Cheshire East Council’s Finance Team is looking for a motivated finance professional to join us as a Principal Accountant/Lead Finance Business Partner. You will manage a team providing specialist financial and service improvement advice to the Council’s services.

Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities.

At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future – together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose,  a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.

If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.

As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together.

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/employee-benefits.aspx

Cheshire East Council’s Finance Team is looking for a motivated finance professional to join us as a Principal Accountant/Lead Finance Business Partner. You will manage a team providing specialist financial and service improvement advice to the Council’s services.

Key responsibilities include:

 Resource Management: Ensure effective resource management, accountability, and compliance with statutory obligations and corporate standards.
 Financial Advice: Provide specialist financial advisory services to support decision-making and promote strong financial management.
 System Development: Review and develop financial management and accounting requirements to ensure integrated business systems deliver meaningful financial information.
 Independent Analysis: Provide independent analysis, insight, and interpretation of financial data.
 Project Work: Serve as the principal financial advisor on special projects to safeguard the Council’s financial interests.

The Council is facing increasing demand for services and rising costs, and a transformation programme is underway to address these challenges. This programme aims to create a stronger, more flexible Council that can deliver vital services better and support those in need.

Lead Finance Business Partners play a key role in helping managers deliver financially sustainable services through high-quality financial advice and support. Cheshire East Council has a strong track record of financial management, with an annually updated Medium Term Financial Strategy and timely completion of statutory Statement of Accounts.

About you

You must be a full member of a professional accountancy body (CIPFA or CCAB equivalent) with extensive experience in accountancy, particularly in the public sector or large organisations. You should have a proven track record of delivering reliable and accurate financial information.

You will have experience in staff management and development, including creating clear work programmes for teams and a commitment to continuous professional development.

You will have knowledge of finance and accounting legislation, public and private sector accounting standards, and statutory reporting requirements.

Flexibility is key, as you will work in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities.

You should be able to work independently and as part of a team, managing and prioritising competing workloads. Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and experience with finance systems are essential.

What We Offer:

 Career Progression: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Finance team. Further details of the Finance career progression framework will be published on the Council’s website soon. This includes the ability to move roles within the service and gain wider experience.
 Hybrid Working: Flexible work options, including regular work-from-home opportunities, with the requirement to attend the office as needed. The Finance Team is based in Delamere House, Crewe, with the option to work in Macclesfield Town Hall and a need to attend meetings across the borough.
 New employees are required to be office-based for the first three months of their employment, working in Delamere House, Crewe, to facilitate effective induction, training, and integration with the team.
 Competitive Salary: With a pending pay award.
 Flexible Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, with up to 18 days of flexible leave per year.
 Annual Leave: 26 days (plus bank holidays), increasing to 31 days after 5 years of service.
 Open to Applications from candidates seeking permanent, temporary, and part-time roles.

Contacting us

If you would like to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact Steve Reading, Finance Manager – Place and Corporate Services: Steve.reading@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Please ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.

If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.

For any technical enquiries please email sourcingteam@ecwip.co.uk

Please quote the job reference number in all correspondence.

Closing date: 24 November 2024.