Principal Finance Officer at East Sussex County Council

Lewes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

07 Jun, 26

Salary

42899.0

Posted On

09 Mar, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Accounting Technician, CCAB Part Qualified, Organised, Persuasive, Problem-Solver, Customer Service, Communication, Financial Planning, Budget Setting, Budget Monitoring, Financial Modelling, Service Planning, Accounting Responsibilities

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Are you looking to progress your accounting career in a friendly, supportive finance community? We are looking for AAT qualified or part qualified accountants to join our finance team who are also self-motivated and passionate about making a positive difference in the public service. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you! Our Principal Finance Officers provide customer focused, effective finance business partnering skills, through building relationships with a range of budget holders and heads of service who are providing high quality services to the residents of East Sussex. Principal Finance Officers will meet regularly with service managers to assist them with their budget setting, budget monitoring, financial modelling, service planning and accounting responsibilities. The role gives the opportunity to work with non-finance professionals at all levels across a range of different services either on a one-to-one basis or as part of a multi discipline project team. We are looking for candidates who: * Accounting Technician (level 4) or equivalent level part qualified CCAB. * Are organised, persuasive and a problem-solver * Will focus on delivery and customer service  * Will be able to communicate through a variety of media at all levels within the organisation * Has knowledge and experience of financial planning Previous experience in public sector finance is desirable but not essential and we welcome applications from experienced finance professionals from other sectors. However, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate awareness of the implications of working within a public sector environment and how this affects financial management and planning arrangements. To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. Please download the Job Description and Person Specification [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/cs/groups/public/documents/document/yta4/mdm5/~edisp/ucmfa08039364.docx]for more information. For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10005] and our statement on the use of AI [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/23001]. Interviews will take place in person at County Hall in Lewes, the week beginning 20 April 2026. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.  Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page [https://fa-euru-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/External/pages/10009] for details. This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your professional finance career in a team that is an accredited employer with CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA and AAT, that provides a great working environment where you are supported and given a platform to develop and opportunities to progress.  We offer flexible, and hybrid working arrangements to support a good work life balance. We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page. [https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/jobs/benefits] Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training. For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Sue Short via sue.short@eastsussex.gov.uk [sue.short@eastsussex.gov.uk] or Jill Fisher via jill.fisher@eastsussex.gov.uk [jill.fisher@eastsussex.gov.uk] to request a MS teams call or phone call. For a team that supports you, choose East Sussex! Additional Information Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) [https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas]. If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.

Responsibilities

Principal Finance Officers deliver customer-focused, effective finance business partnering by building relationships with budget holders and service heads to support residents of East Sussex. They regularly meet with service managers to assist with budget setting, monitoring, financial modelling, service planning, and accounting duties.