Principal Accountant (Lead Business Partner)

Cheshire East Council

  • Crewe, Cheshire
  • £54,994 per year
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 21 days ago
Like many councils, Cheshire East is navigating increasing demand for services and rising costs. That’s why we’re transforming how we work in order to build a stronger, more flexible Council that delivers vital services and supports our communities effectively.Our Lead Finance Business Partners are central to this journey. They help managers achieve financially sustainable services through expert advice, insight, and support. We’re now looking for a motivated finance professional to join our team as a Principal Accountant / Lead Finance Business Partner.OrganisationCheshire East CouncilLocationCreweJob CategoryFinanceGradeCEC NJC - Grade 12Salary Min£54,994 per annumSalary Max£62,777 per annumHours per week37Weeks per year52.143Employment TypePermanentClosing Date31/08/2025Ref NoE3203Documents(PDF, 303.46kb)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.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.
  • Team management: Managing a team providing specialist financial and service improvement advice to the Council’s services.
There are two permanent roles available: * Within our Strategic Finance and Accounting team who are responsible for co-ordinating and accounting for the capital programme, Treasury Management and Technical Accounting.
  • Within our Adults Social Care Finance team who ensure the effective financial management of services that support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our community. Working closely with the service providing strategic financial advice, budget planning, and monitoring to ensure resources are used efficiently.
Both roles will also undertake a range of strategic finance duties commensurate with the salary including getting involved with the Council’s Transformation Programme with both these positions being important to its success.About youYou should:
  • 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.
  • Have a proven track record of delivering reliable and accurate financial information.
  • Experience in staff management and development, including creating clear work programmes for teams and a commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Have knowledge of finance and accounting legislation, public and private sector accounting standards, and statutory reporting requirements.
  • Be flexible as you will work in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team, managing and prioritising competing workloads.
  • Have strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and experience with finance systems.
What we offer in return:
  • Career Progression: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Finance team. 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.
  • Cheshire Pension Fund (LGPS): A secure, inflation-proof pension with generous employer contributions, tax relief, and family protection.
  • Vivup Home & Electronics Scheme: Spread the cost of essentials like white goods, tech, and furniture.
  • 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 just 5 years of service.
  • Open to Applications from candidates seeking full time and part-time roles.
  • NHS Fleet Solutions Green Car Scheme: Drive a brand-new electric or hybrid car and save on tax and National Insurance.
How to contact usIf you would like to have an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Tracy Baldwin, Finance Manager - Strategic Finance and Accounting at or Nikki Wood-Hill, Finance Manager – Adults and Health atPlease 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 emailPlease quote job reference number in all correspondence.

Cheshire East Council