Principal Group Accountant

inploi; Bolton; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Bolton is seeking experienced finance professionals as Principal Group Accountants. You'll lead finance teams, influence projects, and oversee statutory accounting and budget planning. Ideal candidates will be qualified CCAB accountants with proven leadership skills and a passion for making an impact. This position offers a competitive salary and a range of benefits.

Benefits

Exclusive discounts

Gym membership prices

Generous annual leave

Flexible work opportunities

Pension Scheme access

Employee wellbeing support

Qualifications

• At least two years of post-qualification experience in a finance role.
• Proven ability to lead teams in complex environments.
• Strong technical expertise and financial insight.

Responsibilities

• Lead a finance team and provide strategic financial leadership.
• Oversee statutory accounting and budget planning.
• Influence major projects and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Skills

Leadership in finance team

Strategic financial advice

Statutory accounting oversight

Stakeholder influence

Education

Qualified CCAB accountant

Job description

Overview

Grade L £54,495 - £59,005 Per annum.

Contract: Permanent, Full Time.

The Role

We’re looking for three experienced and forward-thinking finance professionals to join Bolton Council as Principal Group Accountants. These key leadership roles support the Head of Finance in delivering our financial strategy across a range of directorates, including Regeneration, Place, Corporate Resources, Adults, Children’s Services, and Public Health.

You’ll lead a high-performing team, provide strategic financial advice, and drive transformation across the Council. From overseeing statutory accounting and budget planning to influencing major projects and ensuring compliance with Section 151 responsibilities, this is a chance to make a real impact in a dynamic and ambitious local authority.

Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing finance team in complex environments and provide strategic financial leadership.
• Oversee statutory accounting and budget planning across multiple directorates (Regeneration, Place, Corporate Resources, Adults, Children’s Services, Public Health).
• Influence major projects and ensure compliance with Section 151 responsibilities.
• Deliver the Council’s financial strategy in collaboration with the Head of Finance.
• Drive transformation and improvements to financial systems and processes.

About You

• Qualified CCAB accountant with at least two years’ post-qualification experience.
• Proven ability to lead finance teams in complex environments.
• Sharp financial insight, strong technical expertise, and a collaborative problem-solving approach.
• Comfortable driving change, influencing senior stakeholders, and using innovative IT solutions to improve financial systems.
• Passion for developing people and improving services; ready to make a real impact.

Closing date 10th October 2025. For an informal discussion, please contact Lisa Butcher, Head of Finance. Submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria for the role.

Eligibility and Sponsorship

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English as per the person specification.

About Us

This is your opportunity to join us at an exciting time as we have strong ambitions for the borough. Bolton is a great place to work and we are a welcoming organisation that aims to contribute to a place where people feel active, connected and prosperous. We are passionate about improving the outcomes and experience of Bolton people and want Bolton to be a vibrant place built on strong cohesive communities, successful businesses and healthy, engaged residents.

We offer a range of rewards and benefits, including exclusive discounts, gym membership prices, salary sacrifice schemes, generous annual leave, flexible work opportunities, access to a Pension Scheme, and employee wellbeing and support services.

We reserve the right to close this advert prior to the closing date should sufficient applications be received.

Our Values are important to us. Read about them along with the job description/person specification, and our top tips for applying.

Ready to apply? Click Apply and upload your anonymised CV and supporting statement explaining your relevant skills and experience and why you’re a strong fit for this role.

Within Greater Manchester, local authorities are committed to improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers and ex-military personnel. Please see greater.jobs for further information before you apply.

This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty.

For more information about working for Bolton Council, please see greater.jobs; for advice and support with your application, contact [e-mail]