Principal Accountant

8 Month Contract With A Local Authority

To support the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in the production of the Councils Statement of Accounts and to ensure the integrity accuracy and compliance of all financial reporting accounting systems and statutory returns. The postholder will provide technical accounting leadership across key financial areas including collection fund accounting VAT revenue accounting balance sheet management and statutory reporting while ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and CIPFA guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Accountant and Deputy Chief Accountant in the annual production of the Statement of Accounts.
  
• Assist in the design implementation and improvement of financial processes and procedures across the Chief Accountants team.
  
• Maintain the integrity of the chart of accounts financial systems balances and transactions to support statutory and management reporting.
  
• Provide high-level technical accounting advice to Council staff ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards CIPFA guidance and best practice.
  
• Deputise for the Deputy Chief Accountant as required.
  
• Lead on Collection Fund accounting ensuring accuracy compliance and audit readiness.
  
• Prepare the Collection Fund Statement at year-end.
  
• Liaise with external advisers (e.g. LG Futures) on Collection Fund matters including surplus/deficit forecasting.
  
• Act as key contact for Collection Fund matters with external bodies including preceptors and technical networks.
  
• Oversee revenue service inputs to ensure accuracy and timeliness of statutory returns.
  
• Support the setting of Council Tax and related calculations.
  
• Lead on closure of revenue accounts and reconciliation of related general ledger balances and reserves.
  
• Maintain oversight of the Councils Balance Sheet ensuring all balances are valid supported and reconciled.
  
• Review debtor and creditor accounting processes including bad debt provisions and capital loan accounting.
  
• Ensure integrity of financial systems including SAP chart of accounts and transaction processing.
  
• Action virements in SAP ensuring appropriate authorisation and compliance with financial regulations.
  
• Ensure compliance with Council financial regulations policies standing orders and statutory requirements.
  
• Lead on preparation and submission of statutory and non-statutory returns including:
  
  • NNDR13
    
  • CTR1
    
  • Revenue Outturn returns
    
  • Whole Government Accounts (WGA)
    
• Prepare elements of the Statement of Accounts including Cash Flow Statement Group Accounts and supporting notes.
  
• Consolidate accounts for group entities and related bodies.
  
• Lead on strategic VAT matters and ensure compliance with VAT legislation.
  
• Review monthly VAT returns and provide expert VAT advice to senior leadership and services.
  
• Undertake annual Partial Exemption calculations.
  
• Develop and maintain a library of VAT guidance to support Council-wide decision making.
  
• Support services with complex VAT implications by obtaining specialist advice where required.
  
• Ensure robust audit working papers are prepared and maintained to meet internal and external audit requirements.
  
• Respond to audit queries and implement recommendations in line with audit protocols.
  
• Ensure finance colleagues are fully aware of year-end timetable requirements and closure protocols.
  
• Prepare Collection Fund Statements and other year-end accounting outputs.
  
• Ensure all financial reporting is accurate timely and compliant with relevant standards (including CIPFA Code).
  
• Provide technical accounting guidance briefing papers templates and committee reports as required.
  
• Document and regularly review financial procedures and controls ensuring continuous improvement.
  
• Support Council-wide initiatives with financial implications.
  
• Maintain and improve the Councils financial governance framework.
  

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. CIPFA ACCA CIMA or equivalent).
  
• Strong knowledge of local government finance including statutory accounting requirements.
  
• In-depth understanding of CIPFA Code of Practice and public sector financial reporting.
  
• Advanced knowledge of VAT legislation and partial exemption methodology.
  
• Significant experience in a senior accounting or public sector finance role.
  
• Experience of preparing statutory accounts and complex financial statements.
  
• Proven experience in Collection Fund accounting and local taxation (Council Tax / NNDR).
  
• Experience of managing audit processes and responding to external audit requirements.
  
• Experience of financial systems (e.g. SAP or equivalent ERP systems).
  
• Strong technical accounting and analytical skills.
  
• Ability to interpret and apply complex financial legislation and standards.
  
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  
• Strong communication skills with ability to explain technical issues to non-finance stakeholders.
  
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines (especially year-end).
  
• Strong leadership and influencing skills including deputising at senior level.
  

• Bi-Weekly Payments
  
• 37 Hours Per Week