Principal Accountant
Location: Devon
Contract: Temporary (3 months)
Salary: 28.00 umbrella / 25.18 PAYE Inclusive / 22.47 PAYE Exclusive
Start Date: ASAP
Job Description
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in Devon for a Principal Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will provide a comprehensive accountancy and financial management service, including consolidating the revenue budget monitoring process, producing the annual budget and medium‑term financial strategy, and working closely with internal and external auditors.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and coordinate revenue budget monitoring, forecasting, and annual budget preparation across Council services.
* Provide strategic financial advice and support for projects, service planning, and organisational initiatives.
* Take responsibility for key areas of the annual Statement of Accounts and liaise with external auditors throughout the audit process.
* Oversee the preparation and submission of complex statutory returns and government claims, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
Candidate Criteria
* CCAB qualified with minimum 3 years financial management accounting experience, including year‑end accounts and statements process, with an emphasis on capital and asset accounting.
* Ability to see the bigger picture and impacts that investment opportunities have.
* Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it to local conditions, understanding impacts and options.
* Effective communicator, particularly to a non‑financial audience.
* Proficient in numeracy and IT, particularly Microsoft.
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