Principle Accountant
πΌ Salary: Β£39,000 β Β£43,000 + Benefits Package
π Location: North Devon (Hybrid options available)
π Hours: Full time (part-time considered)
π Start: ASAP
Are you a qualified accountant looking to step into a strategic, technically engaging role where you can genuinely influence financial planning and organisational decision-making? Whether you come from the public sector, private sector, or practice, this Principal Accountant position offers exceptional development and support for the right candidate.
We are partnering with a respected organisation seeking a professional, detail-driven Principal Accountant. You will play a central role in budget setting, financial strategy, annual accounts, statutory returns, and team leadership. Full training can be provided on sector-specific requirements, making this a fantastic opportunity for a qualified accountant seeking progression or a new environment. Additionally, benefiting from an excellent work/life balance with the likes of flexible working time, enhanced holiday allowance and closure over Christmas.
What Youβll Be Doing
β Leading the annual revenue budget process, challenging and supporting budget managers
β Providing professional financial advice on budgets, forecasts and new projects
β Producing the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return
β Contributing to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and supporting long-term planning
β Keeping up to date with legislation, policy changes and financial regulations
β Leading on complex elements of the annual accounts (revenue and capital)
β Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and supporting external audit activity
β Supporting service managers with financial guidance and planning
β Line managing and developing members of the Finance Team
β Managing bank processes such as faster payments, BACS files and administration
β Taking on additional responsibilities tailored to your experience (treasury, capital, VAT, payroll, CT/NNDR, insurance or risk)
What Weβre Looking For
π‘ CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW etc.)
π‘ Strong technical ability with confidence interpreting complex financial information
π‘ Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues
π‘ Strong analytical, modelling and problem-solving skills
π‘ Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills
π‘ High levels of integrity, professionalism and accuracy
π‘ Willingness to learn sector-specific processes β full training provided
Desirable (but not essential):
β’ Experience with year-end accounts, capital or asset accounting
β’ Experience writing or presenting committee or board reports
Why Youβll Love This Role
β Local Government Pension Scheme (defined benefit β employer contribution 16%, employee 5%)
β Flexitime with core hours
β 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 5 yearsβ service) plus bank holidays
β Christmas closedown β 3 additional days
β Option to buy up to 10 extra days holiday
β Free on-site parking
β Cycle-to-work scheme
β Supportive, collaborative team
β Full training for sector-specific areas
β A meaningful role with big-picture influence
π© Apply now for a confidential conversation about this Principal Accountant opportunity in North Devon.
Carrington Wood is a specialist recruitment consultancy supporting organisations across Cornwall, Devon, and the wider South West. We recruit across Finance, Accounting, HR, Administration, Customer Service and Business Support on both a temporary and permanent basis