Job Description

Assistant Principal Officer - Corporate & Capital Accounting - 3-month contract
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Principal Officer (APO) to join a Corporate and Capital Accounting Service within a large, complex public-sector organisation. The post holder will play a key role in supporting the delivery of capital budgeting, year-end accounting, financial governance, and service improvement.
Location: Various NI locations (Ballymena, Belfast, Armagh, Omagh, Dundonald) - Hybrid
Grade: Assistant Principal Officer
Reports to: Functional Lead - Capital Budget & Accounting Function
Key Responsibilities:
Support delivery of capital budget processes and annual accounts.
Lead finance support for capital budgets, including complex areas and year-end activities.
Provide technical accounting guidance and financial advice.
Contribute to policy development, continuous improvement, and digital initiatives.
Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships.
Support and guide budget holders, ensuring compliance with statutory and reporting requirements.
Contribute to resource management, service performance monitoring, and training delivery.
Deputise for management as required.
Essential Criteria:
Fully qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) and a Bachelor's degree with 2 years' relevant management experience OR 5 years' demonstrable experience managing at least two areas:
o Finance policy & processes
o Financial planning & strategy
o Capital budget setting, monitoring & control
o Budget holder support
o Fixed asset register management
Proven ability to meet demanding deadlines and deliver high-quality services.
Strong knowledge of statutory and/or financial reporting requirements.
Access to transport to meet the needs of the role.
Additional Requirements (assessed at interview):
Strong stakeholder relationship-building and collaborative working skills.
Ability to lead teams and drive service improvement.
Alignment with organisational values and ethos.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact financial activity across a wide and diverse organisation, supporting statutory compliance and best-practice accounting.
If you are interested in hearing more or being considered for this role, apply here or contact Sophie Keogh at Cpl NI.

Skills Required