Principle Accountant

Principle Accountant – North Devon – Permanent 💼 Salary: £39,000 – £43,000 + Benefits Package 📍 Location: North Devon (Hybrid options available) 🕒 Hours: Full time (part-time considered) 📅 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 You’ll Be Doing ✔ Leading the annual revenue budget process, challenging and supporting budget managers ✔ Providing professional financial advice on budgets, forecasts and new projects ✔ Producing the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return ✔ Contributing to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and supporting long-term planning ✔ Keeping up to date with legislation, policy changes and financial regulations ✔ Leading on complex elements of the annual accounts (revenue and capital) ✔ Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and supporting external audit activity ✔ Supporting service managers with financial guidance and planning ✔ Line managing and developing members of the Finance Team ✔ Managing bank processes such as faster payments, BACS files and administration ✔ Taking on additional responsibilities tailored to your experience (treasury, capital, VAT, payroll, CT/NNDR, insurance or risk) What We’re Looking For 💡 CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW etc.) 💡 Strong technical ability with confidence interpreting complex financial information 💡 Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues 💡 Strong analytical, modelling and problem-solving skills 💡 Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills 💡 High levels of integrity, professionalism and accuracy 💡 Willingness to learn sector-specific processes – full training provided Desirable (but not essential): • Experience with year-end accounts, capital or asset accounting • Experience writing or presenting committee or board reports Why You’ll Love This Role ✔ Local Government Pension Scheme (defined benefit – employer contribution 16%, employee 5%) ✔ Flexitime with core hours ✔ 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 5 years’ service) plus bank holidays ✔ Christmas closedown – 3 additional days ✔ Option to buy up to 10 extra days holiday ✔ Free on-site parking ✔ Cycle-to-work scheme ✔ Supportive, collaborative team ✔ Full training for sector-specific areas ✔ A meaningful role with big-picture influence 📩 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