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