Summary: The Principal Accountant role at a Local Authority in Sunderland involves supporting the Co-ordination and Technical Team within Financial Management, particularly in implementing IFRS 16 for leases and managing Collection Fund Accounting. The position requires a CIPFA qualified professional with local government finance experience and strong Excel skills. The role is hybrid, offering flexibility in working arrangements while maintaining a full-time schedule. The successful candidate will also assist with VAT processes and provide ad-hoc year-end support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the Principal Accountant (Technical) with the implementation of IFRS 16 for 24/25’s Accounts.
• Replicate the finance lease model for all appropriate assets and assist with data consolidation and preparation of related disclosure notes.
• Support the Principal Accountant (Co-ordination) with year-end Collection Fund Accounting and associated returns.
• Review VAT processes and assist with the VAT treatment of the Council’s Fees and Charges.
• Provide other ad-hoc year-end support as needed.

Key Skills:

• CIPFA Qualified.
• Previous Local Authority Experience.
• Excellent Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables).
• Experienced in managing and manipulating data.
• Experienced in the application of accounting standards.
• Confident to work independently (with direction).
• Confident to challenge and suggest improvements to processes.

Salary (Rate): £30

City: Sunderland

Country: United Kingdom

Working Arrangements: hybrid

IR35 Status: inside IR35

Seniority Level: Mid-Level

Industry: Other