London Fire Brigade (LFB) is seeking an experienced and fully qualified Principal Accountant to join its Finance team on an initial three-month contract. This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to lead critical elements of financial planning, budgeting, and senior business partnering within one of London’s most vital public services.

This role has been created to provide additional senior capacity during a particularly demanding period and offers genuine potential for extension, depending on organisational needs.

Initial 3-month contract | Hybrid working (2 days per week in Southwark)

• £700–£800 per day (Umbrella)
• £535.13 – £611.37 per day (PAYE)

The Role

The Principal Accountant role spans two closely linked areas, with the initial focus expected to be on financial planning and budget setting, while retaining the flexibility to support and lead across senior finance business partnering as required.

Financial Planning & Budget Setting

You will lead London Fire Brigade’s annual budget-setting process, working towards the production of a balanced budget by the end of November. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the end-to-end budget-setting process
• Working closely with departments and directorates to gather, challenge, and refine budget submissions
• Collating and analysing complex financial and budget data
• Supporting Director-level scrutiny meetings
• Preparing high-quality reports for senior leadership and board-level review
• Producing the final budget submission for the following financial year

In addition, you will support the completion of budget loading for the current year and contribute to the development and issue of budget guidance as planning for the next financial cycle begins.

Senior Finance Business Partnering

You may also be required to lead and coordinate a team of Senior Finance Business Partners who support LFB’s directorates. This will include:

• Providing leadership and oversight to the business partnering team
• Ensuring robust forecasting, challenge, and financial insight across directorates
• Reviewing and consolidating monthly financial monitoring reports
• Supporting and coaching colleagues to deliver consistent, high-quality finance support
• Engaging with senior stakeholders and contributing to strategic discussions

The emphasis between these responsibilities may change over time, making adaptability key to success in the role.

About You

• Be a fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA or equivalent)
• Line management experience is required (team of 4)
• Have substantial experience in financial planning, budgeting, and senior-level finance business partnering
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders
• Be confident presenting financial information to senior management and board-level audiences
• Take a flexible, pragmatic approach and be comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment

This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role within a high-profile public sector organisation and to make a meaningful impact during a crucial financial period.

If you are a qualified Principal Accountant looking for your next interim opportunity, we would be delighted to hear from you.