Senior Principal Accountant

Salary package:£65,873 - £69,828 (Grade G plus market supplement)

About the role

We are looking for a qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) who will be fully involved and make a major contribution to the full range of functions of a district council finance team.

This will include playing a key role in the production of the annual accounts including extensive involvement in the annual audit process. It will also include input to the annual budget, capital accounting and involvement in projects.

Sevenoaks District Council provides an excellent opportunity for you, as we are financially secure and have two companies. At this exciting time of change for district councils, this is your opportunity to join us and gain new experience as the council and you develop together.

Benefits of working for Sevenoaks District Council

We are a Council with a passion for supporting people, developing talent, and working collaboratively and innovatively.

Other benefits include:

· Hybrid working (at least two days on-site per week at Argyle Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1HG)

· Enhanced annual leave of 31 days (excluding bank holidays)

· Additional leave after 5 years of service

· Extra Christmas closure day

· Generous Local Government Pension Scheme

· Free parking

• Employee benefits including discounts on shopping, travel days out and more, Tusker car salary sacrifice scheme and discounts with your MOT

· Access to BUPA Employee Assistance Programme; a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service

Find out more

For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jessica Booth, Strategic Head of Finance & S151 Officer, on [phone removed].

Best chance of being shortlisted

To increase your chances of being shortlisted, do not rely on the use of AI in your application – we want to hear from you about your unique experiences and how you can help us deliver an exceptional service to our community.

Read the Job Description and Personal Specification attached to the role and ensure that your supporting statement explains how you meet the essential requirements, as your application will be judged against these criteria.

We invite applications from those candidates who are seeking a full-time (37 hours per week) position.

More on us as an employer: https://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20003/your_council/204/jobs_and_working_for_the_council

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to being an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Closing date: 13 September 2026

Interviews: 24 September 2026

These will be held at our office in Argyle Road, Sevenoaks.

Equal Opportunities:
Sevenoaks – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Sevenoaks District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Application notes:
Please apply online. If this is not possible, please contact a member of the HR team by emailing [email removed] to discuss how we can assist you in applying.