Head of Finance

We are delighted to announce that our client the Charites Regulator are currently recruiting for a Head of Finance.

Role profile

This role is a key senior management position within the Charities Regulator reporting into the Chief Executive. Candidates should note that reporting lines may change in future as part of any restructuring of the organisation.

The Head of Finance will be responsible for leading the financial function of the organisation. As a member of senior management he/she will be required to actively contribute to the achievement of the Charities Regulator's strategic objectives and decision making within the organisation and to the development and implementation of the Charities Regulator's corporate and annual business planning processes. The Head of Finance will be responsible for all aspects of financial control, including statutory and regulatory requirements, financial reporting, and budget development.

The duties and responsibilities of the successful candidate will include the following:

Financial Management

• Lead and manage a budget of approximately €5.2m per annum ensuring that the allocation of available funds is consistent with corporate strategy and the operations of the Charities Regulator.
• Develop and maintain a financial reporting framework and produce financial reports and analysis that support the Charities Regulator in its policy and decision-making roles.
• Prepare the annual financial statements of the Charities Regulator and Charity Funds in accordance with FRS102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the UK and Ireland issued by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
• Prepare draft financial statements for Common Investment Fund (CIF).
• Ensure that systems and procedures are in place so that the processing of all financial transactions are accurate, timely and efficient and in line with public accounting procedures.
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that ensure compliance with relevant financial standards and public sector policy, and satisfy the reporting requirements of the Department of Rural and Community Development.
• Main point of contact for the Controller and Auditor General (C&AG) and other external auditors.
• Ensure that all internal and external audit processes are managed appropriately and that all required information, records and other materials are maintained and made available to relevant auditors in a timely manner.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of the annual operational budget.
• Monitor and report on revenue and expenditure against budgets and forecasts, and undertake appropriate financial planning.
• Ensure the sustainability of the organisation's financial resources while continuously supporting improvement in service delivery by identifying potential cost savings.
• Ensure the Charities Regulator complies with public procurement requirements, and that the procurement processes are efficient and effective in delivering value for money.
• Create and support a culture in which non-financial senior managers take responsibility for effective management of the budgets for which they are responsible.
• Assume a lead role in the development and implementation of financial management systems that ensure that the strategic and business needs of the Charities Regulator are continually met.
• Provide expert advice to the organisation on financial matters and on identifying opportunities for cost savings.
• Provide guidance to the Chief Executive and other senior managers on finance policy and procedures, government codes of practice, taxation, legislation and procurement, where required.

Governance

• Contribute to and lead where appropriate on the maintenance of a strong internal control environment, through ensuring the proper operation, control and execution of the Charities Regulator's processes and procedures in relation to all financial transactions and identifying improvements as necessary.
• Ensure that the Charities Regulator is in compliance with applicable accounting and reporting obligations under the Charities Act, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies and other relevant public sector policies, regulations and accounting standards.
• Supporting the work of the Charities Regulator Finance, Audit, Risk and Governance (FARG) Committee. Having up to date Financial and Governance documents available for scrutiny and challenge. Attending all FARG Committee meetings, supporting the Committee to carry out their function.
• Providing monthly management accounts to the Chief Executive and other members of the Executive Team.
• Providing financial updates to the Board of the Charities Regulator as part of the Chief Executive's report and attending Board meetings were required to answer questions or provide briefings on the organisation's finances.

Resource Management

• Manage a team within the Finance Unit and ensure that all mid-year and annual performance reviews are carried out in a timely manner.
• Ensure regular one-to-ones with direct reports and wider team meetings as appropriate.
• Assign work within the team and delegate tasks where appropriate.
• Encourage delegation by direct report(s) and ensure that team members are supported and appropriately empowered to contribute fully to the overall work of the finance team.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and responsibilities associated with the post and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be subject to periodic review with the post holder.

The Charities Regulator retains the right to amend role profile and allocate resources within the Charities Regulator in the most appropriate manner and in accordance with business needs.

Essential requirements:

Candidates must on or before 16th August 2024:

• Possess a minimum Level 8 qualification on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) major award or its equivalent.
• Be a qualified accountant with membership of a professional accountancy body such as ACCA, ACA, etc.
• Have at least years relevant experience in overseeing complex financial operations in comparable organisational frameworks.
• Substantial background in budget management and financial reporting
• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing robust corporate governance practices.
• Proven ability to manage staff and deliver results through a team.
• Proficiency in risk management and the establishment of internal control mechanisms.
• Proficient in utilising various financial software packages and possessing a high level of ICT literacy, with the ability to leverage technology to streamline workplace processes.
• Demonstrable expertise and ability in building effective working relationships, along with the capability to cultivate strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to think and act strategically with experience of translating strategies into prioritised business work plans.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and think laterally in dealing with a wide range of financial issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication.
• High motivation with a proven ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience of leading external and internal audit processes.
• A very high standard of personal integrity.

Desirable experience knowledge and skills:

• Experience of presenting at Board and/ or Audit Committees level.
• Proven track record and comprehension of public-sector accounting principles and financial management practices.
• Experience and background in public-sector governance, ensuring compliance, and mitigating risks effectively.
• Evidence of project management experience.
• While not required specifically for the role, spoken or written Irish to a level sufficient to communicate with our stakeholders; previous experience of administering registration functions within a regulated sector.

Required competencies:

Candidates should have all the abilities required of a Head of Finance with the Charities Regulator. In particular, candidates must demonstrate in their applications and during the selection process that they have the following competencies, which are required for the role, by reference to specific achievements and relevant examples in their career to date:

•Leadership

•Analysis and decision making

•Management and delivery of results

•Interpersonal and communication skills

•Specialist knowledge, expertise and self-development

•Drive and commitment to public service values

Further information regarding each of the above competencies is available in Appendix A, which sets out the Public Appointment Service's Assistant Principal competency framework.

How to apply:

Application forms and Candidate Information Booklets are available from the careers section on the Charities Regulator website or by following the below link:

Application forms must be completed and sent to Please note that cover letters and CVs are not required and will not be considered. No enquiries or canvassing may be made to the Charities Regulator.

Closing Date: 12 noon on Friday, 16 August 2024

Applications will not be accepted after the closing date and late applications will be ineligible for consideration. Therefore, it is the responsibility of candidates to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for receipt of your application. Applicants must ensure they retain a copy of the email submitted, including the date and time, in case of any queries.

An acknowledgement email will be issued in respect of all applications received. If an applicant does not receive an acknowledgement email within two working days of date of submission, the applicant should contact to ensure the application has been received.

Any candidate requiring any particular accommodation for interview or other elements of the selection process should notify us at so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

We will endeavour to keep candidates informed of the progress of their application at the earliest possible date.

Canvassing is prohibited and will result in disqualification from the competition.