Principle Accountant

Michael Page; Winsford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading emergency services organisation is seeking a Principal Accountant to provide financial leadership and support strategic planning. This senior role involves managing a skilled finance team, ensuring compliance with local government finance standards, and delivering high-quality financial services. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a dynamic work environment designed to foster professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

Free parking

Cycle to work scheme

Access to Local Government Pension Scheme

Onsite gyms

Mind Blue Light Programme resources

Blue light discount

Trade union support

Qualifications

• Proven senior-level experience in financial and staff management.
• Strong knowledge of local government finance and accounting standards.
• Resilient and politically aware.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Finance Team to deliver robust, customer-focused services.
• Produce statutory accounts and manage treasury activities.
• Provide strategic financial insight and support corporate decision-making.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Education

CCAB qualified accountant

Degree-level qualification

Tools

MS Excel

Job description

As the Principal Accountant, you'll play a pivotal role in providing financial leadership, supporting strategic planning, and ensuring high-quality financial services across the organisation. This is a senior position where you will manage a skilled team, deputise for the Head of Finance when needed, and provide expert advice to senior stakeholders on a wide range of financial and policy matters.

Client Details

This role is within a high-performing emergency services organisation committed to protecting communities, reducing risk, and saving lives. The service is nationally recognised for its innovation, community focus, and strong financial management. With a clear vision and values-driven leadership, the organisation provides a dynamic and supportive environment where professionals can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and make a lasting impact.

Description

• Lead and develop the Finance Team to deliver robust, customer-focused services.
• Produce statutory accounts, manage treasury activities, and support budget preparation.
• Provide strategic financial insight and support corporate decision-making.
• Maintain strong financial control systems and support performance management.
• Deliver training and guidance to non-finance managers on financial procedures.
• Represent the finance function in cross-departmental projects and external meetings.
• Act as a senior corporate leader and deputise for the Head of Finance as required.

Profile

What we're looking for:

• CCAB qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland).
• Proven senior-level experience in financial and staff management.
• Strong knowledge of local government finance and accounting standards.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and IT skills (especially MS Excel).
• Resilient, politically aware, and confident in influencing others.

Desirable:

• Degree-level qualification.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £50,000 to £57,000 per annum.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, fostering and parental leave.
• Volunteer leave.
• Free parking.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to occupational health services.
• Healthy lifestyle support.
• Onsite gyms and discount at external gyms.
• Access to support and resources from the Mind Blue Light Programme.
• Blue light discount.
• Trade union support.
• Staff inclusion networks.

If you're ready to bring your expertise in accounting and finance to the public sector, we encourage you to apply and make a difference in this Principal Accountant role.