Head of Finance

Head of Finance, Dublin

Location: Dublin

Contract: Full Time, permanent

The Head of Finance leads the day-to-day financial management, reporting and control environment of Focus Ireland. The role provides high-quality financial insight and constructive challenge to support sustainable services, effective stewardship of resources and sound decision-making. Working closely with the Director of Finance, IT and Administration, senior leaders, budget holders and governance committees, the postholder ensures that financial operations, management information, statutory reporting and funder requirements are delivered accurately, efficiently and on time. 

What you will do:

Finance Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop the Finance team, setting clear objectives, standards and accountabilities.

• Manage performance, workforce planning, cross-training and succession, supporting continuous development.

• Prioritise workloads to meet payroll, reporting, audit, budget and compliance deadlines.

• Promote collaboration while maintaining strong financial governance and segregation of duties.

Management Accounts, Forecasting & Insight

• Deliver accurate monthly management accounts, reconciliations and analysis by working day 6, unless otherwise agreed.

• Provide timely departmental, project and service reporting to budget holders using Solver.

• Analyse performance, variances, trends and risks, recommending appropriate action.

• Lead forecasts, scenario planning, cashflow and working capital management.

• Improve financial understanding across the organisation through clear reporting, guidance and training.

Budget & Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budget process, providing guidance and support to budget holders.

• Review and challenge budgets to ensure alignment with priorities, funding requirements and sustainability.

• Consolidate budgets and provide clear analysis for senior management and governance.

• Monitor performance and ensure action is taken on material variances.

• Support long-term planning, business cases and strategic decisions through financial modelling.

Accounts, Audit & Regulatory Reporting

• Lead year-end accounts and external audit, ensuring accurate and timely completion.

• Coordinate internal audit responses and implementation of recommendations.

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and charity reporting requirements.

• Oversee statutory and financial returns to Revenue, funders and relevant authorities.

• Support financial governance, statutory filings and information requirements.

Financial Control & Asset Protection

• Maintain effective controls to safeguard assets and minimise financial risk, error, fraud and loss.

• Oversee controls across income, banking, purchasing, payroll, expenses, assets, accruals and prepayments.

• Manage reconciliations, debtors, creditors, restricted funds and allocation of income and expenditure.

• Maintain finance policies, delegated authorities and approval processes.

• Monitor funding compliance and address actual or potential breaches.

• Lead cost control and value-for-money initiatives without compromising services or compliance.

• Coordinate payroll, creditor and expense payments within agreed deadlines.

Funder, Contract & Service Finance

• Ensure accurate and timely funder reports, claims, reconciliations and supporting documentation.

• Support financial management of grants, contracts, projects and services, identifying funding gaps early.

• Provide financial costings for funding applications, contracts, service changes and new initiatives.

• Oversee income recognition, debtor recovery and funding-related risks.

• Maintain relationships with funders, auditors, banks and advisers, attending meetings as required.

Systems, Data & Improvement

• Improve finance systems, reporting and processes to strengthen controls, efficiency and data quality.

• Ensure effective integration and reconciliation between finance and other organisational systems.

• Promote automation, standardisation and secure digital processes with appropriate controls.

• Ensure financial data complies with data protection, security and records requirements.

• Provide practical financial guidance and training to colleagues.

Governance, Risk & Organisational Support

• Prepare and present financial reports to senior management, the Board and relevant committees.

• Support financial governance, risk management, controls and assurance.

• Advise and challenge on affordability, sustainability, compliance and value for money.

• Work in line with Focus Ireland’s objectives, values, policies and governance requirements.

• Comply with health, safety and welfare requirements and raise concerns appropriately.

• Undertake other reasonable duties as required.

What you will need:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification, with substantial post-qualification experience in a complex organisation. 

• Demonstrable experience of leading and developing a finance team and delivering through others. 

• Strong experience across management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts, audit, cashflow and financial control. 

• Experience of producing high-quality financial analysis and translating complex information into clear advice for senior leaders, Boards, committees and non-finance colleagues. 

• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, delegate effectively and consistently deliver accurate work to demanding deadlines. 

• Strong knowledge of accounting systems, financial reporting tools and Microsoft Excel, with evidence of improving processes, controls or management information.  

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, communication and stakeholder-management skills. 

• Ability to combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach. 

• High standards of integrity, judgement, discretion and accountability, together with a commitment to Focus Ireland's purpose and values. 

• Experience in the charity, not-for-profit, public service, housing or homelessness sectors.(Desirable)

• Knowledge of charity accounting and reporting requirements, including the Charities SORP.(Desirable)

Focus Ireland is an equal opportunities employer

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