Principle Accountant

CV-LibraryBideford, DevonpermanentPosted: 2 April 2026
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Principle Accountant – North Devon – Permanent
πŸ’Ό Salary: Β£39,000 – Β£43,000 + Benefits Package
πŸ“ Location: North Devon (Hybrid options available)
πŸ•’ Hours: Full time (part-time considered)
πŸ“… 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

βœ” Leading the annual revenue budget process, challenging and supporting budget managers
βœ” Providing professional financial advice on budgets, forecasts and new projects
βœ” Producing the draft Quarterly Budget Monitoring Return
βœ” Contributing to the Medium-Term Financial Strategy and supporting long-term planning
βœ” Keeping up to date with legislation, policy changes and financial regulations
βœ” Leading on complex elements of the annual accounts (revenue and capital)
βœ” Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and supporting external audit activity
βœ” Supporting service managers with financial guidance and planning
βœ” Line managing and developing members of the Finance Team
βœ” Managing bank processes such as faster payments, BACS files and administration
βœ” Taking on additional responsibilities tailored to your experience (treasury, capital, VAT, payroll, CT/NNDR, insurance or risk)

What We’re Looking For

πŸ’‘ CCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW etc.)
πŸ’‘ Strong technical ability with confidence interpreting complex financial information
πŸ’‘ Ability to explain financial concepts to non-financial colleagues
πŸ’‘ Strong analytical, modelling and problem-solving skills
πŸ’‘ Solid Excel and Microsoft Office skills
πŸ’‘ High levels of integrity, professionalism and accuracy
πŸ’‘ Willingness to learn sector-specific processes – full training provided

Desirable (but not essential):
β€’ Experience with year-end accounts, capital or asset accounting
β€’ Experience writing or presenting committee or board reports

Why You’ll Love This Role

βœ” Local Government Pension Scheme (defined benefit – employer contribution 16%, employee 5%)
βœ” Flexitime with core hours
βœ” 26 days annual leave (rising to 31 after 5 years’ service) plus bank holidays
βœ” Christmas closedown – 3 additional days
βœ” Option to buy up to 10 extra days holiday
βœ” Free on-site parking
βœ” Cycle-to-work scheme
βœ” Supportive, collaborative team
βœ” Full training for sector-specific areas
βœ” A meaningful role with big-picture influence

πŸ“© 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

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