Job Description
The role: The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the operating and reporting section of the finance team in a multi-company environment. Leadership and team development are key skills that the successful candidate will possess. They will work closely with the Treasury Management and Financial Reporting Lead, both in terms of managing the finance team and reporting. Location: Hybrid working, with office and national site attendance required. Reporting to: Director of Finance. Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period. Salary Range: To be determined depending on experience. Hours: 37.5 hours per week over 5 days. Leave: 26 days. Pension: Available on completion of probation. Travel: A valid driving license and the use of a car for business purposes. Expenses policy applicable. Head Office: Phoenix House, Castle Street, Dublin 2. The Organisation: Circle Voluntary Housing Association was set up in 2003 and is a leading provider of social housing in Ireland. Our vision is to make a real difference by delivering quality homes and innovative integrated housing solutions to individuals and families in Ireland. We are passionate about our people and the delivery of a tenant-first service. Our team members are the secret element of our success. Their experiences, competencies, values, knowledge, and perspectives are greatly valued and have significantly contributed to Circle delivering over 2,500 homes. They deliver services to over 5,000 people and help create thriving communities. We are dedicated to finding the right people who embrace our purpose, vision, and values. In return, we will support you to learn, grow, and excel in an exciting, flourishing, diverse organisation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment, which values every person who works with us and all of those who live in our homes and communities. Reflecting the growing diversity of the communities in which we work, we welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and any background traditionally marginalised in society. Key Responsibilities: Assisting the Finance Director in ensuring that the day-to-day financial operations of Circle VHA are completed in an accurate and timely fashion. Assisting the Finance Director in meeting financial and regulatory requirements. Ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of management information such as monthly management accounts, including commentary on results and variance analysis. Supporting the Finance Director in the business and corporate objectives of the organisation and ensuring adherence to all statutory, audit, corporate governance, and regulatory requirements. Key member of the management team. General Accounting: Responsible for the accurate and timely production of management accounts for Circle VHA and overseeing Managed Owners Management Companies. Overseeing all accounting operations including accounts receivable, accounts payable, general ledger multi-company environment. Managing all tax compliance returns for Circle VHA, including VAT/RCT, PAYE/PRSI returns, and others as prescribed by the Finance Director. Overseeing the financial operation of rent accounting for Circle VHA. Ensuring accuracy and integrity of accounting records for Circle VHA and Managed Owners Management Companies. Coordinating annual internal and external audits of Circle VHA and Managed Owners Management Companies (OMCs). Team/People Management: Support and supervise Finance Team members within remit. Organise and provide induction training for new staff. Assess the training needs of the team and, in conjunction with the Director of Finance, prepare annual individual training plans in consultation with HR. Lead regular team meetings, ensuring liaison with other teams, departments, and agencies where necessary. Ensure all staff carry out their functions accurately and on time, while communicating effectively. Authorise annual leave for staff within the teams and initiate training as required. Supervise, manage, coach, and nurture a high-performing finance team. Other Responsibilities: Conduct variance analysis and undertake analytical review of KPIs. Manage Circle VHAs fixed asset register, including housing stock, in collaboration with the Treasury Management and Financial Reporting Lead. Assist the Finance Director in producing reports for various committees and the Board as required. Ensure all finance procedures align with strategic policy. Undertake regulatory compliance work as required. Manage and maintain all procedure and process documents for the relevant sections of the finance team. Contribute to policy formulation as required. Participate in forums, working groups, and committees as required. Assist the Finance Director with additional reporting/projects as needed. Enhance the efficiencies of the IT system. Key Competencies: Excellent time management skills. IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Communication skills. Brand integrity. Person Specification: Candidates will be shortlisted based on illustrating in their application that they fulfil the following criteria. Examples that demonstrate the ability to fulfil the criteria should be included, along with the competencies below. This job description is not restrictive and will be subject to periodic review. Education and Work Experience: Essential: Qualified Accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years PQE. Direct experience preparing Management Accounts. Previous experience leading and managing a team. Extensive experience using accounting software. Previous experience undertaking financial modelling. Experience with regulatory compliance matters. Experience leading and managing a team. Key Knowledge and Skills: Essential: Knowledge of Financial Standards, Companies Legislation, and the Regulatory environment in which Circle VHA operates. Advanced Microsoft Office suite (particularly Excel). High level of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to balance multiple work demands. Ability to work to tight deadlines. Able to form and maintain good working relationships at all levels, internally and externally. Excellent communication skills verbal and written. Flexibility and adaptability. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Ability to prioritise. Excellent organisational skills. High level of written English, including the ability to write and present reports. High level of numeracy. Proficient use of common IT packages, including Microsoft Word and Excel. Ability to resolve, anticipate, and prevent problems. Employee Benefits: 26 days of annual leave. Increased annual leave entitlement with length of service. Paid sick leave. Annual salary increments. Company pension scheme. Hybrid working options. Death in Service Benefit. Personal milestone gifts. Further education assistance. Employee Assistance Programme. Paid maternity leave. Paid adoption leave. Paid paternity leave. Early miscarriage leave. Fertility leave. Additional parental leave payment. Tax Saver commuter tickets. Bike to Work scheme. (Some benefits subject to T&Cs)