Financial Accountant

Job Title:                                    Financial Accountant

Location:                                    Hybrid Working and FAI HQ Abbottstown

Direct Reporting Line To:         Financial Controller

Commencement Date:             ASAP

Duration:                                    Permanent, full time

Introduction

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the governing body for Association Football in the Republic of Ireland. The FAI has primary responsibility for all regulatory and footballing aspects of the game in Ireland.  Football is a sport that is woven into the fabric of the nation, and as the national governing body the FAI is at the heart of that – from inspiring and engaging legions of passionate fans who follow leading female and male Irish players and world class tournaments, through to supporting the grassroots of the sport which reach into local communities across Ireland to help get the nation active and deliver significant physical and mental health benefits to those involved.

The Department

The role of the Finance Department is to ensure the business prioritises its spending on the projects and programmes that deliver the maximum benefit to our customers – whether that is performance programmes for elite players or children playing football for the first time. Our team is led by the Finance Director who sits on the Senior Leadership Team reporting directly to the CEO.

The department provides strategic financial leadership, robust governance, and commercial insight across the business. At the heart of the department is a high-performing team of finance professionals who combine technical expertise with commercial acumen and integrity. The team works collaboratively with colleagues across the Association, providing trusted advice, constructive challenge, and insightful analysis to support informed decision-making. Empowered to influence outcomes and hold the business accountable for its financial performance, the team plays a key role in ensuring resources are managed effectively and deliver maximum impact.

Principle Purpose and Duties:

The Financial Accountant supports the Financial Controller in maintaining a strong financial control environment and delivering accurate, timely financial information across the Association. The role is responsible for supporting the month-end close process, maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, preparing balance sheet reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, organisational policies, and financial controls.

Working closely with the Financial Controller and the wider Finance team, the Financial Accountant contributes to the preparation of management accounts, financial reporting, and continuous improvement of finance processes to support effective decision-making across the Association.

Key Job Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Month-End

• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are investigated and resolved promptly.
• Analyse financial variances and provide supporting commentary.

General Ledger & Financial Control

• Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and control accounts.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, accounting standards and organisational policies.
• Manage the VIK schedule and associated general ledger postings.
• Review employee expense claims for accuracy, policy compliance and correct accounting treatment.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls.

Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable

• Support and oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities as required.
• Review supplier and customer balances, resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Monitor aged debtors and creditors, escalating issues where appropriate.
• Support cash flow monitoring and working capital management.
• Liaise with external providers to recover eligible VAT on travel expenses.

Audit, Compliance & Statutory Reporting

• Support external audit processes by preparing schedules and responding to audit requests.
• Assist in ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements, including VAT, PAYE and other regulatory obligations.
• Support the implementation of accounting policies and reporting standards.

Planning & Business Support

• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, including monitoring actual performance against budget.
• Act as the Finance lead for League of Ireland club licensing, supporting both domestic and UEFA licensing requirements.
• Liaise with budget holders and departments across the Association to ensure accurate financial information and provide support on finance-related queries.
• Undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by the Financial Controller.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Skills & Experience 

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy, with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. They will have the ability to manage competing priorities, work to tight deadlines, and communicate effectively with colleagues across the Association. A proactive approach, a willingness to take ownership, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team are essential.

They will hold and demonstrate:

• Part-qualified or newly qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• A degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting processes
• A sound understanding of accounting principles, financial controls and reconciliation processes
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions
• Experience using financial accounting systems (e.g. Sage, NetSuite or similar)

Desirable Experience 

• Experience working in a membership organisation, not-for-profit, sporting or regulated environment
• Experience supporting external audits and statutory compliance
• Knowledge of VAT, PAYE and statutory reporting requirements
• Experience of process improvement and strengthening financial controls
• Experience supporting external audits and year-end financial statement preparation

Personal Attributes

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve financial processes and add value to the Finance function.
• Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• A continuous improvement mindset, with an interest in enhancing financial processes, systems and reporting.
• The ability to build strong working relationships across the Finance team and the wider Association, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing culture.
• A willingness to develop broader financial management skills, including exposure to budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• A commitment to supporting the Association's vision, values and strategic objectives.

Our Benefits

We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:

• Two premium level tickets to each home international game
• Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
• Opportunities to work at international matches
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Free onsite parking
• Employee assistance program
• Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements

Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on Friday, 17th July 2026.

Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).