Principal Accountant

Join a council that’s transforming lives through financial leadership and innovation. We’re investing in our finance team – and we’re looking for exceptional professionals who want to make a measurable impact in a complex, rewarding public sector environment. Whether you're leading a high-performing team or guiding multi-million-pound strategies, you'll be shaping outcomes for one of the UK’s most diverse and ambitious towns.

Luton Borough Council is seeking a talented and motivated Principal Accountant to lead on the delivery of financial management and reporting for key service areas.

In this role, you’ll:

• Coordinate the preparation and monitoring of revenue, capital and balance sheet accounts.

• Provide strategic and operational financial advice to senior managers and elected members.

• Lead a small team delivering high-quality budgeting, forecasting, and year-end closure.

• Ensure financial compliance, maximise value for money, and support savings initiatives.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of systems, processes and customer service.

You’ll be a CCAB-qualified accountant (or part-qualified with strong experience), with a solid background in local authority finance, excellent communication skills, and a strong grasp of budget strategy and service delivery.

Employee benefits

At Luton Council, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you make a real difference in our communities.

When you join us, you’ll become part of a close-knit team, working alongside talented, passionate people. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, trusted, and encouraged to thrive.

• Work/life balance: enjoy flexible working options, including remote work opportunities, to help balance professional and personal commitments.

• Mental health and wellbeing: get free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Programme.

• Career progression and development: we support your growth with unlimited training, mentoring and clear career pathways, whether in leadership or specialist roles.

• Equality, diversity and inclusion: we foster an inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all, where everyone feels valued.

• Generous annual leave: start with 25 days annual leave (up to 32 days based on service and grade). Plus, take advantage of our 'buying annual leave' scheme to purchase up to 20 extra days.

• Pension scheme: generous employer contributions up to 20.2% and a 3x salary death-in-service grant.

• Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility).

• Staff offers: including discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons, and great value saving on local bus travel.

For more about working for Luton BC, visit https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Jobs_and_careers/recruitment/Pages/The-benefits-of-working-for-us.aspx

For a confidential conversation about this role, please contact our retained consultants at Penna: Andrew Barton on andrew.barton@penna.com  / D +44 (0) 7922 386 432