Principal Accountant

Excellent opportunity to work in a challenging but very rewarding environment


This role reports to the Finance Manager and you will control the day to day aspects of the accounting service covering the Environment and Regeneration department . Acting as a key point of contact for the Head of Service and all budget holders you will provide support in relation to all budget preparation and management reporting and representing the team at internal meetings. The role is about adding value and will provide a lot of analytical information as opposed to pure budget control. You must be capable of identifying risk and provide decision making support.

This role requires someone who is fully competent managing budget setting and monitoring, working closely with budget holders to ensure that they fully understand their budgets and are supported to take action on variances. You will co-ordinate the close down of accounts and have the ability to write effective reports and communicate the content of any reports clearly to both financial and non-financial audiences, being able to express complex ideas in simple language. Communication within the team will also be critical and the successful candidate should have the ability to spot potential issues and to address those, communicating with the Finance Manager so that problems are dealt with quickly and effectively.

You will need:

• a full accountancy qualification with extensive experience;
• a good eye for details and the ability to identify and work through any issues;
• a track record of achievement in managing the key elements of the budget cycle within a local government or another large complex organisation

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.