Job Description - Principal Accountant
(Environment, Regeneration and Central Services)

Post Title:	Principal Accountant (Environment, Regeneration and Central Services)
Service Unit :	Accountancy
Post No:	F
Grade:	Band 14
Responsible To:	Chief Accountant
Supervising:	2 x Senior Accountants; 1 x Senior Accountancy Assistant
Other Allowances :	£2,550 annual contribution to lease car

Job Summary

One of three principal accountants reporting to the Chief Accountant. A high profile post providing financial management support to the Council's Environment, Regeneration and Central Services directorates. Duties include revenue and capital budget preparation and monitoring; final accounts.

Note:

This Job Description is not a definitive list of tasks - it is designed to give an overall view of the job, and not to indicate what the sole requirements are for you to do the work. It is envisaged that you will use your own initiative, and develop you own style to achieve the desired aims.

Reasonable adjustment will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Provide financial and management accounting support to the Environment, Regeneration and Central service including budget setting, budget monitoring, preparation of final accounts, completion of returns and claims, and advice/guidance.
2. Ensure that Service Managers are provided with sound financial advice so that they can effectively manage their budgets and identify potential for efficiencies and continuous improvement.
3. Interpret legislation and regulations affecting financial management for the services involved to ensure best practice accounting and the optimum position of the Council.
4. Contribute towards corporate reviews, plans, strategies and policies as required including Best Value, the development and improvement of external partnerships, service planning and other initiatives that help achieve the Council's corporate vision.
5. Ensure that an effective financial performance management culture is maintained. This includes rigorous attention to timescales, the requirements of best practice accounting, regular overview of the financial position for the appropriate services and help to service managers as required.
6. Play a proactive and supportive role within the accountancy team, to the Director of Finance and Resources, other chief officers and finance and service managers.
7. Contribute to the rapid programme of change embarked upon by the Council.
8. Undertake specific project work as required.
9. Maintain a positive relationship with external organisations including the Council's auditors.
10. Undertake other duties commensurate with the purpose and grade of the post as may be required from time to time.
11. Keep abreast of changes in local government finance, best practice and their effect on service provision; and maintain and improve professional levels of competence within the division.
12. Manage staff within the group effectively to ensure a prompt, professional and supportive financial management service to the client directorate.
13. Carry out annual staff development interview with staff in the section.
14. Deputise for the Chief Accountant in the areas of the post's responsibilities.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria	How Tested?	Desirable Criteria	How Tested?
Education, Professional Qualifications and Training
CCAB qualified accountant	Application Form/Certificate	CIPFA qualified	Application Form/Certificate
Skills, Abilities and Special Knowledge
Ability to manage and develop a financial management service in a performance management framework	Application Form/Interview	Presentation Skills	Application Form/Interview
Ability to manage and motivate a team of staff, including day to day operations and issues such as recruitment, discipline etc	Interview/Test
Ability to liaise with and further develop the Council's working relationships with other organisations and partners, e.g. other local authorities, central government, audit commission, contractors	Interview/Test	Detailed knowledge of external grant regimes	Application Form/Interview
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written	Interview/Test	Experience of Agresso financial management system	Application Form/Interview
Ability to work constructively and productively in multi-disciplinary team	Interview/Test
Use of Microsoft Excel and Word	Application Form/Interview
Knowledge of Local Government Best Practice, including Local Government SORP	Application Form/Interview
Knowledge of the central government grant funding system for local government	Application Form/Interview
Relevant knowledge of local Government Finance and current issues	Application Form/Interview
Good inter-personal skills and an ability to communicate confidently and effectively with all tiers of management	Interview/Test
Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines whilst maintaining and improving the service	Application Form/Interview
Calm and patient with good listening skills and ability to be tolerant of the views of others	Interview/Test
A high level of enthusiasm and commitment	Interview/Test
An ability to respond to change and to show initiative	Interview/Test
Previous Experience
Recent and extensive experience in local government financial management and accounting	Application Form/Interview	Recent involvement in central support services accounting	Interview
Managerial and supervisory experience	Application Form/Interview	Assistance with a Corporate Work Programme or a Best Value Performance Plan	Interview
		Service Planning in relation to Best Value	Interview
Personal Circumstances
Ability to attend evening meetings on occasions	Interview
Genuine Occupational Qualifications
(Applies only to specific race or gender requirements)
None	N/A

 

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