Interim Principal Accountant

Interim Principal Accountant - Housing
Local Government

• 3-6 month contract
• £450 - £500 per day, depending on experience
• 1 day a week on site - London

About the client
Morgan Law is seeking an Interim Principal Accountant - Housing for a local authority in London.

Accountabilities

• Preparation of the annual budget for the service area, including the development of complex staffing budgets following service reorganisation.
• Preparation of monthly budget monitoring reports, including detailed variance analysis, identification of cost pressures, and provision of clear financial commentary.
• Responding to external audit queries and providing additional financial information and supporting documentation as required.
• Providing high-level financial advice, guidance, and support to the Service Director and Senior Managers.
• Maintaining and updating the corporate grants register and financial training manual, as well as delivering financial training and guidance to Budget Managers.

Candidate Requirements

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant, with relevant post-qualification experience in finance and accounting
• Strong experience in budget setting, budget monitoring, forecasting and medium-term financial planning.
• Experience supporting budget holders and senior managers within a complex organisation, ideally within local government or the wider public sector.
• Experience of preparing and analysing management accounts, financial reports and forecasts, identifying financial risks, trends and variances.
• Experience of year-end closedown processes, preparation of accounts and supporting external audit requirements.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data and develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Ability to provide sound financial advice, constructive challenge and technical guidance to senior stakeholders.
• Knowledge of local government financial management, public sector accounting standards and the financial challenges facing local authorities.