Principal Accountant

Job Description

Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in West Yorkshire for a Principal Management Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will deliver high-quality financial management and strategic support across maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) portfolio. Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team of finance professionals and provide expert financial advice, analysis, and oversight across a complex and high-profile area of service delivery.

• Lead financial management, monitoring, reporting and governance across a portfolio of maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including the High Needs Block.
• Support the development of medium-term financial planning, budget setting, forecasting, statutory returns, grant claims and final accounts in line with regulatory requirements.
• Manage, develop and support a team of school finance professionals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services and advice.
• Act as a key finance partner to operational managers and senior stakeholders, providing strategic financial guidance and deputising for senior finance leadership when required.

• Significant experience within local government finance, education finance, DSG management, SEND funding, or a closely related financial environment.
• Strong understanding of budget management, financial reporting, forecasting and financial recovery strategies, including managing financial pressures and deficits.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage, motivate and develop finance teams while influencing senior stakeholders.
• Ideally CCAB qualified (or equivalent), although candidates with substantial relevant experience will also be considered.

Contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions on or email rache