Principal Accountant

Hertfordshire County Council; Stevenage; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Accountant to join their Finance Team. This role is pivotal in strategic financial planning, managing budgets, and leading a small team. You will engage with senior management, handle technical financial areas, and contribute to improving lives for over 1.2 million residents. If you are a qualified accountant with a passion for finance and problem-solving, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Join us to help shape the financial future of the community!

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant or qualified by experience.
• Extensive experience in financial processes and legislation.

Responsibilities

• Lead on financial budget setting and medium-term strategy.
• Coordinate budget monitor report and engage with senior management.

Skills

Financial processes

Problem-solving

Financial modelling

Communication skills

Relationship building

Influence skills

Education

CIPFA qualification or equivalent

Qualified by experience

Job description

Join to apply for the Principal Accountant role at Hertfordshire County Council

Job Title: Principal Accountant
Starting Salary: £52,138 progressing to £57,652 per annum - pay award pending
Hours: 37
Location: Stevenage with hybrid working opportunities
Contract Type: Permanent
Directorate: Resources

About The Team

We have two opportunities within the Finance Team at Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) for Principal Accountants, working within the Corporate Finance or Adult Care Services team. Your role will provide value to over 1.2 million residents and contribute to our core values of improving lives and working with integrity.

Corporate

This role is central to strategic financial planning at the County Council. Responsibilities include leading budget setting, monitoring processes, and working closely with Business Partner teams to provide advice and improve processes. The role manages a small team including a Senior Accountant and an Accountancy Officer.

Adult Care Services (ACS)

This position supports Adult Care Services with a net budget of over £500m. Responsibilities include leading budget setting, monitoring key savings programmes, and developing operational costing models with Heads of Service. The role reports to the Finance Manager and manages two Senior Accountants.

Responsibilities

Corporate Finance

• Lead on financial budget setting and medium-term financial strategy development.
• Coordinate the Council’s budget monitor report.
• Engage with senior management on strategic financial decisions.
• Handle technical areas like local taxation and coordinate with district and borough councils.
• Monitor grant income, support year-end processes, and promote best practices.
• Manage a team of two staff members.

ACS

• Lead budget setting for Adult Care Services and monitor transformation savings.
• Develop operational costing models with Heads of Service.
• Oversee capital programme monitoring and revenue management within ACS.

About You

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Ability to build relationships up to Chief Officer level.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to consider wider implications.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to senior leaders.
• Extensive experience in financial processes, policies, and legislation.
• Effective challenge and influence skills.
• Experience with financial modelling.

Desirable

• Experience in Adult Care Services or Corporate Finance.
• Previous local government experience.

We welcome applications from candidates with the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship is not available.