OR110148 – Principal Accountant EK

Job Details

Principal Accountant

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality technical accounting support to the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in the delivery of the Council’s statutory financial responsibilities. The post holder will lead on key areas of financial accounting, including Collection Fund accounting, revenue accounting, VAT, balance sheet management, grant accounting, statutory returns and year-end closure processes.

The role will ensure that the Council’s financial records, systems and processes remain accurate, compliant and robust, supporting effective statutory reporting, audit requirements and sound financial management.

The post holder will provide expert technical accounting advice across the Council, support continuous improvement of financial processes and deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant when required.

Key Responsibilities

Statutory Accounts and Financial Reporting

  • Support the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in the preparation and completion of the Council’s annual Statement of Accounts.
  • Lead on the preparation of specific elements of the Council’s Core Financial Statements, including the Cash Flow Statement, group accounts and associated disclosure notes.
  • Ensure statutory accounts preparation complies with relevant legislation, accounting standards, CIPFA guidance and professional best practice.
  • Support the annual closure of accounts process, ensuring all year-end procedures, adjustments, reconciliations and deadlines are effectively managed.
  • Develop and maintain robust year-end closure timetables, guidance notes and protocols for finance colleagues and service areas.

Technical Accounting and Advisory Support

  • Provide specialist technical accounting advice to Council officers, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, statutory requirements and best practice.
  • Advise senior management on complex accounting matters and financial reporting issues.
  • Prepare technical guidance, briefing papers, templates and reports to support effective financial decision-making.
  • Maintain awareness of changes in accounting standards, legislation and professional guidance, assessing their impact on Council services.
  • Support Council-wide initiatives involving complex accounting implications and provide appropriate technical advice.

Collection Fund and Revenue Accounting

  • Lead on all aspects of Collection Fund accounting, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely reporting.
  • Maintain comprehensive working papers and supporting documentation to meet internal and external audit requirements.
  • Liaise with external bodies, including preceptors, specialist advisers and relevant networks, on Collection Fund matters.
  • Review and advise on Collection Fund surplus and deficit estimates throughout the year.
  • Provide expert advice to senior managers regarding Collection Fund issues.
  • Oversee information provided by Revenue Service teams to ensure statutory returns and financial records are accurate and completed within required timescales.
  • Support the Council Tax setting process and associated financial activities.
  • Lead on the annual closure of revenue accounting activities, including reconciliation of related general ledger accounts and reserves.

Balance Sheet Management and Financial Controls

  • Maintain oversight of the Council’s balance sheet, ensuring all balances are accurate, supported and represent valid assets or liabilities.
  • Review and challenge balance sheet reconciliations to ensure strong financial controls are maintained.
  • Support improvements to financial processes, procedures and systems to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
  • Maintain the integrity of the Council’s chart of accounts, ensuring transactions and balances support effective statutory and management reporting.
  • Lead on the review and maintenance of financial accounting structures, including the chart of accounts.

VAT and Taxation

  • Lead on strategic VAT matters, ensuring Council financial processes remain compliant with changes in VAT legislation.
  • Provide VAT advice to senior officers and Council services on complex transactions and projects.
  • Obtain specialist VAT advice where required and maintain a library of technical guidance to support consistent decision-making.
  • Review monthly VAT returns and provide assurance regarding accuracy and compliance.
  • Complete annual Partial Exemption calculations and ensure appropriate accounting treatment is applied.

Statutory Returns and External Reporting

  • Lead on the preparation and submission of statutory and non-government returns, including:
    • Whole of Government Accounts (WGA)
    • Revenue Outturn Returns
    • NNDR returns
    • Council Tax Reduction Scheme returns
    • Other statutory financial submissions as required
  • Ensure all returns are accurate, complete and submitted within statutory deadlines.
  • Maintain supporting documentation and working papers to satisfy audit requirements.

Grants, Group Accounts and Related Bodies

  • Lead on grant accounting arrangements, ensuring income recognition and accounting treatment complies with relevant guidance.
  • Consolidate accounts for group companies and related bodies.
  • Provide oversight of accounting arrangements for schools and related party organisations.
  • Ensure appropriate accounting disclosures are prepared and maintained.

Financial Systems, Processes and Improvement

  • Support the Deputy Chief Accountant with the design, implementation and review of finance processes and procedures.
  • Document, maintain and regularly review financial procedures, keeping management informed of required improvements.
  • Prepare electronic templates, process notes and guidance materials for finance colleagues and service users.
  • Ensure appropriate financial controls are embedded across Council systems.
  • Process authorised virements within SAP in accordance with financial regulations and approved procedures.

Audit and Governance

  • Respond effectively to complex internal and external audit queries, implementing agreed recommendations where required.
  • Maintain high-quality audit working papers and supporting evidence.
  • Ensure all work complies with:
    • Council Financial Regulations
    • Standing Orders
    • Council policies and procedures
    • Statutory requirements
    • CIPFA guidance and professional standards
  • Support continuous improvement in financial governance, reporting and control arrangements.

Deputising Responsibilities

  • Deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant as required.
  • Provide leadership, advice and support to finance colleagues within the Chief Accountant’s team.
  • Assist with the delivery of team priorities and operational objectives.

Key Relationships

Internal:

  • Chief Accountant
  • Deputy Chief Accountant
  • Finance managers and finance colleagues
  • Senior Council officers
  • Service directors and budget holders

External:

  • External auditors
  • CIPFA networks
  • LG Futures
  • Government departments and statutory bodies
  • Specialist taxation advisers
  • Council partners and preceptors

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Professional accountancy qualification (CCAB) or significant progress towards qualification.
  • Strong technical accounting knowledge within a local government environment.
  • Detailed understanding of CIPFA Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting.
  • Experience of preparing or supporting statutory accounts and financial statements.
  • Experience of Collection Fund accounting, VAT, balance sheet management and year-end closure processes.
  • Ability to interpret complex financial legislation, regulations and professional guidance.
  • Experience of managing audit requirements and responding to complex audit queries.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to investigate and resolve financial issues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to advise senior stakeholders.

Desirable

  • Experience using SAP or similar local authority financial systems.
  • Experience of group accounts consolidation.
  • Experience supporting service areas with complex accounting requirements.
  • Knowledge of local government funding arrangements and taxation.

Competencies

  • Strong technical expertise and professional judgement.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet challenging deadlines.
  • Commitment to accuracy, quality and continuous improvement.
  • Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical approach.
  • Ability to work independently and provide leadership within a specialist area.