Interim Principal Accountant Location: Home-based (office attendance once per month max - Ealing - London) Contract: 3 months initially (very likely extension) Start: ASAP Rates:£36.37 per hour (PAYE)£47.74 per hour (Umbrella) The OpportunityWe''re looking for an experienced Principal Accountant to join a London local authority on an interim basis.Reporting into a Finance Manager and working closely with the Section 151 Officer, you''ll provide senior-level financial advice and business partnering support across key council services.This role suits someone confident operating at a strategic level, influencing senior stakeholders, and ensuring strong financial governance. What You''ll Be DoingLead finance business partnering for allocated service areasProvide strategic and operational financial advice to senior managersSupport capital and revenue budget setting, monitoring and forecastingContribute to delivery of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)Identify, manage and escalate financial risksSupport year-end accounts closure and audit requirementsDeputise for the Finance Manager when requiredPromote financial best practice and literacy across services What We''re Looking ForEssential experience:Strong local authority finance backgroundCapital budget setting and monitoring experienceRevenue budget management experienceExperience managing or leading finance staffComfortable influencing and advising at senior management levelAble to explain complex finance matters to non-f