Principal AccountantLocation: West YorkshireContract: Temporary (6 months)Salary: 350- 400 per dayStart Date: ASAPContact: (url removed) Job DescriptionService Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local authority in West Yorkshire for a Principal Management Accountant to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will delivering high-quality financial management and strategic support across maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) portfolio. Reporting into senior finance leadership, you will manage a small team of finance professionals and provide expert financial advice, analysis, and oversight across a complex and high-profile area of service delivery. Key ResponsibilitiesLead financial management, monitoring, reporting and governance across a portfolio of maintained schools and the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), including the High Needs Block.Support the development of medium-term financial planning, budget setting, forecasting, statutory returns, grant claims and final accounts in line with regulatory requirements.Manage, develop and support a team of school finance professionals, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial services and advice.Act as a key finance partner to operational managers and senior stakeholders, providing strategic financial guidance and deputising for senior finance leadership when required.Candidate CriteriaSignificant experience within local government finance, education finance, DSG management, SEND funding,