Principal Accountant (Full Time)

New Start; Clitheroe; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working hours

Generous leave entitlement

Occupational pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Discounts at major retailers

Cycle to work scheme

Job summary

The Council is seeking a Principal Accountant to lead the preparation and monitoring of capital and revenue budgets and final accounts across services. You will work from the Clitheroe offices during induction, with hybrid working two days weekly thereafter for full-time staff.

The role requires a qualified accountant, ideally CIPFA (or CCAB), with experience in a multi-disciplinary team and the ability to explain complex financial information to both finance and non-finance colleagues,

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant, CIPFA or CCAB ideally.
• Experience in multi-disciplinary teams delivering key projects.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to finance and non-finance colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor capital and revenue budgets and final accounts for diverse services.
• Provide advice to the Director of Resources and Head of Financial Services on government policy impacts and accounting issues.

Skills

CIPFA qualification

Communication skills

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Education

CIPFA or CCAB qualified

Job description

Principal Accountant

Salary: £48,738 to £51,928 per annum

Expires

04/10/2026

Location

Clitheroe, Lancashire

Job Type

Full Time

Pay

PO6-9 (scp 36-39) £48,738 to £51,928 per annum

Reference

RES280

Hours

37 hours per week

Contract

Permanent

Job Description

Whilst you go through your induction period, you will work from the Council Offices at Clitheroe. This is to help you integrate within the team and your role. Following this induction period, the Council currently allow hybrid homeworking of two days per week for full time staff and one day per week for part time staff.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake the role of Principal Accountant. You will be responsible for the preparation and monitoring of capital and revenue budgets and final accounts for a range of services.

Providing assistance and advice to the Director of Resources and Head of Financial Services on the impact of changes in Government legislation accounting issues.

We are looking for a qualified accountant, ideally CIPFA qualified (or other CCAB), with experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to deliver key projects. Have the ability to communicate complex information with both finance and non-finance colleagues, working together to deliver shared outcomes.

Benefits

Join us to receive a host of benefits such as flexible working hours (flexitime scheme in operation with no core hours), generous leave entitlement, occupational pension scheme, and training/development opportunities.

Join us to receive a host of benefits such as flexible working hours, generous leave entitlement, occupational pension scheme, training and development opportunities, discounts at major retailers and a cycle to work scheme.

Other details

Reasonable adjustments: For any part of the recruitment process, please email us or provide further information on your application form.

Right to close early: We reserve the right to close job vacancies before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interview date: 15 October 2026

Closing date: 4 October 2026

Company: Ribble Valley Borough Council

Sector

Corporate Services

Corporate Management Team

Finance

Job Role

Accountant