Principal Financial Accountant

Tempting Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A busy local authority in East London is seeking a Principal Financial Accountant for a temporary role, focused on financial accuracy and compliance. The position requires a CCAB qualification and experience in corporate accounting within local authorities. Candidates will lead technical accounting processes, provide expert financial guidance, and maintain data integrity. Interested applicants should contact a recruiter for further details.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working within a local authority or a similar organisation.
• At least 1 year experience in a Corporate Accounting Manager role or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years accounting experience, including at least 2 years post qualification.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical accounting and balance sheet management.
• Maintain accurate financial data and lead the closure of accounts process.
• Provide expert advice on accounting treatment and VAT matters.

Skills

Accounting treatment

VAT expertise

Financial reporting

Data integrity

Education

CCAB qualification

Job description

14th November, 2025

Are you eager to land a brand new role? Our client, a busy Local Authority in East London, are looking for an experienced Principal Financial Accountant to join their team and play a crucial role within their Corporate Finance operations.

Position: Principal Financial Accountant

Rate: £418 per day (Umbrella, Outside IR35)

Contract Duration: Temporary (3 Months) with Possible Extension

Working Arrangement: 3 days per week in the office

Job Purpose

• Leads technical accounting and balance sheet management to uphold the accuracy, integrity and transparency of the Council's financial statements, ensuring robust year-end delivery, high-quality disclosures and compliance with all regulatory and audit standards.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and meaningful financial data through regular data integrity reviews, system reconciliations and cleansing of the chart of accounts, balance sheet and trial balance.
• Lead the closure of accounts process, develop and maintain financial reports, processes and timetables to complete the year-end reporting cycle.
• Provide expert advice on accounting treatment, VAT and complex financial matters, including preparation of VAT returns, partial exemption calculations, the overview of properties that have been Opted to Tax and resolution of HMRC queries.

Job Requirements

• Previous experience working within a local authority or a similar organisation.
• At least 1 year experience within a Corporate Accounting Manager role or equivalent.
• CCAB qualification, continuing professional development and a member of accountancy body with at least 3 years accounting experience including at least 2 years post qualification.
• Experience of managing the Council's Collection Fund.
• Experience of successfully implementing IFRS 16.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development.

Please be advised that only candidates that have the specific skills and experiences required for this role will be shortlisted and submitted to our client for review.

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying, please press the button below, send your CV to [e-mail] or contact James on 020 3854 4907 to discuss further.

To explore other exciting opportunities or learn more about our recruitment process, please visit our website https://www.temptingrecruitment