Principal Finance Officer - CMB2731e

The Cumbria County Council; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cumbria County Council is seeking a Principal Finance Officer in Carlisle to lead financial planning and reporting across services. You will shape budgets, provide financial advice and support the Council's capital programme, working with managers to improve value for money and deliver robust financial management.

This permanent role offers hybrid working arrangements, 37 hours per week, and a salary of £39,481–£40,444 per year.

Qualifications

• Qualified finance professional with experience in budgeting and financial reporting.
• Proven ability to provide robust financial management and business partnering.
• Strong analytical and forecasting skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, monitoring and financial reporting for services.
• Provide financial advice and challenge to support decision making.
• Support the Councils Capital Programme and business cases.

Skills

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Business partnering

Forecasting

Job description

Job reference REQ00000020494 Date posted 26/10/2026 Application closing date Blank Location Carlisle Salary £39,481.00 - £40,444.00 Package Blank Contractual hours 37 Basis Full time Attachments Blank

Job description

Job Title: Principal Finance Officer

Salary: £39,481 to £40,444

Hours: 37 hours per week

Location: Carlisle (Hybrid working arrangements are available)

Contract: Permanent

About this opportunity

Are you a finance professional looking to make a real impact across a large and diverse organisation? Join our Finance Team and play a vital role in supporting the delivery of essential Council services through expert financial advice, robust financial management, and effective business partnering.

Working closely with managers across a wide range of services, you’ll provide financial support and challenge to help shape decision‑making, improve value for money, and deliver positive outcomes for communities. From budget setting and monitoring to financial reporting, forecasting, business cases and change projects, you'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions while developing strong relationships across the organisation with a particular focus on supporting the Councils Capital Programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated finance professional who enjoys solving problems, driving improvement, and helping others develop their financial management skills. You'll be part of a supportive and forward‑thinking team that is committed to innovation, continuous improvement, and delivering high‑quality financial services that make a difference.

This role is offered on a permanent basis. The office location is the Civic Centre, Carlisle; however, hybrid working arrangements are available.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.

We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.

Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.

Contact

For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Wayne Johnston by email at [e-mail]

Guaranteed Interviews

We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.

• Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
• Those who identify as a member of the British Armed Forces community (service leavers, veterans, their partners or spouses, reservists, cadets).

Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments

We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Leader and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.

If you need any reasonable adjustments

to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing [e-mail]. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.

Application & Interview Information

• Closing date: 15/11/2026
• Interview date:Week Commencing 30/11/2026