Accountant

About the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)

The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) provides loan finance to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing. The HFA is a key stakeholder in Ireland's national housing strategy, supporting the implementation of government policy.

The Role

Reporting to the Financial Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the HFA's finance function, contributing to the effective financial management of the HFA. Working collaboratively across the HFA teams, they will lead enhancements in financial reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis to strengthen strategic decision-making and organisational transparency.

They will also have be responsibility for preparing and analysing management accounts, board reports, and financial statements, as well as developing budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses to support strategic planning. They will manage accounts payable and receivable, assist with audit preparation, and ensure tax compliance.

The role also involves supporting the treasury and payroll functions and contributing to the development and implementation of enhanced financial reporting and management information systems. Operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, the Accountant will be expected to manage multiple priorities with precision, initiative, and a commitment to excellence.

The ideal candidate will be confident engaging with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and will have experience managing staff and resources in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Strong IT proficiency is essential, and familiarity with Exchequer Enterprise and Business Central is desirable but not required.

Key Responsibilities

- Management Reporting: Ensure the timely production, interpretation, and analysis of monthly management accounts and maintenance of the accounting system. Contribute to the development of the financial information in the HFA's 5-Year Corporate and Strategic Plans.

- Budgeting & Forecasting: Preparing budgets and forecasts, and reporting on variances to support strategic decision-making.

- Audit and Taxation Compliance: Provide support for annual statutory financial statements and audit documentation in accordance with recognised accounting standards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

- Accounts Management: Overseeing accounts payable and receivable, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.

- Board & Committee Reporting: Draft reports and information for Senior Financial Executives and Management, ensuring clarity and strategic alignment.

- Systems Development & Enhancement: Participate in the implementation, upgrade, and enhancement of accounting systems to improve operational efficiency and data integrity.

- Governance & Internal Controls: Maintain and review governance processes and internal controls, ensuring alignment with best practice and regulatory standards. Liaise with Internal Auditors and other advisors

- Tax and Other Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate submission of Revenue-related returns and in adherence to all statutory deadlines.

- Superannuation Scheme Administration: Oversee the administration of the HFA's superannuation scheme, ensuring compliance and effective management.

- Treasury Support: Provide backup support for treasury dealing activities, including transaction execution and reconciliation.

- Financial Governance & Reporting: Assist with development and implementational of financial processes, reporting frameworks, and management routines to support HFA's governance, risk management, and statutory compliance

- Project & Team Support: Assist the Financial Managers with ad hoc projects, assignments, and evolving responsibilities as required.

- Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline internal processes and improve operational workflows. Support the implementation of new systems or tools that enhance productivity and reporting accuracy.

Essential Criteria & Qualifications

Essential Qualifications & Experience

- Possess a professional accounting qualification or be working toward the membership of a recognised professional accounting body

- Third level degree/level 8 qualification in business, finance and accounting or relevant area.

- A minimum of 3 years' experience of accountancy work, including management accounting and/or financial accounting.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to see tasks to completion.

- Ability to review existing financial management systems, controls and procedures in place and make changes to ensure they are effective and in line with organisational aims.

- Be experienced in the management of staff.

- Approachable and supportive, with the ability to communicate effectively with people.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and competency in managing financial software systems.

- Experience of managing conflicting demands and responding to tight deadlines.

- Experience in communicating complex financial information to non-financial people.

Desirable Experience

- Experience in a public sector, financial services, lending/treasury or housing-related environment.

- Experience in the use of data analytics tools and techniques.

Competencies

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:

- Team Leadership: Supports cross-functional collaboration and leads by example, helping teams deliver high-quality outputs while fostering a culture of adaptability, learning, and continuous improvement.

- Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making: Applies sound judgement and analytical skills to support strategic initiatives, internal reporting, and policy development, ensuring decisions are well-informed and aligned with organisational goals.

- Management & Delivery of Results: Manages multiple priorities and projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of internal reports, strategic support, and operational improvements that enhance agency performance.

- Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Builds strong working relationships across departments, communicates clearly and professionally, and ensures effective information flow between the Management Team and wider organisation.

- Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development: Demonstrates deep understanding of the requirements of their role and sector, while actively pursuing personal and professional growth.

- Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values: Shows dedication to the HFA's mission, upholding integrity, accountability, and customer focus in all aspects of operational and strategic support

Principal Conditions of Service

- Tenure: The appointment is on a permanent contract subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.

- Hours of Work: Operating on a 35-hour week with core hours between 08.00am – 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a flexible work model, with staff currently required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.

- Salary Scale: The Higher Executive Officer Standard salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 August 2025) is as follows:

HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PPC)

€58,847 – €60,567 – €62,285 – €64,000 – €65,723 – €67,437 – €69,157 – €71,637 LSI1 – €74,112 LSI2

- Principal Non-Personal Pension Contribution Salary Scale

€56,047 – €57,664 – €59,279 – €60,907 – €62,537 – €64,180 – €65,811 – €68,158 LSI1 – €70,513 LSI2

- Long service increments: may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Important Note: N.B. Entry 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. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if, immediately before appointment, you are a currently serving civil/public servant.

- Annual Leave: In addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 29 working days, based on a five-day week.

The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via HIREHIVE LINK only

Each candidate should submit a short cover letter outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm on 30 September 2025.

If applicable, please contact our HR Manager, Katherina Sage at ksage@hfa.ie if you require a job description in an accessible format. In addition, candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.

Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical.

The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

---