Head of Finance and Facilities

Job description

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for the role of Head of Finance and Facilities.

The Head of Finance and Facilities is a new strategic leadership role within Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). This is a unique opportunity for a high calibre individual with financial experience at a senior leadership level to lead and enhance our Finance and Facilities functions. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Finance and Facilities will be a member of the Executive Leadership Team and will play a key role in organisation-wide strategic thinking, oversight of key projects and initiatives, and contribution to the growth and development of IFI. Effective delivery in the role will necessitate strong leadership skills, capacity to collaborate with external stakeholders including the ability to communicate with impact, effective delegation and a proven track record of strong project management skills.

ABOUT US

Inland Fisheries Ireland is the state agency responsible for protecting, managing and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. More information can be found by visiting our website.

OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES

Vision

To place the inland fisheries resource in the best sustainable position possible for the benefit of future generations.

Mission

To protect, manage and conserve Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources and to maximise their sustainability and natural biodiversity.

Values

• We work collaboratively with professionalism

• We are open, transparent and accountable

• We act with respect and integrity

• We are committed to stewardship and sustainability

THE ROLE

The role of Head of Finance and Facilities will encompass primary responsibility for finance and facilities management within IFI to include payroll and pensions, procurement, financial and contractual compliance, facilities and property management, and associated logistics. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring and overseeing value for money, operational efficiency, and implementing standards of excellence in public sector governance and compliance across the organisation. This role will require a range of highly effective leadership and management skills and an extensive level of relevant experience.

IFI are therefore seeking an impactful strategic leader, with a track record of achievement and an ethos of customer focus and continuous improvement to deliver high-quality, progressive and efficient services through the development of a high-performing team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Support and advise the Chief Executive Officer in the discharge of their statutory functions as Accounting Officer including completion of the annual Appropriation Account and Statement of Internal Financial controls.

• Participate in the executive leadership of the Agency, provide direct support and advice to the Board and its Sub-Committees, and contribute to the development and operational delivery of IFI’s Statement of Strategy 2026-2030.

• Manage significant external and internal stakeholders and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.

• Oversee the finance, procurement and facilities teams to ensure delivery of key initiatives and workplan activity in line with IFI’s Corporate Strategy 2026-2030. Embed a culture of continuous improvement utilising organisational development, transformational change and innovation to deliver services that are high-quality, progressive, efficient and customer focused.

• Ensure the development of the Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) to agreed budget and timeframe deliverables.

• Oversee financial governance across IFI, ensuring effective risk management, robust management information for decision making, and proactive engagement with internal audit processes.

• Oversee the preparation of IFI’s Annual Accounts, liaising with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General in connection with the annual financial audit of the organisation.  Oversee the preparation of materials for the annual budget process and for Dáil committees.

• Oversee the purchase and sale of properties and assets as appropriate in compliance with the Public Spending Code/Infrastructure Guidelines.

• Ensure overall compliance with all Department of Finance, Revenue Commissioner and C&AG regulations, circulars, and other relevant legislation, including the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

• Ensure all IFI financial procedures and accounting policies are robust, up to date with current circulars and best practice, and adhered to, enabling proper management and accountability of IFI finances.

• Oversee the implementation, as required, of new systems and processes including but not limited to a new accounts system, fixed asset management, property management, payroll and pensions systems.

• Provide executive oversight of procurement strategy and governance, ensuring alignment with budgetary priorities, financial controls, and IFI objectives while ensuring that corporate and Public Procurement Guidelines for Goods, Services and Works, and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies are adhered to.

• Ensure the provision of expert guidance, advice, and direction to IFI staff in relation to IFI’s procurement, including the preparation and execution of procurement activities in line with Procurement Policy and current regulation/legislation.

• Act as Energy Performance Officer

• Ensure the effective management of IFI’s Contracts Register

• Additional duties or functions may be assigned as the role and organisational needs evolve.

• Undertake all other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by the CEO or nominee.

Job requirements

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• A qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualification (NFQ), or higher, in finance, business, management, or related discipline.

• A professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA, or international equivalent) with membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA).

• Have a minimum of 5 years’ leadership experience in finance, business support, or related functions within a complex organisation.

• A full clean Category B driving licence that is valid in Ireland.

• Demonstrated capacity to think strategically and shape long-term direction through informed financial and operation planning

• Proven ability to deliver projects, utilising all available resources and securing the best outcomes based on objectives

• Proven experience of strategically analysing and reporting on organisational performance.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff through effective coaching and collaboration, fostering high-performing teams that deliver against challenging objectives.

Desirable

• Current member of professional accounting body such as ACCA, CPA ACMA, ACA or international equivalent.

• Previous experience in using finance accounting packages and digital financial management systems.

• Experience in public procurement and/or property management.

• Experience of working in or closely with the Public Sector including Government Departments and State Agencies at a senior level.

• Experience of working with Boards and their Committees, particularly the Audit and Risk Committee.

• Experience of engagement with the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

• Engagement with the Oireachtas.

REMUNERATION

The salary scale for the position is at the level of Principal Officer (Head of Function) as it applies in Inland Fisheries Ireland. This is a 7-point scale including two long service increments (LSI’s):
Point 1 €106,926.15; Point 2 €111,513.12; Point 3 €116,069.35; Point 4 €120,660.71; Point 5 €124,529.33; Point 6 (LSI 1) €128,542.93; Point 7 €132,549.95

(IFI Principal Officer (Head of Function) Salary Scale as of 01/06/2026). 

Candidates should note that new appointments will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Candidates should note that different salary terms and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is/was a serving civil or public servant. 

LOCATION

This role will be based at IFI’s office in Citywest Business Campus, Dublin D24 CK66.

TENURE

The term of appointment for the role will be permanent and pensionable. The appointee will be required to serve a nine-month probationary period. 

ANNUAL LEAVE 

The role offers a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum (pro-rata), supporting a positive work-life balance.

BENEFITS

• Modern, accessible Dublin HQ, located centrally with many transport options.

• Inland Fisheries Ireland is proud to offer a hybrid working model for this role, subject to business requirements.

APPLICATIONS & SELECTION PROCESS

A cover letter and up to date Curriculum Vitae should be submitted by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 16th September 2026.

Late applications will not be processed.

Shortlisting will be based on information provided in the Cover Letter and CV.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Any questions regarding this opportunity should be directed to IFI’s Head of People and Culture, Éilis Mernagh by email at Eilis.Mernagh@fisheriesireland.ie

Inland Fisheries Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

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