Principal Accountant

Principal Accountant (Adult Social Care) Salary: Up to £58,000 Location: Luton Borough Council Contract: Permanent, Full-time Why Join Luton As a dynamic authority at the heart of a thriving and diverse borough, Luton Council is driving forward ambitious regeneration plans, delivering vital public services, and making a measurable difference to the lives of its residents. Few places can offer the same blend of scale, community impact, and opportunity for leaders across finance, HR, transformation, and other key corporate functions. Joining Luton means contributing to a clear and compelling vision for a town where everyone can thrive and being part of an organisation that truly puts people and place at its heart. A distinctive part of that story is London Luton Airport, one of the UK’s busiest airports and a critical economic engine for the town. Uniquely, the airport is wholly owned by the council, generating significant revenue that is reinvested back into local services, regeneration projects, and community wellbeing. It symbolises Luton’s ambition and financial resilience, providing employees with the rare opportunity to work for an authority that not only delivers for residents but also benefits from and shapes a major national asset. At Luton Council, colleagues are supported to develop, grow, and achieve their ambitions. The organisation promotes a flexible and inclusive culture, with hybrid working options, generous leave, and strong wellbeing support. There’s a clear commitment to professional development through training, mentoring, and opportunities to lead high-profile projects that deliver visible change. Staff are empowered to innovate, collaborate, and lead, knowing their contribution makes a real difference both locally and nationally. About the Role As Principal Accountant (ASC), you’ll lead and coordinate the financial management and accountancy support for the Adult Social Care department. You’ll ensure that all budgets, forecasts, and financial accounts are accurate, timely, and compliant with both corporate and statutory requirements. You’ll provide high-quality advice and support to senior managers, helping them understand financial performance, manage complex budgets, and plan effectively for the future. Acting as a key link between corporate finance and operational teams, you’ll promote best practice, continuous improvement, and an enabling, customer-focused approach to financial management. You’ll also deputise for the Finance Business Partner (ASC) when required, providing strategic business partnering and leadership across the service. Key Responsibilities Lead the financial management function for Adult Social Care, ensuring effective budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring of revenue, capital, and balance sheet accounts. Provide strategic financial advice and insight to senior managers, influencing decisions that improve outcomes and deliver value for money. Oversee financial planning and reporting, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, corporate finance guidance, and audit requirements. Manage savings and transformation projects, tracking delivery against targets and identifying opportunities for further efficiencies. Lead and develop your finance team, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive process improvement, reviewing and refining financial systems, procedures, and reporting to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Support innovation in service delivery, helping Adult Social Care adapt to changing demands through sound financial management and creative problem-solving. About You You’ll be a qualified (or part-qualified) accountant – CCAB or equivalent, with substantial experience in financial management, reporting, and leadership within a complex environment. You’ll bring a blend of technical skill, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal ability, capable of translating financial data into clear, actionable advice. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where your analytical insight and proactive mindset can shape the way vital services are delivered. Essential experience includes: Managing large, complex budgets and financial systems. Delivering robust financial advice and reporting in a senior role. Leading teams and developing staff in a high-performing culture. Improving financial processes and driving efficiency. Managing projects and supporting transformation initiatives. Desirable experience: Working in a local authority or public sector finance environment, particularly in Adult Social Care. Understanding of local government funding, accounting codes, and financial regulations. A Great Career Move At Luton, they’re transforming how they deliver public services, focused on innovation, collaboration, and improving lives. As part of their finance leadership team, you’ll be at the heart of that transformation, shaping strategy, building financial resilience, and supporting key projects such as housing, regeneration, and infrastructure. You’ll enjoy: A culture that values inclusion, learning, and wellbeing. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Access to generous local government pension and annual leave schemes. Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth. To discuss this opportunity in more detail, please reach out to Thomas Porter on , or email