Principal Accountant

Networking Women in the Fire Service; Winsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service is looking for a Principal Accountant to support its finance department. This role involves strategic financial advising, team management, and ensuring compliance with public-sector accounting practices. The successful candidate will manage finance operations and develop high-quality financial services, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the organization.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Attractive holiday entitlement

Training and development opportunities

Access to free parking

On-site gym

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification required.
• Proven track record in financial and staff management at a senior level.
• Ability to interpret and present financial data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the Finance Team to provide high-quality financial services.
• Advise on strategic financial issues and ensure alignment with corporate plans.
• Support the Head of Finance in managing relationships with auditors.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Professional accounting qualification

Job description

Principal Accountant
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service – Finance Department
Starting Salary of £50,788 within the Salary Scale PM3 range £50,788 – £57,193per annum based on experience
37 hours per week
Temporary – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

The main purpose of this job roles is to:
Support the Head of Finance and Treasurer in advising the Authority, Principal Officers and Senior Officers on strategic and tactical financial issues; to manage the provision of a wide range of financial services to the Authority; to deputise for the Head of Finance and Treasurer, where necessary, on financial matters; and to act as a Senior Corporate Manager within the organisation.

Duties will cover/ include:

Managing and developing the Finance Team to provide high-quality financial services, including management accounting, statutory accounts production, budget preparation, treasury management, and ensuring timely and accurate financial returns.
advising the Head of Finance and Service Managers, on strategic financial issues, ensuring finance aligns with corporate plans and performance management.
managing the effectiveness of the Authority’s financial systems, ensuring strong control mechanisms and reliable management information for decision-making.
evaluating new initiatives to inform financial decisions, investigating inefficiencies and budget variances, and providing training to non-financial managers on financial systems and policies.
representing the Finance Department in multi-disciplinary projects and meetings, ensuring financial implications are considered.
Supporting the Head of Finance and Treasurer in managing relationships with auditors and other partners is also key.
you may deputize for the Head of Finance and Treasurer and act as a Senior Corporate Manager as needed.

Requirements of the role include:

Professional accounting qualification
Logical thinker who pays attention to detail
Proven track record in financial and staff management at a senior level
Ability to interpret and present financial data, statistics / and trends in a meaningful way
sound working knowledge of public sector accounting practice
Analytical, ability to research and appraise and evaluate/ financial and strategic issues and options
Demonstrable problem-solving skills
Self-motivated and able to influence and motivate others.

To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence of competency against the above requirements of the role while considering the essential criteria listed on the attached job description.

CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.

Further information, a full job description and application form can be found using the links to the right, or alternatively contact the HR Recruitment Team at [e-mail]

Please ensure you read the application guidance notes before completing your application.

Please return completed application forms via email to [e-mail]

Please quote job reference 12/25/PA on your application form.

Closing Date for Applications: 5pm Monday 23rd June 2025

Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations
It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. For example, in relation to disability; a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia; pregnancy; religion or belief; or injury etc. Any requests for workplace adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. For support or further information please email: [e-mail]

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.