Principal Accountant – AR

Job Details

Principal Accountant – Financial Accounting (Local Government)

Role Purpose

To support the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in delivering high-quality financial reporting, ensuring the Council’s accounts are accurate, compliant, and meet all statutory requirements. The role provides technical accounting expertise, leads on key financial areas, and supports the effective operation of the Corporate Finance function.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, including year-end closure and working papers for audit
  • Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and balance sheet, ensuring all balances are accurate and supported
  • Provide technical accounting advice to services in line with relevant standards (e.g. CIPFA, IFRS)
  • Lead on key areas including Collection Fund, Revenue Accounting, VAT, and Balance Sheet management
  • Ensure accurate and timely completion of statutory and non-statutory returns (e.g. NNDR, council tax, WGA, revenue outturn)
  • Oversee Collection Fund accounting, including forecasting, reporting, and liaison with external stakeholders
  • Manage VAT processes and compliance, including returns and advisory support on complex issues
  • Support the annual closure process, ensuring deadlines, guidance, and adjustments are delivered effectively
  • Prepare and review core financial statements, including elements such as cash flow and group accounts
  • Provide oversight of key areas including grants, debtors, creditors, and related organisations (e.g. schools)
  • Respond to internal and external audit queries, ensuring robust documentation and continuous improvement
  • Deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant as required
  • Develop and maintain financial procedures, guidance, and templates

Key Requirements

  • Strong technical knowledge of local authority accounting and financial reporting
  • Experience in year-end accounts and audit processes
  • Knowledge of Collection Fund, council tax, NNDR, and VAT
  • Understanding of CIPFA guidance and statutory requirements
  • Professional qualification (e.g. CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA) or equivalent experience
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly

Summary

This is a senior technical accounting role within Corporate Finance, focused on ensuring the Council’s financial reporting is accurate, compliant, and delivered to a high standard, while acting as a key advisor and supporting finance leadership.