Job type
PermanentLocation
GloucestershireWorking Pattern
Flexible Working,Full-timeSpecialism
Senior Finance QualifiedIndustry
Government & Public ServicesPay
£49764Closing date
17 Jul 2025
Principal Accountant
JOB DESCRIPTION
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership within the finance function, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, financial reporting standards, and best practices.
- Lead the preparation of the annual statement of accounts, including supporting notes and working papers.
- Maintain oversight and control of the balance sheet.
- Act as the primary liaison with internal and external auditors.
- Offer financial advice and guidance to senior leadership and stakeholders.
- Manage capital accounting processes, including asset register maintenance, capital charges, financing, and strategy development.
- Oversee payroll operations, including salary sacrifice schemes and coordination with pension providers.
- Lead treasury management activities, including banking, cash flow, investments, and the development of strategic documents and reports.
- Supervise the insurance function and ensure appropriate coverage and risk management.
- Oversee the financial system’s control and maintenance.
- Ensure effective VAT management and provide guidance on compliance.
- Attend and contribute to committee and board meetings as required.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of statutory returns and external reporting.
- Support team development through training and capacity building.
- Manage workloads under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
- Act as deputy to the Finance Manager when necessary.
- Promote and uphold the organisation’s values and behaviours.
- Undertake any other duties reasonably aligned with the scope of the role.
Skills and Experience:
- Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of accounting standards and codes of practice.
- Demonstrated experience in producing annual financial statements for complex organisations.
- Proven ability to advise senior stakeholders on financial matters.
- Experience in team leadership and staff development.
- Familiarity with administrative systems and legal compliance.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage complex workloads.
- Experience of presenting financial information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to operate effectively in sensitive or high-profile environments.
- Advanced problem-solving skills and ability to apply innovative thinking.
Judgement and Decision-Making:
- Exercise discretion in areas lacking clear guidance, using professional judgement to make decisions that impact service delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engage with internal leadership, external partners, auditors, suppliers, and other stakeholders as required.
Resource Management:
- Limited direct responsibility for financial resources, with a focus on oversight and strategic input.
General Expectations:
- Align service delivery with organisational goals and values.
- Collaborate across departments to support broader objectives.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
- Comply with health and safety, environmental, and safeguarding policies.
- Participate in training and development as required.