Financial Controller

Title: Financial Controller Department: Finance Tenure: Permanent Location: 121 St Stephens Green, hybrid working possible Reporting to: Director of Finance Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI): RCSI is a community of academic, research, clinical and professional staff working collaboratively to lead the world to better health. Here, you will thrive in an innovative and inclusive atmosphere, and your personal development and wellbeing will be supported. We invite you to join us to help deliver on our exciting mission "To educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health". We seek candidates whose experience to date has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to the "Race Equality Action Plan 2025-2029" at RCSI. Our students come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. This makes our university stronger and ensures we hire the best talent. For each of the last six years, RCSI has been positioned in the Top 300 of universities worldwide in the Times Higher World University Rankings. We are proud that RCSI ranks first in the world for "Good Health and Well-being" in the Times Higher Education #SDG #SDG Impact Rankings 2025. This reflects our commitment to supporting people of all ages to live healthy lives and our work to promote the concepts of well-being and positive health. Our values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship and Innovation continue to unite and direct our purpose. Innovating for a Healthier Future 2023-2027 is RCSI's new five-year strategic plan. Through it, RCSI will enhance human health by meeting the health workforce needs of society, creating the insights and inventions that drive health improvements, and working in partnership with patients and the public in support of better health and well-being for all. The strategy unites the RCSI community in supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals - with a particular focus on Goal 3, which targets good health and well-being. More details about RCSI can be ; in particular. At RCSI, our core values of Respect, Collaboration, Scholarship, and Innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every colleague is valued and empowered to thrive. Our dedication to these values ensures that we foster a culture of mutual respect, open collaboration, continuous learning, and innovative thinking. Join us at RCSI, where your contributions will be recognised, and you will be part of a dynamic team making a real impact on global health. The Finance Department The Finance Team has responsibility for the financial management of the organisation which comprises activities to support 3 pillars Education, Research & Service to society, underpinned key enablers including its people and finance/governance, in line with its values. The role of the Finance team is to be a key enabler in the organisation, delivering on its strategic ambitions while ensuring robust financial management and control. RCSI operates as a not-for-profit institution, regulated by Charities legislation in a multi-company and currency environment. The finance team comprises 29 staff in Ireland and 9 in Bahrain. The role This role has a very clear strategic focus and is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic finance professional to be a key member of the Finance Management team, of a growing organisation in the health sciences sector. The primary role is to ensure disciplined financial stewardship of an international organisation, ensuring structures, processes and procedures are in place to manage the day-to-day operation of the financial governance, reporting, operations and compliance matters for the organization. The role will include managing a wide range of finance and accounting related operations, with responsibility for group financial reporting including statutory and management accounting and compliance matters over a multi-campus structure. The individual will be expected to provide insightful and practical decision-making support to the Senior Management Team, be a solution-focused team player, with strong analytical numerical and communication skills. The ideal candidate will also have the ability to work well to tight deadlines, prioritise key deliverables, provide "translational finance" in report writing and to add value by driving change and efficiencies through leading role on projects, team development, all in line with RCSI values. Responsibilities of the role The role responsibilities are considered under the following key areas Financial Management & Reporting Governance & Compliance Strategic Projects & Continual Improvement Leadership & Team Management Other FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & REPORTING Financial reporting Preparation of group financial reporting (management, statutory and regulatory) for internal and external stakeholder analysis, under appropriate accounting and regulatory requirements including delivery of unqualified audit opinions Oversight of annual valuation process including property, pension and currency, ensuring alignment with the strategic financial planning team Ensure effective business insights ("translational finance") in terms of presentation and publications, leading the analysis and interpretation of financial and business data, to ensure accuracy, commerciality and appropriate metrics including Key Performance Indicators (KPI's). Financial Management Ensure effective internal control systems are in place to address including addressing cyber threats, cost management including capital, billing and collection processes, cash/treasury, procurement, research and regulation requirements, working "hand in glove" with the relevant financial operations teams. Ensure regular review of policies & procedures and process flows, in line with the cycle of Internal Audit Reviews cross campus. Ensure effective cost management including assessment of strategic investment under the Impact Planning Group in line with the organisational strategy and UN Principles for responsible investing (ESG) and accounting requirements Ensure effective management and engagement with key stakeholders to source data, agree information requirements and co-ordinate communications as required, including under the Business Review process GOVERNANCE & COMPLIANCE Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including company secretarial, charity, taxation, covenants, pension (defined benefit & defined contribution) schemes and the organisations Compliance Obligations Register" working closely with RCSI Legal Counsel in determining Risk Oversee the group internal and external audits and other Control Assurance reviews as they arise (e.g. Research Audits) Proactively manage group taxation compliance requirements from establishment to business-as-usual process, across the global campus, working with the Head of Strategic Financial Planning. Oversee Annual External Reviews including PAYE/PRSI, Withholding taxes, VAT etc. to ensure processes are appropriate to meet evolving tax law, working closely with Head of Financial Operations STRATEGIC PROJECTS & CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT Lead and contribute to a variety of strategic projects and initiatives as required, including IT systems, process improvements, KPI reporting and general cost and revenue management Proactively contribute to a continual improvement mindset, developing and implementing actions to raise standards and improve operational effectiveness through process, technology and/or people capabilities, including the Quality Enhancement Plan 2025 LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT Empower direct reports to "own" their area of responsibility, under a culture of collaboration to ensure a high performing motivated team. Ensure that the team achieve their own personal and professional development goals under the RCSI Performance Development System (PDP). OTHER Assist in the management of key governance Committees including Finance Committee and Audit & Risk Committee Management of all day-to-day finance related activities throughout the Group Manage the external and internal auditor relationships Ensure the finance team obtain appropriate technical and other support Manage Group day-to-day treasury related matters Oversee accounting / reporting systems and optimisation of use of such systems Support on ad hoc finance related initiatives and projects as they arise Undertaking overseas assignments as may be required from time to time Undergoing programmes of training and development as may be required from time to time Experience required ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant big 4 trained with post qualification experience in a multi-national environment Strong knowledge of accounting regulation and processes regarding income statement, balance sheet and cash flow impact for business decisions, with ability to perform capital planning analysis Strong leadership skills with experience working in a large organisation and team management Strong financial management and control skills, with an ability to translate key messages succinctly ("translational finance") Proven track record of change management Highly organized and proven track record in in a fast-paced environment Excellent oral and written skills with ability to present confidently and competently regularly to senior executive and at board level Proven ability to mentor and develop talent in the team and build capacity and forward plan to ensure a balanced workload Proficiency in Microsoft Office; intermediate/advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint Ability to use AI assisted tools to enhance efficiency and decision-making. Competencies Required Strategic Focus - An ability to contribute added-value and strategic direction, with a collaborative approach to obtaining results. This will include the ability to make decisions and meet deadlines, to work on one's own initiative as well as in a team environment with strong leadership capabilities. A strong presence with an ability to command respect and credibility, both technically and personally will be required. The individual should be results-driven & solution-oriented with the ability to prioritise workload, manage up, across and down the College as well as managing time effectively. The individual should be capable of applying creative thinking and sound reasoning in problem solving. Leadership & Team Management - Strong evidence of leadership and people management skills including the ability to motivate others, effectively balancing performance delivery with a supportive and nurturing developmental environment. Be a team player with the ability to work effectively within a team environment and on own initiative with staff management experience and operation of performance appraisal system Motivation & Organisation - Highly motivated and dynamic-ability individual to work to deadlines and achieve targets ("finisher" qualities). Have a proven track record and keen interest in continual improvement and change management/processes with the vision, drive and initiative to promote and lead change in a progressive and dynamic environment. Exceptional organisational skills and ability to prioritise work with competing demands. Communication - Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence, be articulate & professional in their approach including strong written communication skills with proven track record of drafting Reports/Briefing Documents, with an ability to bring issues