Reed are proud to be offering a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated Principal Accountant to make a significant impact within local government. If you're looking to contribute to a cultural and vibrant community while developing your career, this role in Canterbury, near the coastal towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay, could be ideal for you.
About this Principal Accountant job opportunity:
- As our Principal Accountant, you'll take a lead role in the strategic risk management, tax management, audit liaison and budget monitoring for the general fund revenue account.
- You will be looking after our statutory obligations in relation to VAT including advising on the correct VAT treatment of supplies and tax planning and overseeing fraud prevention.
- You'll contribute to the financial year end processes relating to the publishing of the Statement of Accounts and the Local Government Transparency Code.
- As an expert in your field, you'll provide financial advice to support the council's objectives and tax affairs.
- You'll lead on budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes ensuring accuracy and alignment with corporate plan objectives within a challenging financial environment for local authorities.
- As our new Principal Accountant, you will monitor and analyse financial performance, ensure robust controls are followed and collaborate with stakeholders.
Working pattern:
- Full-time, Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays
- 37 hours per week
- Flexible working hours and location
- A full week off over Christmas! Plus 23 days of annual leave to use throughout the rest of the year.
About you, the ideal Principal Accountant:
Your skills:
- Able to continually develop and improve your specialist knowledge, within the context of Local Government.
- An effective team player.
Your knowledge:
- Understanding of Local Government Finance
- Understanding and knowledge of accounting regulations
- Knowledge of financial systems
- Understanding and knowledge of financial legislation
- Understanding of government guidance on specific service areas
- Knowledge of Financial Regulations and Contract Standing Orders
Your experience:
- Experience of preparing and managing budgets
- Previous experience working in a local council or government.
- Experience in managing people.
- Experience of writing and presenting finance reports
- Managing changes of processes and procedures within a team setting
Your qualifications:
- CCAB qualified or substantial work related experience.
- 5 GCSE's including Maths and English grades C/4 or above
What's in it for you?
- A starting salary of £44,551 per annum
- Flexible, hybrid working arrangements that support and encourage a good work-life balance.
- We'll support and encourage your career by providing excellent opportunities for training and development.
- Generous annual leave entitlement, starting at 23 days PLUS 3 additional days over the Christmas period whilst the Council offices are closed. There is also the option to buy additional annual leave.
- We do not work on Bank Holidays.
- A fantastic local government pension scheme.
- Employee perks, including multiple retailer and lifestyle discounts to tackle the cost of living and help you enjoy your free time.
- Free use of Canterbury's Park and Ride for an easier commute.
The deadline for applications is 30th April and interviews will commence the week after.