Qualified Accountant

The Finance & Governance team, consisting of 8 people, are located in the Corporate Services Division (CSD).  This unit develops and implements corporate affairs and communications strategies designed to enhance organisational effectiveness. CSD provides key support to all Divisions across ComReg in the areas of Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Public Relations, and Facilities Management.

Our Finance & Governance team have a wide variety of functions including;

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable
• Payroll
• Financial & Management Reporting
• Financial Controls
• Procurement
• Audit
• Budgeting
• Governance

Role Overview

Reporting to and supporting the Finance & Governance Manager, the primary role of the Qualified Accountant, is to play a lead role in the preparation of all Financial and Management reporting requirements within the required timelines, ensuring compliance with the organisations financial policies & procedures and managing the external audit process.

This role in ComReg typically involves contact with a very wide number of stakeholders.  The role holder will require an ability to act on his/ her own initiative, to take accountability for the highest of reporting standards and to stand over the ComReg’s assertions in its ‘Statement of Internal Financial control’ with appropriate evidence. A commitment to financial reporting excellence is required.

The structure of the role from day to day can vary in accordance with reporting deadlines – work-life flexibility will be required at key reporting times.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounts

• Preparation of Draft Financial Statements including:
• Governance Statement with appropriate disclosures
• Statement on Internal Control
• Statement of Income & Expenditure
• Statement of Comprehensive Income
• Statement of Financial Position
• Statement of Cash Flows
• Notes to the Financial Statements

Management Accounts

• Preparation of monthly Management Accounts within 6 working days of Month End
• Preparations of all reconciliations and review of control accounts
• Preparation of dashboard reports and commentary on Management Accounts

Financial Controls / Polices & Procedures

• Manage the maintenance of Finance Policies and Procedure Documentation
• Undertake quarterly review of selected financial controls to ensure compliance to ensure that compliance to very high standards is maintained on an on-going basis. Ensure controls assigned to this role are operated efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure best practice requirements are captured as part of controls
• Assess the adequacy of the control environment in order to ensure adequate evidence to support the integrity of the financial statements is available. Where weaknesses are identified, propose remediation to close gaps
• Update controls, when necessary, following agreed audit recommendations
• Provide KPI reports on compliance with controls
• Contribute to the success of the team by supporting all team members in order to meet the collective team goals. Review work prepared by other team members as required by either the control environment or other factors.

Treasury Management

• Provide KPI reports on compliance with controls
• Daily monitoring of cash balances to ensure sufficient working capital in place
• Prepare monthly cashflow forecasts
• Liaise with NTMA regarding Treasury Notes
• Manage Transfers to and from the NTMA

Capital Expenditure and Management of Assets

• Update controls, when necessary, following agreed audit recommendations
• Manage the Capital Expenditure Process
• Ensure Capital Expenditure Business Cases are prepared in accordance with CapEx policy
• Ensure Fixed Asset Register is kept up to date on Monthly basis
• Ensure Fixed Asset inventories are updated on monthly basis
• Ensure correct Depreciation charged to I&E each month
• Ensure assets are disposed of in accordance with policies

External Audit

• Ensure Fixed Asset inventories are updated on monthly basis
• Manage the pre audit preparatory process to ensure all relevant information is available for the commencement of the audit
• Manage the Audit process upon commencement and ensure it is completed within agreed timelines
• Chair review meeting
• Liaise with auditors regarding Audit findings
• Update Finance & Governance Manager at all stages
• Follow up on audit recommendations to ensure they are completed

Qualifications and Experience

In order to be considered for this role your CV must reflect the following criteria;

Essential

• Qualified Accountant – ACCA, ACA or CIMA
• Recent experience preparing the Financial Statements of a public sector body with a Turnover of €50M+
• Recent experience managing the external audit process of a public sector body

Desirable

• 5 years Post qualification experience
• Knowledge of the Code of Practice for the Governance of State bodies
• Excellent report writing and analytical skills
• Proactive attitude and experience in developing, designing and implementing change initiatives within an organisation

Core Competencies & Skills for the Role

In addition to your technical qualifications and experience, you will bring professional competencies and skills in the following core areas:

Analytical & Critical Thinking – Objectively analyses and evaluates information in order to identify patterns between situations that are not obviously related. Develops and clearly articulates solutions to complex problems.

Communication and Influencing: Communicates clearly, confidently and respectfully. Engages, persuades and convinces others to follow a particular course of action.  Ensures all relevant parties are appropriately updated and notified.

Planning & Organising: Establishes and monitors priorities, systematically differentiating between urgent, important and unimportant. Manages activities to deliver results. Meets objectives within predetermined time frames.

Teamwork – Promotes and enhances team performance through working collaboratively and in cooperation with others to achieve goals. Interacts in a manner that builds respect and fosters trust.

Technical Knowledge: Possesses a command over the technical and professional skills for a particular discipline. Keeps an open mind. Demonstrates commitment to continuous improvement.

If you meet the criteria and are interested in applying, we would love to hear from you.