Principal Accountant (Public Sector) Position: Principal Accountant Contract: Permanent Salary: £44,000 - £46,000 Organisation We're partnering with a well-established public sector organisation with a strong focus on delivering essential services to its community. They are investing in their finance function and are looking to appoint a Principal Accountant to strengthen core financial management, statutory reporting, and business support. The Role Reporting into a Finance Manager and working closely with senior finance colleagues, you'll support the delivery of high-quality financial services, ensuring robust financial systems, accurate reporting, and strong support to budget holders. Key Responsibilities Manage capital and revenue budgets, ensuring accuracy, deadlines, and strong financial controls Support year-end processes and production of the annual Statement of Accounts Advise budget managers on financial matters, service changes, and regulations Prepare statutory returns and grant claims in line with requirements Ensure regulatory compliance, improve finance processes, and collaborate across teams (including deputising when needed) About You (Essential) Strong experience in financial management, budgeting, and reporting (public sector environment preferred) Solid understanding of compliance, controls, and maintaining auditable records Able to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines Confident communicator, able to support and advise non-finance stakeholders Desirable CCAB (or equivalent) qualification (or working towards) Experience supporting or leading year-end closure / Statement of Accounts processes Understanding of local government/public sector accounting requirements