Principal Accountant

Job Title: Principal Accountant
Location: Winsford, Cheshire (site based 5 days a week)
Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed-Term Contract (Maternity Cover)
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours, Mon – Thur 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm
Starting Salary: £50,788 per annum

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Principal Accountant to join my client based in Winsford, on a 12 to 15-month fixed-term basis to cover maternity leave.

This role plays a vital part in supporting the Head of Finance and Treasurer in delivering expert financial guidance to senior leadership and managing a high-performing finance team.

As a senior member of the organisation, you will also be expected to deputise for the Head of Finance and Treasurer when required and act as a key corporate leader in cross-functional discussions and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities of the Principal Accountant:

• Lead and manage a team of 2 finance professionals delivering a range of services including budget setting, management accounts, statutory reporting, and treasury management
• Provide high-level financial advice to the Authority, Principal Officers, and Senior Officers in line with corporate strategy and performance goals
• Oversee and maintain strong financial controls and reliable management reporting systems
• Support strategic initiatives by evaluating financial implications, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing solutions
• Work collaboratively on cross-departmental projects, ensuring that financial perspectives are represented and understood
• Support key external relationships, including auditors and financial partners
• Deliver training to non-financial managers on financial policies and systems

To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Full CCAB qualification (ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS, or Chartered Accountants Ireland) – please specify in your application
• A strong track record in financial management, including line management experience at a senior level
• The ability to interpret and present complex financial data clearly and meaningfully to both financial and non-financial stakeholders
• A working knowledge of public sector finance and relevant accounting practices
• Analytical and strategic thinking, with the ability to appraise financial options and deliver evidence-based recommendations
• Resilience and a proactive, problem-solving mindset

To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV.

*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.