Accountancy Solutions: Discovering Talent

Financial Accountant, Public Sector, Louth

• Louth
• Contract
• Industry
• Reference: 24794YR

The Opportunity

Our client, a Public Sector Body based in Louth are currently looking to recruit  an experienced and professionally qualified Financial Accountant to join its Finance Office.

The Financial Accountant plays a key strategic role in supporting the organisations  objectives through robust financial management, governance, compliance and value-for-money assurance.

Reporting to the Finance Manager. The role will have responsibility for delivering high-quality financial accounting and reporting, supporting timely financial statements and audit processes, and maintaining robust controls and accounting practices in line with statutory, public-sector requirements.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professionally qualified accountant with significant financial accounting and reporting experience who is looking to play a key role in a complex and progressive organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare and analyse monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements in accordance with accounting standards and public-sector financial reporting requirements.
• Lead the financial accounting function, including monthly accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, capital accounting, devolved grants and associated reporting.
• Lead financial reconciliation processes and maintain the integrity of the general ledger.
• Oversee and complete balance sheet reconciliations and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
• Assist the Finance Manager with year-end accounting and preparation of financial statements for audit.
• Provide high-quality financial information and analysis to support operational, strategic and regulatory requirements.

Automation & Process Efficiency

• Work with the Systems Accountant in the design and implementation of automated end-to-end workflows across key finance processes, including procure-to-pay, record-to-report, asset tracking and financial registers.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manual processing and improve efficiency.
• Improve data accuracy and strengthen system-based financial controls.
• Embed process efficiencies while maintaining strong governance, transparency and auditability.

Compliance, Regulation & Governance

• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory, taxation and governance requirements relevant to public-sector
• Monitor developments in accounting standards and regulatory requirements and support their implementation.
• Support compliance with financial reporting requirements and public-sector financial procedures.
• Support the implementation of new accounting standards, compliance frameworks and governance requirements from a financial accounting and reporting perspective.
• Maintain appropriate system documentation, audit trails and financial controls.

Audit & Assurance

• Support the Finance Manager with internal and external audit engagements.
• Coordinate responses to queries from external auditors, the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) and internal audit.
• Support the development, documentation and implementation of effective internal financial controls.
• Assist with ensuring robust financial control environments across all accounting processes.
• Support the timely implementation of audit recommendations and control improvements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial procedures and governance arrangements.

Systems & Accounting Processes

• Support the configuration and operation of financial systems from a financial accounting perspective.
• Ensure accounting structures, including the chart of accounts, sub-accounts, attributes and balance tables, support statutory, regulatory and management reporting requirements.
• Work closely with the Systems Accountant to ensure accounting processes are aligned with system capabilities and controls.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, workflows and accounting processes.

Reporting, KPIs & Analytics

• Develop and maintain financial reporting templates within the finance system.
• Develop meaningful KPIs and financial analytics to support operational, strategic and regulatory reporting.
• Support the development of dashboards and reporting solutions to improve financial insight and decision-making.
• Analyse financial information and communicate key findings to relevant stakeholders.

Training & Professional Guidance

• Provide technical financial accounting guidance and training to Finance staff.
• Act as a subject matter expert on financial accounting, compliance and audit matters.
• Support knowledge sharing and the development of accounting best practice across the Institute.

Policies, Procedures & Controls

• Develop, maintain and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for financial system and accounting processes.
• Ensure procedures reflect best practice, system changes and evolving compliance requirements.
• Support internal control frameworks through robust process documentation.
• Ensure effective control environments are maintained across all areas of financial accounting.

Continuous Improvement & Project Management

• Keep abreast of developments in financial systems, ERP platforms, automation tools, analytics and public-sector financial management.
• Proactively identify opportunities for system, process and reporting improvements.
• Participate in Institute and sector-wide projects and initiatives as required.
• Apply project management knowledge and experience to support the successful delivery of finance projects and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Criteria

Candidates must demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role to a high standard.

Applicants must have:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Significant experience in financial accounting and financial reporting.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an excellent opportunity to join the Finance Office of a leading and progressive department  and play an important role in its financial governance, reporting and continuous improvement agenda.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Take a key role in financial accounting and reporting.
• Work closely with senior finance stakeholders.
• Contribute to finance transformation, automation and process improvement.
• Strengthen financial controls, governance and compliance.
• Develop financial reporting, KPIs and analytics.
• Provide technical expertise and professional guidance to the wider Finance team.
• Contribute to Institute-wide projects and strategic initiatives.

Working week - 35 hours

Annual Leave 29 days 

If you are interested in this role please e-mail your cv to Yvonne Rafter – contracts@accountancysolutions.ie