About us
Hillingdon is London's second largest borough, and we’re proud of our commitment of ‘Putting our residents first’, ensuring they’re at the heart of everything we do! We want to attract talented individuals like yourself who share our aspirations for the borough and can support us to deliver exceptional services for Hillingdon. With an ambitious strategy we pride ourselves on delivering services that improve the lives of all our residents, businesses, and partners. Embarking on a journey of continuous improvement, we’ve set an agenda to ensure the provision of; safer communities, a thriving local economy, a greener more sustainable environment, whilst increasing our digital capabilities. This role oversees accounting for taxation within the Council and has responsibility for maximising revenue that can be reclaimed from HMRC, helping the Council fund services that residents value.
What does a Principal Accountant do at Hillingdon?
The purpose of the role is to ensure the Council complies with regulations and the appropriate professional standards in relation to indirect taxes and banking services. To be responsible for the timely and accurate submission of the indirect tax returns. Minimizing tax liability and compliance issues, ensuring the Council remains financially resilient and sustainable The role sits within the Council’s Strategic Finance service and has a key role to play in the Council’s overarching financial strategy. Working under the Director for Strategic & Operational Finance, there will be strong links with Transactional Finance colleagues who oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable and the Schools Finance Team Key Success Measures: The successful applicant will be an integral cog of the Strategic Finance service and will be contributing to the Council’s financial sustainability; ensuring all statutory returns for VAT, CIS and Corporation Tax are submitted on time, maximising revenue reclaimable. All relevant financial reconciliations will be completed in line with the corporate timetable and there will be no adverse audit reports. Key Responsibilities include: • Representing the Section 151 Officer, in ensuring the proper administration of financial affairs across the Council including compliance with professional standards, and Financial Regulations/Standing Orders. • Identify and report on financial risk within the service in relation to taxation and banking services. • Taking a lead in resolving specific and complex taxation issues within the service. • Ensuring all statutory deadlines in relation to indirect taxes are met.
About you
You will be a qualified AAT accountant. CCAB / CTA qualified (or studying towards the qualification – support will be provided) with a minimum of 5 years’ taxation and relevant finance experience in a Local Authority accounting team. You will have relentless attention to detail, be proficient in using financial accounting systems and have excellent communication skills. Individuals who love a challenge and will bring energy and pace to the delivery of our ambitions should consider this an excellent opportunity. You will be a great team player who enjoys collaborating with colleagues to get the best possible outcome. You will have excellent communication skills and an understanding of political sensitivities as there may be occasions where the successful candidate will need to engage with Cabinet Members.