Principal Accountant – Location: West Yorkshire – Contract: Temporary (6 months) – Salary: £350‑£400 per day – Start Date: ASAP.
Service Care Solutions is recruiting on behalf of a local authority in West Yorkshire for a Principal Management Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will deliver high‑quality financial management and strategic support across maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) portfolio. Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team of finance professionals and provide expert financial advice, analysis, and oversight across a complex and high‑profile area of service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead financial management, monitoring, reporting and governance across a portfolio of maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including the High Needs Block.
* Support the development of medium‑term financial planning, budget setting, forecasting, statutory returns, grant claims and final accounts in line with regulatory requirements.
* Manage, develop and support a team of school finance professionals, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality financial services and advice.
* Act as a key finance partner to operational managers and senior stakeholders, providing strategic financial guidance and deputising for senior finance leadership when required.
Candidate Criteria
* Significant experience within local government finance, education finance, DSG management, SEND funding, or a closely related financial environment.
* Strong understanding of budget management, financial reporting, forecasting and financial recovery strategies, including managing financial pressures and deficits.
* Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage, motivate and develop finance teams while influencing senior stakeholders.
* Ideally CCAB qualified (or equivalent); candidates with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.
For more information, please contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions (01772208969) or email rachel.burgess@servicecare.org.uk.
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