Principal Accountant
- Exeter, Devon
- Full Time
- £51,356 - £55,604 per annum
Fixed Term 2 Years
Principal Accountant – Children’s Services (Inclusion and Learning)
Make a difference where it matters most.
Devon County Council is seeking an ambitious and forward-thinking Principal Accountant to play a pivotal role in one of the Council’s highest-profile and most important areas of expenditure. This is a newly created and unique opportunity to combine financial expertise with genuine social impact, helping to shape services that support children and young people across Devon to achieve the best possible start in life.
Working closely with the Head Accountant, you will provide strategic financial leadership across a complex and evolving service area, including Schools and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will lead and inspire a talented team of finance professionals, driving high-quality and robust financial management, reporting, forecasting and financial modelling to support key decision-making.
You will be at the forefront of ensuring the Council meets Department for Education (DfE) requirements and helping to develop solutions to some of the most significant financial challenges facing local government today.
This is far more than a technical accounting role. You will work collaboratively with senior leaders across the County to influence decision-making and drive the delivery of the best possible outcomes for the children and young people of Devon.
We are looking for someone who:
- Brings strong technical accounting and financial management expertise.
- Has the confidence to challenge, influence and support senior stakeholders.
- Can lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
- Thrives in a fast-paced environment where innovation and problem-solving are valued.
- Is passionate about using finance as a tool to improve outcomes.
In return, you will join a progressive and supportive directorate where your expertise will directly contribute to improving lives across Devon. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a critical public service and help shape the future of Inclusion and Learning finances within one of the country's largest local authorities.
If you're looking for a role where strategic finance meets real social purpose, we'd love to hear from you.
For an informal discussion please contact Adrian Fox adrian.fox@devon.gov.uk
Interview Date: w/c 7th September 2026
How to apply
Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.
Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.
Please click Apply Now to see the Job Description.
- DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages.
- For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council’s use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
- Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
- This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
- Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice.
- For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page.
- We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
- This role requires a DBS disclosure.
Reference: REQ010377