Vacancy Information
The salary advertised is full time (35 hours per week). Part-time hours will be pro-rated accordingly.
Hourly rate of pay: £ - £
Temporary maternity cover until May 2027.
Days and Hours of Work:
Working days are negotiable, working 09:00-17:00.
Starting and finishing times are flexible.
To start February 2026.
We are looking for a qualified Accountant to cover a period of maternity leave. The successful candidate will lead on all aspects of financial accounting which will include the production of year end accounts, working with auditors and giving technical financial advice to ensure that professional disciplines are adhered to. Other responsibilities include setting Corporate Income budgets, budget monitoring and elements of project accounting.
The successful candidate will be a key member of the Corporate Accounting team and we are looking for a professional who is able to contribute their professional expertise to develop existing processes and also deliver on complex projects.
You will work collaboratively with other members of the Finance Team and the wider organisation to deliver agreed outcomes, ensuring a high standard of customer satisfaction and ensure that financial governance and professional practice are achieved.
Home / Hybrid Working Consideration
Applications for home or hybrid working will be considered for this post in accordance with East Lothian Council’s Home Working and Worksmart Policies which can be found. Home or Hybrid working options can be discussed with candidates invited for interview.
Please Note:
All home/hybrid workers must live in the UK. Where an application for home-working is supported, it will be subject to a satisfactory trial period. Employees will be expected to attend Council offices for the duration of induction, and be on site in East Lothian workplaces, as required. Employees with a hybrid working arrangement in place will be office based and able to work from home, with permission, on an ad hoc basis.
Job Details
As a senior member of the wider Finance Team, the Principal Accountant will be expected to:
In collaboration with the Service Manager operationally manage the provision of professional technical financial advice across the Council identifying and delivering the strategic objectives for the Finance team and wider Finance service.
Oversee the development and training of the Finance Team, ensuring the service has the appropriate skills, demonstrating continuous improvement, and is resourced to support the Council’s wider transformational change agenda.
Play a key role in ensuring Council services are managing their resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.