Principal Finance Officer

Connect2Halton; Widnes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect2Halton, representing Halton Borough Council, seeks a Principal Finance Officer to lead financial planning, reporting and governance. You will guide senior managers, elected Members and budget holders while developing the finance team and ensuring high-quality financial services across the council.

You will provide specialist financial advice, oversee revenue and capital budgets, year-end statements, VAT and Agresso ledger tasks, and drive continuous improvement in financial management.

Qualifications

• Experience in local government finance.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Experience preparing year-end financial statements and statutory accounts.
• Excellent knowledge of local government accounting and financial management.
• Highly organised with ability to plan and manage own and team workload.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor revenue budgets and the capital programme.
• Oversee year-end accounts and statutory financial statements.
• Lead the Council's treasury management function, including borrowing and investments.
• Oversee capital financing, VAT returns and general ledger maintenance (Agresso).
• Ensure effective budgetary controls and compliance with Financial Regulations.
• Oversee grant claims, external funding, and statutory returns.
• Provide financial advice and training to budget managers and senior stakeholders.
• Lead and develop the finance team and liaise with external auditors.
• Liaise with Government departments and external organisations.

Skills

Local government finance

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Leadership

Public sector accounting

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualified

Job description

Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Finance Officer to lead key aspects of its corporate and technical finance functions. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in financial planning, reporting and governance, ensuring the effective management of public resources and supporting informed decision-making across the Council.

You will provide specialist financial advice to senior managers, elected Members and budget holders, while leading and developing a team to deliver high-quality financial services.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and monitor revenue budgets and the capital programme, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with deadlines.
• Oversee year-end accounts and statutory financial statements, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards, regulations and audit requirements.
• Lead the Council's treasury management function, including borrowing, investments and preparation of the annual Treasury Management Strategy.
• Oversee capital financing, Collection Fund accounting, VAT returns and the maintenance of the Agresso general ledger.
• Ensure effective budgetary controls and compliance with the Council's Financial Regulations and financial procedures.
• Oversee grant claims, subsidy arrangements, external funding opportunities and statutory financial returns.
• Provide financial advice, guidance and training to budget managers and senior stakeholders.
• Lead, support and develop the finance team, promoting effective service delivery and continuous improvement.
• Liaise with external auditors, Government Departments, other local authorities and relevant external organisations.

Requirements

• CCAB or CIMA qualified.
• At least three years' experience in local government finance.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of local government accounting and financial management.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate, interpret and report on complex financial data.
• Experience of preparing year-end financial statements and statutory accounts.
• Highly organised, with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage own workload and that of subordinate staff.

Connect2Halton is a trading style of Halton & Kent Commercial Services LLP- A joint venture between Halton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Halton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates