The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable, the skills, qualifications, and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details
Job reference REQ00000018802 | Date posted 21/08/2025 | Application closing date 21/09/2025 | Location: PENRITH | Salary: £40,777 - £41,771 | Contractual hours: 37 | Basis: Full time
Principal Finance Officer - Insurance - WMF2218e
Location: Penrith
Contract Type: Permanent
About this opportunity
Following a promotion within the team, we are seeking a Principal Finance Officer to join our insurance team.
The successful applicant will be responsible for supporting the Insurance Manager in managing the Council’s insurance contracts, uninsured reserves, and claims lodged against the Council.
This role involves managing an annual insurance budget of approximately £2m and handling around 800 insurance claims annually. It is suited for a proactive, dynamic individual eager to expand their knowledge and skills.
Who we are looking for…
We are seeking someone with:
* Comprehensive knowledge of commercial insurance (Property, Liability, Motor, etc.)
* Significant experience in providing insurance advice and services
* A strong technical background in insurance, including claims monitoring, reporting, and contract negotiation
* Extensive experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, including advanced functions such as templates and pivot tables (experience with Microsoft Access is advantageous)
The ideal candidate will also have:
* Excellent communication and written skills
* Practical knowledge of providing accounting services, including budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end practices
* Experience in establishing performance measures and fostering a performance management culture
* Experience dealing with inquiries from the public or solicitors
What we can offer you!
At Westmorland and Furness Council, benefits include a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave, and various perks and discounts. For more information, visit our Careers site.
Would you like to find out more?
For additional details about responsibilities and essential criteria, please view the attached documents. We are conducting both in-person and virtual interviews. Options will be discussed once candidates are invited to interview. If you have any concerns or require adjustments, we are happy to discuss this with you.
We can offer sponsorship for Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible roles. Please visit the UK government website for more information: Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes.
Safer Recruitment & DBS
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. All staff, employees, and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We aim to improve workforce diversity to better reflect our communities. Applications are welcome from all, and we promote an inclusive culture that values differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. We also offer guaranteed interviews for Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and those in care or care-experienced under 24 years old who meet the role's essential criteria.
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