Assistant Executive Manager Finance (Grade 11 Accountant)

Job Specification

The successful candidate will support budget monitoring, financial
reporting, reconciliations, forecasting, audit preparation, and provide
appropriate financial advice to business units.

The successful candidate will also deputise for the Executive Manager,
Finance.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Reporting and Audit

• Preparation of the
annual statutory financial statements in accordance with FRS 102, the financial
reporting standard applicable in the UK and Ireland issued by the Financial
Reporting Council (FRC).

• Preparation for the
annual audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and dealing with
any issues arising.

• Providing expert
advice across the unit on audit and financial management issues.

• Lead Liaison with
the internal and external auditors.

Budgeting and Management Reporting

• Coordination of the
annual budget process.

• Preparation of
expenditure monitoring reports against budget and profile.

• Where appropriate,
liaising with and seeking sanction from DAFM in respect of financial matters.

• Provision of timely
financial management reports.

• Provision of
accurate and timely responses to financial queries from other units.

• Manage completion of
Finance related Information Access Requests, including, Parliamentary
Questions, Freedom of Information requests and Access to Information on the
Environment requests.

Financial Management

• Oversee the
operation of financial functions within the Finance unit.

• Maintaining and
enhancing the financial control environment, ensuring the accounting system,
procedures and processes are in compliance with public financial procedures,
best practice, and generally accepted accounting standards and principles.

• Leading the
completion of monthly management accounts and related reconciliations.

• Oversight of the
organisation’s Fixed Asset Register.

• Ensuring compliance
with taxation obligations.

• Support the
preparation of the annual Business Plan for the unit.

Financial Management System

• Ongoing development
and improvement of the financial management systems, including reporting tools.

• Utilising
professional accounting knowledge for Finance unit systems implementation,
upgrades and enhancements.

• Provision of
guidance and advice to staff on use of financial reporting tools.

General Duties

• Taking initiative
and responsibility for delivering output on time and to a high standard

• Planning and
prioritising work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource
constraints and re- prioritising in light of changing circumstances.

• Displaying
flexibility and adaptability in the performance and development of the role.

• Managing and
supervising a team including performance management.

• Leading and
maximising the contribution of the team as a whole.

• Clearly defining
objectives and goals and delegating effectively.

• Encouraging
ownership and responsibility for tasks.

• Ensuring quality and
efficient customer service is central to the work of the unit.

• Critically assess
issues, embed a culture of continuous improvement and deliver efficiencies for
the unit and organisation.

• Presenting
financial/management accounting information in a thoughtful manner, clearly
documenting supporting assertions.

• Encouraging open and
constructive discussions around work issues.

• Working on projects
across business units.

• Engaging effectively
with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

• Develop, maintain,
and apply working knowledge of public sector areas including procurement,
payroll and pensions.

• Deputise for the
Executive Manager Finance when the need arises.

Essential Requirements:

Candidates
must meet the following essential requirements prior to the closing date of the
competition:

• Have full membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised
by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA)

• Minimum of 5 years relevant post qualification accountancy/audit
experience including financial accounting and/or management accounting,
financial services, fund management or the regulatory environment

• A high degree of analytical, conceptual and problem-solving
skills in financial and business management

• A good understanding of public sector accounting and financial
management systems

•
Experience of managing and supervising a team including performance management

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate the
capabilities required for effective performance at this level.

•    
The
capability framework for the grade is accessible on our website here.

The following are considered desirable requirements:

• Practical experience operating
within a public sector, civil service, or highly regulated environment,
including familiarity with public spending codes and statutory reporting
guidelines.

• Proven experience preparing
for or directly managing interactions with state audit bodies (such as the
Comptroller and Auditor General), internal audit committees, or external
regulators.

• Prior experience supervising,
mentoring, or coaching staff.

• A track record of identifying
operational inefficiencies and successfully implementing automated workflows or
system-driven process improvements.

• Basic
User competence in the Irish language would be desirable.

Note:  This job
description should be regarded as an outline of the major areas of
accountability at Grade II Accountant grade at the present time and will be
reviewed and assessed on an ongoing basis. The duties and responsibilities may
change as the role evolves.

Job Revision:

This job description is subject to periodic revision
following discussion with the post-holder in order to meet future developments
of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority. It may include any other duties and
responsibilities as determined by the Authority.