Principal Finance Officer - WMF2490e

The Cumbria County Council; Kendal; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Kendal is looking for a Principal Finance Officer to join their Finance Team. This role involves providing essential financial support across various Council services, ensuring accurate accounting records, and preparing financial statements. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified CCAB Accountant or AAT with at least five years’ experience in accountancy. This position offers a competitive pension scheme, enhanced leave, and other benefits suitable for a committed professional.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Enhanced annual leave allowance

Various discounts and perks

Qualifications

• At least five years of relevant accountancy experience.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial support for Adult Services.
• Maintain accurate accounting records.
• Prepare financial statements and reports.

Skills

Accountancy

Financial analysis

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Fully qualified CCAB Accountants or AAT

Job description

Location

Location: Kendal (Barrow/Penrith). Contract Type: Permanent.

About this opportunity

We are seeking a Principal Finance Officer to join our friendly, supportive, and dynamic Finance Team. Our Finance Officers provide essential, flexible financial support across a wide range of Council services. In this role, you will provide support for Adult Services, delivering professional financial services to managers throughout the Council. You will consult on their financial needs, provide recommendations, and propose strategies to enhance service delivery and financial performance. Additionally, you will be responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records and preparing financial statements, grant claims, statistical returns, and other reports, all within the required deadlines.

Who we are looking for…

We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic accountant who is committed to supporting the Council in its goal of achieving financial sustainability. The ideal candidate will be fully qualified CCAB Accountants or AAT with at least five years of relevant accountancy experience.

To succeed in this role, you must be able to work accurately under pressure, collaborate effectively as part of a team, and demonstrate initiative.

What can we offer you!

Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discount schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site.Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:

• Post Specification
• Role Profile

If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Jennifer Fuller at [e-mail] or Sarah Nicholls at [e-mail]

Application and Interview information

Closing date: 05/01/2026

Interview date: W/C 19/01/2026

We are currently operating both in-person and virtual interviews. Interview details such as venue/timings will be shared with successful candidates, following the shortlisting process. If you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss this with you.

Safer Recruitment & DBS

At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.

As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.

We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.