_{03rd October, 2025}

Are you eager to land a brand new role? Our client, a busy Local Authority in Essex, are looking for an experienced Principal Accountant to join their team and play a crucial role in their corporate finance operations.       

Position: Principal Accountant
Rate: Negotiable (Umbrella, Outside IR35)
Contract Duration: Temporary (April 2026) with Possible Extension  

Purpose:

• This role is within the Financial Accounting Team which is responsible for the treasury functions of the Council including managing daily cashflows and the provision of management information. Support is provided for both the General Fund and Housing capital programmes. In addition to treasury and capital the team has responsibility for other technical areas, which include VAT, leasing, Financial Regulations and other one-off special projects that arise from time to time. These projects can cover both General Fund and Housing issues.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Preparation of the annual HRA and Housing General Fund budget estimates to agreed guidance and deadlines to feed into the overall budget setting process.
• Regularly review and monitor high risk budgets as agreed, for example responsive repairs and capital programme.
• Assist the Housing Accountant in the annual review of rents and service charges.
• Contribute to the annual revision of the HRA 30-year financial strategy as appropriate.
• To regularly review the Transformation database, ensuring efficiencies are processed in a timely manner and budget pressures are highlighted as appropriate for decision making.
• To assist in the collation of data and regularly review the Policy Based Budgeting database as appropriate.
• Regular budgetary control and reporting to senior management and relevant business managers. To include day-to-day liaison on budget and service issues and financial controls. Provision of other financial information to senior management and business managers, as and when appropriate.
• To provide a business advisory role and guidance on financial matters and support to cost centre managers. There is a requirement to ensure resources are used effectively to deliver key priorities and that any budget performance issues are identified and addressed.
• To contribute to the preparation of the Council’s Annual Financial Report (AFR) to the agreed timetable.
• To assist in the accurate completion and despatch of all appropriate grant claims and returns (including government returns) by the due date. To ensure that all monies the team is responsible for that are due to the Council are claimed to maximise resources.

Job Requirements:

• Previous experience working within a local authority or a similar organisation.
• At least 1 year experience within a Principal Accountant role or equivalent.
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development. 

Please be advised that only candidates that have the specific skills and experiences required for this role will be shortlisted and submitted to our client for review. 

How to Apply:
If you are interested in applying, please press the button below, send your CV to james.fernandez@temptingrecruitment.co.uk or contact James on 020 3854 4907 to discuss further.

To explore other exciting opportunities or learn more about our recruitment process, please visit our website https://www.temptingrecruitment

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