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Principal Accountant (Public Sector)

Position: Principal Accountant
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £44,000 - £46,000

Organisation
We're partnering with a well-established public sector organisation with a strong focus on delivering essential services to its community. They are investing in their finance function and are looking to appoint a Principal Accountant to strengthen core financial management, statutory reporting, and business support.

The Role

Reporting into a Finance Manager and working closely with senior finance colleagues, you'll support the delivery of high-quality financial services, ensuring robust financial systems, accurate reporting, and strong support to budget holders.

Key Responsibilities

Manage capital and revenue budgets, ensuring accuracy, deadlines, and strong financial controls
Support year-end processes and production of the annual Statement of Accounts
Advise budget managers on financial matters, service changes, and regulations
Prepare statutory returns and grant claims in line with requirements
Ensure regulatory compliance, improve finance processes, and collaborate across teams (including deputising when needed)

About You (Essential)

Strong experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting (public sector environment preferred)
Solid understanding of compliance, controls, and maintaining auditable records
Able to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines
Confident communicator, able to support and advise non-finance stakeholders

Desirable

CCAB (or equivalent) qualification (or working towards)
Experience supporting or leading year-end closure / Statement of Accounts processes
Understanding of local government/public sector accounting requirements