About the Role

A rare opportunity has arisen to join the Council's high-performing Finance team as Principal Accountant. This role offers the chance to make a real impact at an exciting time of transformation, following recent leadership changes in recent years and the implementation of a new financial management system this year.

Reporting to the Head of Finance and Procurement, you will play a key role in delivering the Council's statutory financial responsibilities, leading on budget setting and year-end accounts, and providing strategic financial advice across the organisation.

As Principal Accountant, you will provide oversight of the councils overall corporate position while partnering with service areas to help them create a sound financial environment within their units, in full compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations. You will oversee the taxation and treasury management functions and directly manage the Finance Support Team responsible for financial transaction processing.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive, customer-focused finance professional with the drive and enthusiasm to deliver excellent service and play a key role in shaping and modernising financial services within the Council.

This is a full-time position working 34 hours per week on a permanent contract. The role offers the benefit of hybrid working, combining office-based working with home working, according to business needs, with an expectation of being in the office at least one day a week.

About Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

Our Offer

A range of benefits including:

34 hour full time working week with the offices closing at 1:30pm on Friday
Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
Free parking
Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
Annual flu vaccine
Cycle to work scheme
Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You

The ideal candidate will be a CCAB-qualified accountant or hold an AAT qualification supported by substantial relevant accountancy experience.

You will have experience of using computerised financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook. Experience of using the Technology One financial management system would be beneficial but is not essential.

You will possess strong technical accounting skills, excellent numerical ability and a keen eye for detail. With the ability to work accurately under pressure with minimum supervision and manage competing priorities, you will be confident working both independently and collaboratively.

A sound understanding of the Local Government Accounting Code of Practice is essential, together with the ability to provide clear financial advice and support to a range of stakeholders.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, as well as an interview.

Swale Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is considered to require political sensitivity and the councils’ Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies. If you would like further information on this, please contact us at hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Claire Stanbury, Head of Finance and Procurement on 01795 417550.

Assessment and Interview Dates: Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 November 2026

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