Ability to develop and maintain partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the closure of accounts and the audit process.
• Provide expert advice to Officers and Members on financial compliance.
• Motivate and manage the Corporate Finance Team effectively.

Skills

Financial accounting

Treasury management

Team management

Excellent communication

Innovative problem-solving

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

• Employer: Brentwood Borough Council
• Salary: One Team Band 10 £50,269 to £54,495 per annum
• Location: Brentwood, Rochford, Essex
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Flexible Hours/Full Time
• Hours: 37 hours per week.
• DBS Check: Yes
• Closing Date: 11/01/2026 at 23:55
• Reference: BBC/25/327714

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

Brentwood Borough Council and Rochford District 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 managing the Year end accounts ensuring that both Councils are providing effective services that support the delivery of Corporate Priorities by developing and maintain 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. Extensive 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.

Contact and application

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.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Brentwood Council is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities will be offered an interview where they meet the Essential Criteria on the Person Specification.

It is our policy that if you have not heard back within 3 weeks of the closing date you should assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.