Principal Accountant (Housing)
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Basildon, Essex
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£175 per day PAYE / £224.43 per day Umbrella
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Full-Time, 36.25 hours per week (Part-Time considered, minimum 30 hours)
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Temporary Contract until April 2026
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Closing Date: Monday 13th October 2025
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced
Principal Accountant (Housing)
to join a busy and forward-thinking local authority on a temporary contract until April 2026. This position offers a varied workload across housing finance, capital programmes, and treasury functions, with the option of part-time working for the right candidate.
The Role
Youll play a key role in supporting effective financial management and governance across housing and corporate finance functions. Working within a high-performing finance team, you will be responsible for:
Preparing the annual
HRA and Housing General Fund budgets
in line with corporate guidance and deadlines.
Monitoring and reviewing high-risk budgets, including responsive repairs and capital programmes.
Supporting the
preparation of the Councils Annual Financial Report (AFR)
and other statutory returns.
Providing accurate and timely
financial management information
to senior management.
Leading on
capital accounting, treasury management, and VAT
processes.
Contributing to the delivery of
medium-term financial strategies, efficiency savings, and governance improvements.
Acting as a trusted advisor to service managers, providing clear financial guidance and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and procedures.
About You
Youll bring a strong track record of delivering high-quality financial and management accounting services within a local authority or similar public sector environment.
Essential experience includes:
Detailed understanding of
local government finance
and HRA accounting.
Experience producing complex financial reports and analysis for senior stakeholders.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work to tight deadlines.
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
AAT qualified (or higher), with
at least 5 years experience
in a local authority financial setting.
Previous exposure to
capital accounting, VAT, and treasury management
would be advantageous.
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a senior interim role with significant responsibility and visibility across corporate finance. Youll have the chance to make a tangible impact on housing services, contribute to key financial strategies, and work as part of a supportive and professional finance team.
Key Details
Contract:
Temporary until April 2026
Location:
Basildon, Essex (hybrid working may be considered)
Hours:
36.25 hours per week (part-time 30 hours minimum considered)
Rate:
£175 PAYE / £224.43 Umbrella per day
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