Principal Accountant
Warrington, Cheshire
£40000 - £46000 per annum
- Herman Balbaera
- Lead Consultant
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
