Principal Management Accountant

Are you passionate about making a difference to our citizens and the district that they reside in? Then, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our Financial Management Team.

• An integral role within our service which supports both the Head of Financial Management and Chief Finance Officer to secure proper stewardship of Council resources and deliver effective financial management arrangements across the Council.
• Hybrid working

• You will assist Group Finance Managers in developing the Council's forward-looking Medium Term Financial Strategy, taking into account estimates of future government funding and other income and cost pressures resulting from demand for council services, inflationary or legislative changes.
• Assisting the Group Finance Manager to secure proper financial administration across the Council, including optimisation of the Council’s resources.
• You will coordinate with the Group Finance Manager and liaise with Financial Management and operational managers on the production of both revenue and capital estimates and Final Accounts, in accordance with statutory and best practice requirements, whilst ensuring auditable systems and procedures are in place to demonstrate adherence to policies.
• You will assist the Group Finance Manager to ensure effective management of service resources and budgets, contributing to the development and improvement of services provided by supporting operational management with regular financial information for analysis, forecasting and strategic planning, and by providing sound financial advice.
• Provision of professional financial advice on service issues including policy developments or changes in service delivery.
• Attend appropriate meetings and working groups.
• Manage and develop staff through individual performance appraisal in such a way as to encourage innovation.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of grant claims to protect/ maximise the financial position of the Council and ensure the accurate and timely provision of information to other agencies including Central Government, CIPFA, DFE, etc.
• Deputise in the absence of the Group Finance Manager, including attendance at Financial Management Team meetings, Directorate Management Team meetings and budget clinics.
• Assist in ensuring robust financial stewardship and reporting for WMDC maintained schools.
• Oversee the dedicated schools grant, including robust and timely reporting on the grant to the Schools Forum and DFE.

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• Commitment to staff wellbeing, recognising that resilient teams need good work‑life balance and supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited, Metro Card).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase your pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to leisure facilities with a free 12‑week exercise programme, discounts for retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle‑to‑work scheme, and more.