Principal Accountant — Local Government (3-Month Contract)

Positive Employment; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Positive Employment is assisting a large local government organisation in recruiting an experienced Principal Accountant. The role focuses on evaluating budget information, advising on budgets and forecasts, and ensuring robust financial governance.

It is a 3-month contract, on-site three days per week, with IR35 inside. You will work across annual accounts, MTFS development, and government returns, liaising with auditors and service managers to deliver accurate financial reporting.

Qualifications

• Take responsibility and critically evaluate and challenge budget managers' information to compile the Council's annual budget and budget forecasting processes.
• Lead the production of the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return for review by the S151 officer.
• Contribute to the wider strategic plans of the Council's finances and develop the Medium-Term Financial Strategy with the Finance Manager and S151 Officer.
• Interpret legislation and guidance to ensure the Council's Statement of Accounts is fully compliant and liaise with external auditors.
• Be responsible for completing and submitting statutory returns such as NNDR 1, NNDR 3, Housing Benefit Subsidy, and Council Tax requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional financial support and guidance to operational managers with budgets, forecasts and service planning.
• Provide professional financial advice to support new projects and initiatives identifying financial impacts and options.
• Lead responsibility for the production of the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return for S151 officer review.

Job description

Positive Employment is assisting a large local government organisation in recruiting an experienced Principal Accountant. The role focuses on evaluating budget information, advising on budgets and forecasts, and ensuring robust financial governance.

It is a 3-month contract, on-site three days per week, with IR35 inside. You will work across annual accounts, MTFS development, and government returns, liaising with auditors and service managers to deliver accurate financial reporting.