Job Description
Reporting to the Head of Corporate Services the Head of Finance will lead and manage the finance functionwithin the Office of Public Works.The Head of Finance will be required to make a significant contribution to the strategic management of thefinance function as well as provide a high level of independence and objectivity. This is an opportunity foran experienced finance professional to fully utilise their professional, technical and management skills in anenvironment that promotes a high performance culture. The position will be located in Kilkenny with arequirement to attend the OPW’s other main offices in Trim and Dublin.Key Functional ResponsibilitiesThe Head of Finance will: Be responsible for preparing the annual Estimates submission and corresponding budget setting forthe OPW; Oversee the management of the annual budget to optimise the OPW’s financial performance andensure that the financial resources allocated to the organisation are managed in accordance withGovernment Financial Procedures and Guidelines and in accordance with recognised accountingstandards; Have the capacity to lead and manage the Financial Services Teams in the OPW effectively. The rolehas 4 direct reports with an overall team of 40; Ensure that an appropriate assurance framework for the OPW is in place with an adequate system ofinternal financial control; Ensure that statutory and other requirements regarding the preparation of the AppropriationAccount are adhered to;Page 5 of 21 Ensure compliance with public financial procedures, the Public Spending Code and other accounting,and reporting requirements; Ensure that control and performance measures are in place to deliver high value services and valuefor money; Support the Accounting Officer in their role and in appearances before the Oireachtas PublicAccounts Committee; Support the Minister at appearances before the Select Committee on the annual Estimates; Provide expert advice across the OPW on financial management and audit issues; Liaise with the internal audit function, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Governance and Riskunit; Be the key point of contact between the OPW and the Office of Comptroller and Auditor General andfor ongoing engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform onthe management of the OPW’s Vote, statutory funds and the annual Estimates campaign; Be responsible for the management of the accounting system including a large payroll system forover 1300 operational staff; Contribute to the overall leadership and strategic direction of the OPW through active participationin the senior leadership team, including representing Finance Unit on high level work groups such asthe Capital Review Committee and the Project Oversight Group.Applicants should note that the above is a general guide to the role and is not an exhaustive description ofthe duties of Head of Finance in the OPW. Applicants should also note that additional duties, appropriate tothe role, may be assigned by the Chairman.Requirements for the RoleEssentialCandidates must have:1. Full membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised by the Irish Auditing and AccountingSupervisory Authority (IAASA);2. At least 10 years relevant post qualification accountancy or audit experience including managementaccounting or financial services or fund management;3. A career record that demonstrates the necessary senior level leadership and management skills tomanage, develop and motivate multidisciplinary teams with a strong record of achievement of results;4. Strong relationship management, interpersonal and communication skills with the capacity to work inclose consultation with a wide range of stakeholders and committees to secure cooperation and consensus;5. Strong analytical skills and a capacity to innovate in the interest of delivery of cost effective services, withan excellent customer focus;6. The ability to lead, foster and effectively implement transformation initiatives;Page 6 of 217. An ability to work effectively under pressure, manage a number of programmes and projects at any onetime and think laterally across a wide range of issues;8. An understanding of procurement, information technology, financial management and governance andaccountability;9. High levels of honesty and integrity and a focus on operating in an impartial and transparent manner inleading the Finance function in the OPW.It would be desirable for candidates for this position to also have:Extensive experience in leading, developing and implementing financial strategies that could be applied tosupport the implementation of the OPW’s strategic objectives.In addition to the above, candidates must also be able to demonstrate the Key Competenciesidentified for effective performance in the role of Head of Finance (Principal Officer, Standard scale)in the OPW. (See Appendix 1 for further details) #J-18808-Ljbffr