to a conclusion, reporting key insights in a format that is easily translated and understood by non-financial audience ("translational finance") Continuous Personal Development - Strong commitment to continuous personal development We are all too aware that imposter syndrome and the confidence gap can sometimes stop fantastic candidates putting themselves forward, so please do submit an application - we'd love to hear from you. Application Process Please apply online through the RCSI careers portal on the closing date with your CV and cover letter. Informal Enquiries: Informal enquiries are invited in the first instance through Rebecca O'Brien, Human Resources Department (email: ). All applications for this post must be made through the career's webpage Rebecca can arrange for relevant queries on the academic aspects of the role to be addressed by the hiring manager. Please note we do not accept CVs directly. Garda vetting and occupational health review may be required for this role, depending on the nature of the duties and responsibilities. Further information will be provided during the recruitment process. Eligibility to Work in Ireland Please note that we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have unrestricted right to work in Ireland. Employee Benefits At RCSI, we help care for our people so they can focus on our mission to Educate, nurture and discover for the benefit of human health. RCSI truly goes above and beyond to support its employees, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive both personally and professionally. Here's a glimpse of the fantastic benefit available: Health and Wellbeing: Our Inspire Programme promotes the importance of taking care of both our general health and mental health. Inspire manages the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offered through SpectrumLife. Past events held by Inspire have included, workshops on mindfulness practices, yoga, nutritional advice, financial advice on mortgages, pensions & health insurance from leading experts, fitness challenges, baking competitions, weight loss programmes, annual flu vaccination campaign and many more. You can also enjoy access to an onsite gym for just €10 per month. Work -Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for fostering employee well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. At RCSI, we offer flexible working arrangements, study leave, and career breaks. In addition to 20 days of annual leave, employees receive an extra 6.5 days of university privilege days, which occur annually around the Christmas and Easter breaks. Family Benefits: RCSI offers enhanced family leave to our working parents with fully paid Maternity, Adoptive, Paternity and Surrogacy Leave. We also offer the first two weeks of Parents leave fully paid for, as well as the option to take Parental Leave until your child is 18 years old. We provide access to Platform 55, a new Parents Platform to support staff before, during, and after becoming a parent. We also offer flexible working, discounted Giraffe crche services of up to 20% and a Parents and Carers' Network. Financial Security: Benefit from automatic enrolment in a pension scheme with Willis Towers Watson with the employer contributions increasing with your length of service, Death in Service of up to 4 times your salary, long-term illness and disability income replacement, and free advice on health, motor, and home insurance. Discounted Services: Avail of discounted GP services, Taxsaver commuter tickets, the BiketoWork scheme, free eye tests at the National Optometry Centre, and discounted parking at St. Stephen's Green/RCSI car park. Recognition: At RCSI, we value and recognise the contributions of our staff through various awards and events, such as Long Service recognition, the Vice Chancellor Staff Awards, and through Research Day. Professional Growth: RCSI's Staff Learning and Development is committed to providing colleagues with opportunities and support to help them reach their full potential and thrive at work. Offerings include a comprehensive programme of staff training, management and leadership development, mentoring, coaching and funding support for further study. Staff Networks: Additionally, we support a range of staff networks, including the Women's Network, Postdoctoral Staff Network, Parents & Carers' Network, Project Manager's Network, LGBTI+ Network, Age Friendly Network etc. These networks help RCSI to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. Sports and Social Club: Engage in a variety of activities such as Yoga, Pilates and a variety of different Fitness classes. Enjoy social evenings, Book Clubs, Summer BBQs and one-off events like the Taste of Dublin, Bloom, Dublin Horse Show and Dublin Zoo. We also have a variety of discount tickets for shows and events through the year. Note: This job description may be subject to change to reflect the evolving requirements of the Department and RCSI. Similar vacancies that arise in the next 6 months may be filled from the pool of applicants that apply for this position. RCSI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or race. RCSI is committed to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across everything we do. This ensures we can all work and learn in an environment defined by dignity and respect. Eligibility to work in Ireland is a requirement of this role, Proof of eligibility documentation will be required at a later date. Under limited and specific circumstances (research/ specialist roles) RCSI may be in a position to seek a hosting agreement and/or work permits. Employees are required to undertake 6 months service in their current role before applying for other internal opportunities, unless agreed in advance by the SMT representative