Client Local Authority in BarkingJob Title Principal Financial AccountantPay Rate 550 DAILY UMBRELLAHours 35 hours Mon to Fri (09:00:AM - 05:00:PM)Duration Initial 3 month ContractLocation Hybrid Working- 3 days a week office based in Barking Town HallDescription Responsible for:Manage the year-end accounts closure process and lead on the integrity, accuracy and transparency of the Council''s financial reporting, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and professional standards. The role supports robust financial governance and continuous improvement by overseeing financial accounting processes, systems, VAT compliance and stakeholder engagement. Specific Accountabilities of the Role:Maintain accurate and meaningful financial data through regular data integrity reviews, system reconciliations and cleansing of the chart of accounts, balance sheet and trial balance.Lead the closure of accounts process, develop and maintain financial reports, processes and timetables to complete the year-end reporting cycle.Contribute to the production of the annual Statement of Accounts, including Group Accounts and Whole of Government Accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, accounting standards and audit requirements.Prepare and maintain detailed disclosures in the ''Notes to the Financial Statements'', ensuring clarity, transparency and regulatory compliance.Produce financial reports and/ or draft financial implications for reports to Boards, Members, partners and o