Principal Accountant Schools

Preston, Lancashire, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Description

Salary £55,612 - £60,147 per annum Permanent, Full Time 37 hours per week Preston/Hybrid

A dynamic and innovative Principal Accountant - Schools to work within Financial Management at Lancashire County Council.

Are you an outstanding Accountant with an abundance of experience and knowledge in the world of finance?

Can you be assertive and decisive whilst remaining approachable and inspirational towards your colleagues?

If so, this role is sure to interest you and it is the perfect opportunity to enhance your career by getting involved in crucial decision making and having your voice heard. We want someone ready to tackle financial challenges, providing practical advice to service areas and Lancashire Schools. You will manage a team of experts and know how to harness and utilise the talents within your team in the most effective way possible.

This role is stimulating and fast paced, so we need professionals who are ready for a challenge representing the views of the service. With your determination and dedication, you will help us to achieve our goals, allowing services to flourish and remain operational.

What we are looking for

Resilience - you will report findings and details to the Heads of Service, Directors and External Boards, thus your resilient and tactful persona will be key. You will build strong relationships with seniors and team, and make tough decisions when necessary, overseeing Schools funding and budgets across the County Council.

Challenge - in a climate of restricted finances you will advise and work with the service to prioritise, make decisions and allocate funding where needed most, engaging in persuasive, unwavering discussions with budget holders and Senior Managers.

Service Excellence - you will manage the budget, influence strategic projects, and respond to ad hoc queries swiftly and competently, seeing the outcomes of your advice in the community.

Benefits

There's fabulous flexibility and the opportunity to create the work life balance you'll love with up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 2 additional days at Christmas and then an additional 20 days that can be purchased. We have a generous Local Government pension with shared AVCs and a benefits package that includes dog care, day care, holidays, long service awards, Medicash, support groups, cycle to work schemes, eye tests and much more.

Development

You will receive support and development along the journey - time for reflection and supervision, opportunities for personal growth, multidisciplinary initiatives, mentoring, and the chance to make a difference and feel valued.

Inclusivity

We embrace diversity and personal/family requirements, allowing flexible working arrangements to deliver successful outcomes.

Closing Date: 2nd August 2026 Interviews: 13th August 2026

• Locations County Hall, Preston, PR1 8RE, GB (Hybrid)