Principal Accountant – Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Principal Accountant
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service – Finance Department
Starting Salary of £50,788 within the Salary Scale PM3 range £50,788 – £57,193per annum based on experience
37 hours per week
Temporary – 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

The main purpose of this job roles is to:
Support the Head of Finance and Treasurer in advising the Authority, Principal Officers and Senior Officers on strategic and tactical financial issues; to manage the provision of a wide range of financial services to the Authority; to deputise for the Head of Finance and Treasurer, where necessary, on financial matters; and to act as a Senior Corporate Manager within the organisation.

Duties will cover/ include:
 Managing and developing the Finance Team to provide high-quality financial services, including management accounting, statutory accounts production, budget preparation, treasury management, and ensuring timely and accurate financial returns.
 advising the Head of Finance and Service Managers, on strategic financial issues, ensuring finance aligns with corporate plans and performance management.
 managing the effectiveness of the Authority’s financial systems, ensuring strong control mechanisms and reliable management information for decision-making.
 evaluating new initiatives to inform financial decisions, investigating inefficiencies and budget variances, and providing training to non-financial managers on financial systems and policies.
 representing the Finance Department in multi-disciplinary projects and meetings, ensuring financial implications are considered.
 Supporting the Head of Finance and Treasurer in managing relationships with auditors and other partners is also key.
 you may deputize for the Head of Finance and Treasurer and act as a Senior Corporate Manager as needed.

Requirements of the role include:
 Professional accounting qualification
 Logical thinker who pays attention to detail
 Proven track record in financial and staff management at a senior level
 Ability to interpret and present financial data, statistics / and trends in a meaningful way
 sound working knowledge of public sector accounting practice
 Analytical, ability to research and appraise and evaluate/ financial and strategic issues and options
 Demonstrable problem-solving skills
 Self-motivated and able to influence and motivate others.

To apply please complete the job application form and provide evidence of competency against the above requirements of the role while considering the essential criteria listed on the attached job description.

CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.