Principal Accountant

i-jobs; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 46,783; Full time

Job summary

A local government finance position in the UK is seeking a Principal Accountant to provide senior financial support during the Local Government Reorganisation. The role requires a fully qualified accountant with significant experience in financial forecasting and statutory accounts preparation. Candidates must have strong skills in financial analysis, communication, and organizational abilities. The pay rate is £33.96 per hour for a contract duration of 9+ months with a hybrid work structure.

Qualifications

• Significant experience producing Medium-Term Financial Strategies (MTFS), budgets, and financial forecasts.
• Recent experience preparing the statutory Statement of Accounts.
• Experience of financial modelling for complex capital and investment projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior financial support during the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation.
• Lead or support complex financial projects, including detailed financial analysis and modelling.
• Ensure accounts are closed within statutory deadlines.

Skills

Technical knowledge of IFRS

Experience advising senior managers

Strong analytical skills

Excellent communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Education

Fully qualified member of a recognised CCAB body (CIPFA preferred)

Additional training in local government accounting

Job description

Principal Accountant

Location: Runnymede Civic Centre, Station Road, Addlestone, KT152AH

Start Date: ASAP

Contract Duration: 9+ Months (3 days in the office, 2 days remote (agile working)

Working Hours: Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00

Pay Rate: £33.96 Per Hour

Job Ref: OR22884

Job Responsibilities

• Provide senior financial support during the Surrey Local Government Reorganisation.
• Act as a key finance contact for the reorganisation programme.
• Support and deputise for the Corporate Head of Finance when required.
• Lead or support complex financial projects, including detailed financial analysis and modelling.
• Prepare and support delivery of:
  • The annual revenue budget
  • The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)
  • The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan
  • The Capital Programme
  • The annual Statement of Accounts
• Ensure accounts are closed within statutory deadlines.
• Provide clear financial advice to senior managers, Members and committees.
• Carry out scenario planning and risk-based financial modelling.
• Review reserves, balances and long-term financial sustainability.
• Support treasury management, capital financing and compliance with relevant codes of practice.
• Ensure compliance with statutory financial regulations and professional standards.
• Assist with implementation of the new Financial Management System.
• Review and complete statutory returns and grant claims accurately and on time.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, efficiency and savings programmes.

Person Specification

Must-Have Requirements

• Fully qualified member of a recognised CCAB body (CIPFA preferred).
• Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and local government finance.
• Understanding of Treasury Management, the Prudential Code and the Local Government Capital Regime.
• Significant experience producing MTFS, budgets and financial forecasts.
• Recent experience preparing the statutory Statement of Accounts.
• Experience of financial modelling for complex capital and investment projects.
• Experience working within a Local District or Borough Council environment.
• Experience advising senior managers and elected Members on financial matters.
• Strong understanding of General Fund and HRA accounting.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex financial data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to produce clear, concise reports for a range of audiences.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience managing or supporting organisational change.
• Willingness to attend evening meetings when required.

Nice-to-Have Requirements

• Experience operating at Deputy Section 151 Officer level.
• CIPFA qualification (if not already specified within CCAB membership).
• Additional training in local government accounting.
• Experience leading system implementation within a finance environment.