Senior Principal Accountant

Local Government Chronicle; Sevenoaks; Hybrid; GBP 66,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

31 days annual leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

Free parking

Employee discounts

Counselling wellbeing support

Job summary

Sevenoaks District Council is seeking a Senior Principal Accountant to lead key financial processes, contribute to annual accounts, and play a major role in the audit cycle. The role supports budget planning, capital accounting and special projects within a financially secure council.

The successful candidate will be a qualified CCAB or CIMA accountant with 3–5 years of relevant experience, and will work in a hybrid setting with two days on-site per week at Sevenoaks.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with CCAB or CIMA accreditation.
• 3–5 years of post-qualification experience in local government finance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to the production of the annual accounts and co-ordinate the audit process.
• Support the budget process, capital accounting and project involvement across the council finance team.
• Provide expert financial advice to help secure sound financial governance and decision making.

Skills

CCAB/CIMA qualification

Education

CCAB/CIMA qualification

Job description

Senior Principal Accountant

Salary package: £65,875 - 69,832

About The Role

We are looking for a qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) who will be fully involved and make a major contribution to the full range of functions of a district council finance team.

This will include playing a key role in the production of the annual accounts including extensive involvement in the annual audit process. It will also include input to the annual budget, capital accounting and involvement in projects.

Sevenoaks District Council provides an excellent opportunity for you, as we are financially secure and have two companies. At this exciting time of change for district councils, this is your opportunity to join us and gain new experience as the council and you develop together.

Benefits Of Working For Sevenoaks District Council

• Hybrid working (at least two days on-site per week at Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG)
• Enhanced annual leave of 31 days (excluding bank holidays)
• Additional leave after 5 years of service
• Extra Christmas closure day
• Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Free parking
• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel days out and more, Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT
• Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme; a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jessica Booth, Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer, on 01732 227436.

We invite applications from those candidates who are seeking a full-time (37 hours per week) position.

More on us as an employer: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20003/your_council/204/jobs_and_working_for_the_council

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Closing date: 13 September 2026

Interviews: W/C 21 September 2026 These will be held at our office in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks.

Location: Sevenoaks, Kent

Contract: Permanent

Experience: 3 - 5 years of experience

Master

65,875 - 69,832

Published on 7 Sep 2026