Principal Accountant

  • Panoramic Associates
  • Woolston, Warrington
  • Feb 27, 2026
Full time Accounting

Job Description

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