Principal Financial Accountant

Adecco; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 49,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (LBBD) is seeking an experienced Principal Financial Accountant to join Corporate Finance. Reporting to the Senior Financial Reporting Manager, you will lead year-end accounts closure, oversee financial accounting activities, and provide expert technical advice to ensure accurate financial reporting.

This is a high-profile role with hybrid working (3 days in the office).

Qualifications

• Qualified CCAB accountant with membership of a recognised body.
• Minimum 3 years' accounting experience, including 2 years post-qualification.
• Proven ability to deliver year-end accounts and statutory reporting.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and regulatory compliance.
• Experience in a large public sector or local government environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual closure of accounts and production of statements.
• Ensure statutory accounting compliance and audit standards.
• Oversee balance sheet management, reconciliations, and reserves accounting.
• Provide expert technical accounting advice on VAT and complex issues.
• Support financial governance, risk management, and continuous improvement.
• Lead on bad debt provisions and balance sheet monitoring.
• Manage SALIX and energy efficiency schemes.
• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Produce high-quality financial reports and present to stakeholders.
• Coach finance colleagues and promote best practice.

Skills

Year-end accounting

Statutory reporting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Regulatory compliance

VAT accounting

Process improvements

Influencing

Education

CCAB accountancy qualification

Job description

Principal Financial Accountant

London Borough of Barking & Dagenham (LBBD)

Barking - Hybrid working - 3 days office

Salary: £57,239 per annum (PO7)

Working hours: 35 hours per week (Monday - Friday)

Contract: Permanent

Start date: ASAP (subject to notice period)

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and qualified finance professional to join the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham as a Principal Financial Accountant within Corporate Finance. Reporting to the Senior Financial Reporting Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and transparency of the Council's financial reporting and statutory accounts.

This is a high-profile position where you will lead the year-end accounts closure process, oversee financial accounting activities, provide expert technical advice, and support robust financial governance across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the annual closure of accounts process and support the production of the Statement of Accounts, Group Accounts and Whole of Government Accounts.
• Ensure compliance with statutory accounting requirements, CIPFA Codes of Practice and audit standards.
• Oversee balance sheet management, reconciliations, reserves accounting and financial reporting.
• Provide expert advice on technical accounting matters, VAT compliance and complex financial issues.
• Support financial governance, risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead on bad debt provisions and balance sheet monitoring.
• Manage SALIX and other energy efficiency schemes.
• Support internal and external audits and implement audit recommendations.
• Produce high-quality financial reports and present findings to senior stakeholders, elected members and external partners.
• Coach and support finance colleagues, promoting professional development and best practice.

About You

• A fully qualified CCAB accountancy qualification with membership of a recognised accountancy body.
• At least 3 years' accounting experience, including 2 years post-qualification experience.
• Significant experience delivering year-end accounts and statutory financial reporting.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including financial reporting standards and regulatory compliance.
• Experience working within a large, complex public sector organisation, ideally local government.
• Knowledge of VAT, balance sheet management, reserves accounting and financial governance.
• Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence, challenge and build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience of driving process improvements and managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.