Principal Accountant – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional fire and rescue authority is hiring a Principal Accountant to manage financial services and provide strategic financial advice. The role requires a fully qualified CCAB accountant with experience in financial management and staff supervision. Candidates should apply by outlining their qualifications against the stated requirements, with a salary of up to £59,023 per annum based on experience.

Qualifications

• Qualified CCAB Accountant with a proven track record in financial management.
• Experience in staff management at a senior level.
• Proficiency in public sector accounting practice.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Finance Team to provide high-quality financial services.
• Advise on strategic financial issues aligned with corporate plans.
• Enhance the Authority's financial systems and controls.

Skills

Financial management experience

Staff management experience

Analytical skills

Ability to interpret financial data

Problem-solving mindset

Education

Fully Qualified CCAB Accountant

Job description

Principal Accountant – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Principal Accountant
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service – Finance Department
Salary – up to £59,023 per annum based on experience
37 hours per week
Permanent Position

We are looking for a professional and highly capable senior Accountant 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.

Responsibilities

• Managing members of 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 deputise for the Head of Finance and Treasurer and act as a Senior Corporate Manager as needed.

Requirements

• Fully Qualified CCAB Accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS and Chartered Accountants Ireland). Please state which in your application.
• 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
• Working knowledge of public sector accounting practice
• Analytical ability to research, appraise and evaluate financial and strategic issues and options
• Resilient with a problem-solving mindset

How to apply

To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence of competency against the requirements of the role while considering the essential criteria listed on the attached job description. If you do not meet all of the essential criteria please still apply outlining the skills/experience that you do possess.

Salary: Up to £59,023 per annum based on experience