[Immediate Start] Senior Financial Accountant

Duration Permanent . A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Background Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority - is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Our vision is to be a globally recognised leader in developing innovative science-based solutions for the sustainable transformation of our land resources into products and services for the benefit of society.
Teagasc’s mission to provide scientific leadership and support to Irish farmers and food companies in achieving a sustainable food system is underpinned by our organisational values of 'Respect, Excellence and Integrity'.
The Teagasc Finance Department is comprised of three teams reporting to the Head of Finance – the Financial Accounting team, the Management Accounting team and the Financial Operations team. The Financial Accounting team prepares the management accounts, prepares the financial statements, coordinates and manages the audit of the financial statements, manages the treasury function, tax compliance and manages the finance systems, Integra.
Basic Function To assume responsibility for financial accounting functions in Teagasc including, but not limited to, preparation of the annual statutory financial statements in compliance with Irish GAAP, preparation of the audit file, managing the audit process and liaising with the auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General’s office) during the course of the audit. The Senior Financial Accountant is also responsible for co-ordinating production of monthly management accounts, managing cash and banking controls and ensuring tax compliance and as a senior member of the Finance Department ensuring adequate internal financial controls and maintaining a strong control environment.
Job Objectives Main Duties and Responsibilities :
Ensure monthly management accounts are delivered on a timely basis. Ensure the integrity, accuracy and relevance of the information reported in accordance with appropriate policies and procedures.
Prepare annual statutory accounts for the Teagasc group, prepare the audit file, liaise with the auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General’s office) and manage the audit process.
Lead and mentor the trainee accountant, including design and implementation of training programme, and other staff reporting to the post, currently one half-time Accounts Assistant.
Ensure optimum banking and cash controls are in place and operating effectively and manage cash flow in close liaison with Payroll, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable. Carefully manage Teagasc deposit investments to ensure optimum return within risk tolerance.
Provide financial analysis, reporting expertise, tax compliance and governance support to the business.
Procure and manage external service providers in the areas of tax, financial accounting and actuaries at appropriate intervals in compliance with national and EU procurement regulations.
Proactively engage and participate in the annual business planning and risk management processes and manage the implementation of the business plan to meet organisational goals and objectives.
Take responsibility for his/her own on-going personal and professional development.
Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Customer Service Charter and Action Plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
Take responsibility for own on-going personal and professional development.
Other duties as may be assigned from time to time
* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. Duties and responsibilities will be reviewed with the post-holder from time to time.
Person Specification The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with first rate academics who has experience in accounts preparation and audit and tax compliance. Candidates must have strong technical accounting skills, strong system skills, be commercially focussed, with the ability to liaise effectively with people at all levels within the organisation.
Qualifications Professional Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA or equivalent)
Membership of a recognised professional accountancy body
A professional tax qualification OR a commitment to achieve a professional tax qualification within an agreed timeframe
A minimum of 3 years’ relevant post qualification work experience
Desirable Degree in business, finance or a related discipline
A qualification in leadership, people management or similar
Knowledge/Skills Irish GAAP
Irish tax legislation and regulations including VAT, RCT, PSWT, PAYE and TCC
Public Sector governance and procurement procedures and regulations
Computer literate with knowledge of Accounting IT systems
Excellent organisational & time management skills with strong attention to detail
Excellent administrative & numeracy skills
Strong orientation and commitment to meeting customer needs
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Desirable Familiarity with Integra, People XD and with Crystal Reports/Business Objects
Good understanding of Teagasc organisational structures, policies and procedures.
Behavioural Competencies An inspiring leader who engages others to achieve strong business and commercial results
Ability to collaborate with team members
Self-disciplined, organised and methodical
Ability to set clear standards and take a quality customer service approach to work
Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities
A proactive, solutions-focused approach to work
A commitment to on-going personal & professional development
Strong strategic and operational decision-making capacity
A commitment to teamwork and collaborating as per our Teagasc Together ethos
This is a note: the ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
Interviews It is intended to hold interviews for this post the last week in October/ first week in November 2025.
Why Join Us? At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives for the benefit of all in our organisation.
We are committed to the principles of ' Equal Opportunities, No Barriers and Active Inclusion '. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
Be part of a forward thinking organisation committed to positive change
Work in a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective
Drive initiatives that make a lasting impact on workplace culture
Join Teagasc in creating a workplace where everyone thrives and diversity is celebrated.
#If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process please contact a member of our Recruitment Team at recruit@teagasc.ie.

#J-18808-Ljbffr