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Principal Accountant

Employer
West Midlands Fire Service
Location
Birmingham, West Midlands
Salary
£50512 - £52461 per annum
Closing date
21 Nov 2024
Reference
475
View more categoriesView less categories
Sector
Emergency Services
Job Type
Finance
Contract Type
Full time permanent
Working Pattern
See advert details
Hours
Full-Time

Principal Accountant 

Professional 1A  

Publish date: Monday 28 October 2024  

Closing date:  12pm midday on Friday 22 November 2024 

Salary: £50,512 - £52,461 (SCP 42-50), 2024/25 pay award pending 

Hours: 37 hours 

Overview 

West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people. 

Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.  

This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities. 

There is an opportunity to join WMFS in our Financial Management team as a Principal Accountant. We are looking for an enthusiastic qualified accountant with experience of financial accounting.  

The role would suit someone with a fire sector or local government background. We’re seeking a professional with a can-do attitude, strong analytical skills and the ability to articulate financial information to a range of stakeholders.  

Responsibilities 

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will be responsible for: 

assisting the Treasurer and Finance Manager in providing a full and quality financial management service for WMFS 

taking the lead role in the production of the Authority’s Statement of Accounts 

complete government returns, statistical returns, questionnaires and grant claims in accordance with latest accounting practice 

supporting the Finance Manager, and wider team, in the co-ordination of the annual budget setting process 

supporting the Finance Manager and wider team in the monthly budget monitoring & forecasting process. 

 

Experience and skills 

Essential skills or experience 

qualified accountant in possession of Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) qualification or equivalent 

demonstrable experience of working at a senior level within with local government or fire sector finance 

management experience within a finance environment 

good knowledge of the CIPFA Accounting Code of Practice 

ability to interpret, assimilate and translate financial information and to prepare reasoned reports from this information 

ability to manage workloads and achieve deadlines 

ability to communicate issues (both in writing and verbally) in an easy-to-understand format 

thorough knowledge of accounting policies and practices and can demonstrate experience of adhering to them through previous work experience 

attention to detail and accuracy in all work areas 

willingness to be flexible in working hours to accommodate peaks in work. 

Desirable skills or experience 

experience of using the Oracle system 

experience of implementing and developing financial systems. 

Benefits 

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including: 

flexible and agile working arrangements 

free, on-site gym facilities 

free, on-site parking. 

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors. 

In addition, employees have access to: 

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme 

wellbeing programmes 

‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes 

Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services. 

Diversity 

We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups. 

WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.  

Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references. 

How to apply 

Please provide an updated copy of your CV and complete the application statement outlining your skills and experiences in line with the Job Summary. 

Questions 

If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Rebecca Yates by email at rebecca.yates@wmfs.net  

To apply please use the below link:

https://fa-ertg-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/requisitions/preview/475

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