Group Accountant

Cumberland Council is a new unitary authority with a bold ambition: to deliver high-quality public services, tackle inequalities, and improve health and wellbeing across our communities.

With strong values, visible leadership and a commitment to doing things differently, we are building a forward-thinking Finance Service that will help shape a better future for Cumberland. As we grow and invest in our team, we’re looking to appoint two Group Accountants to lead business partnering, budgeting and financial planning across a range of high-profile service areas.

As a Group Accountant, you’ll be the key link between finance and services – ensuring that senior managers, directors and Members have the insight, analysis and advice they need to make confident, informed decisions.

You’ll provide support on both revenue and capital budgets, contribute to the development of our Medium Term Financial Plan, and lead on budget setting, monitoring and year-end closure for your area of responsibility. These are strategic, outward-facing roles, focused on partnership, planning and performance.

You’ll work closely with budget holders to help them manage resources effectively, deliver change projects, and identify opportunities for improvement. You’ll also help shape financial systems and processes, and contribute to the development of a high-performing, customer-focused finance function.

We’re looking for two CCAB-qualified professionals with a strong foundation in public sector accounting, and a desire to add value beyond the numbers. You’ll bring experience in financial planning, budget management and monitoring in a complex organisation.

We welcome applications from candidates currently working in local government or from across the wider public sector. If you’re looking for a role where you can help shape a new authority – and make a visible difference to how public money is used – this could be your next step.

To find out more, please contact Andreas Efthymiou at CIPFA Penna on 0203 849 2771 or at Andreas.Efthymiou@penna.com.  

Closing date: Thursday 28 August 2025.