Principal Accountant; Lead Business Partner

Three exciting opportunities have become available to work within the Finance Team at Cheshire East Council. They are all full‑time, permanent positions (37 hours per week) with a Monday to Friday working pattern. Part‑time applications will also be considered.

• Co‑ordinating and accounting for the capital programme and fixed asset register in line with CIPFA Guidance, overseeing treasury management, completion of capital returns and ad‑hoc requests relating to capital.
• Co‑ordinating revenue monitoring and monthly financial reporting including maintaining and enhancing in‑year reporting, delivery of the Statement of Accounts, interpreting and applying accounting standards, and managing the external audit relationship, ensuring good well‑evidenced processes.

Both posts contribute to the year‑end statement of accounts and technical accounting experience is essential.

• Role within our Adults, Health and Integration Finance Team to provide Finance Business Partner support. Relevant experience in Adults Social Care Finance would be preferred.

• Ensuring effective resource management, accountability and compliance with statutory obligations and corporate standards.
• Providing specialist financial advisory services to support decision‑making and promote strong financial management.
• Reviewing and developing financial management and accounting requirements to ensure integrated business systems deliver meaningful financial information.
• Providing independent analysis, insight and interpretation of financial data.
• Managing a team providing specialist financial and service improvement advice to the Council's services.

Regular attendance at meetings in the Council's office in Crewe is an essential part of all three roles. Initial training requires several weeks in person in Crewe.

• Full membership of a professional accountancy body (CIPFA or CCAB equivalent) with extensive experience in accountancy, particularly in the public sector or large organisations.
• A proven track record of delivering reliable and accurate financial information.
• Experience in staff management and development, including creating clear work programmes for teams and a commitment to continuous professional development.
• Knowledge of finance and accounting legislation, public and private sector accounting standards and statutory reporting requirements.
• The ability to be flexible as you will work in a fast‑paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing and prioritising competing workloads.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and experience with finance systems.

• Enhanced annual leave – Start with 34 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) from day one, increasing to 39 days after five years of service.
• Purchase of annual leave – Purchase up to 10 extra days of annual leave each year, pro‑rata for part‑time staff.
• Flexible working pattern – 37‑hour standard full‑time work week with flexi‑time and hybrid/remote working arrangements where possible.
• Salary sacrifice green car scheme – Lease a brand‑new electric or hybrid car through the salary sacrifice scheme. No credit checks, no deposits.
• White goods salary sacrifice scheme – Purchase home and electronic items through the salary sacrifice scheme.
• Enhanced public pension – Career average pension with contributions built at a rate of 1/49th of yearly pensionable pay.
• Cycle to work scheme – Save up to 25‑39% on the retail price of bikes and safety equipment through Income Tax and National Insurance savings.
• Employee assistance programme – Free and confidential assistance service.
• Discounted gym membership – Corporate membership prices for Everybody Leisure, including Gym, Swim and Group Fitness at all 16 facilities, Off‑Peak Racket Sports, Athletics Tracks, Sauna/Steam/Spa.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future – together.