Principal Accountant Location: West Yorkshire Contract: Temporary (6 months) Salary: £350-£400 per day Start Date: ASAP Contact: rachel.burgess@servicecare.org.uk Job Description Service Care Solutions are 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 delivering 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), although candidates with substantial relevant experience will also be considered. If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who could be, please contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions on 01772 208969 or email rachel.burgess@servicecare.org.uk Service Care Solutions also offers a £250 referral bonus! So, if you know of anyone who would be perfect for this position and they are placed into work, you will receive £250 for the referral once their probationary period has been completed.