Principal Finance Officer
About this opportunity
Cumberland Council is looking to appoint a Principal Finance Officer who possesses strong technical and analytical skills to join our Finance team.
The role contributes to budget setting, ongoing budget monitoring, and year‑end processes, providing accurate financial information to support informed decision‑making across services. You will play a key role in supporting the Finance Manager to deliver flexible and professional financial services that enable effective budget management and informed decision-making across the Council.
The role is offered on a hybrid working basis, combining remote work with on-site attendance at our Council offices across Carlise, Workington, or Whitehaven. Office attendance will be required for key meetings, collaboration, and business needs, with flexibility to work from home for part of the week.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert financial advice and support to managers across the Council.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and complete financial statements, grant claims, and returns.
- Build strong business partnering relationships with service managers.
- Deliver training and coaching to improve financial skills and budget management.
- Support the development of reports, business cases, and options papers ensuring financial implications are clear and accurate.
What We’re Looking For
- Fully qualified AAT or part-qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant or qualified with relevant experience with transferrable skills.
- Strong technical knowledge of accounting standards and practices.
- Excellent communication and analytical skills.
- Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively to meet deadlines.
Why Join Us?
You’ll help shape financial processes and support cultural change to improve value for money across the Council. We offer a supportive environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a real impact.
This role is available on a permanent basis.
Find out more about the Cumberland Finance Team here: Finance | Careers
Who we’re looking for
We’re looking for individuals who embody our organisation's core values: ambitious, collaborative, compassionate, empowering, and innovative. We believe in the power of these values to drive positive change, deliver excellent public services and shape a better future for our communities.
We’re also about potential over perfection and we can help you grow in the role and thrive in your career.
Be sure to take a look at the post specification (below) for the essential criteria for this role.
Contact
For more information about the role or to arrange an informal chat prior to your application, please contact Paula Gledhill by email at [email protected]
Guaranteed Interviews
We offer a guaranteed interview to the following applicants as long as your application can demonstrate you meet the essential criteria for the role.
- Those who consider themselves disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010
- Those in care or who have left care and are aged 24 and under
- Armed forces veterans whose last long term substantive employer was the armed forces
If you meet one or more of the criteria above, and wish to be considered for this scheme, select 'yes' to the appropriate question during your application. Find out more.
Diversity, Inclusion & Adjustments
We’re dedicated to enhancing the diversity of our workforce and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. That’s why we’re a proud Disability Confident Employer and also an Age Friendly Employer – to provide opportunities for everyone to thrive.
If you need any reasonable adjustments to participate in the recruitment process, please let either the hiring manager or our Resourcing Team know by emailing [email protected]. While adjustments aren’t always guaranteed, we’ll always listen and we’ll try our best to accommodate your needs.
Easily apply by submitting your CV, covering letter, and answering a few short questions.
Application and Interview information
- Closing date: 30/06/2026
- Interview date: week commencing 13/07/2026
Please note this role may close early subject to demand. If you’re interested in applying, you should apply well before the advised closing date. We cannot accept applications once the role has closed.
Please read the supporting information:
Please also refer to our Careers site to find out more:
- Our Staff Benefits
- Candidate Support
- About Cumberland Council
