The Head of Finance Operations will report to the Chief Financial Officer. The purpose, key responsibilities, qualifications, skills and experience, and competencies required are as follows:

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (required).
• Professional accounting qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA (required).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Evidence of over 10 - 15 years post qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a finance leadership role in either a commercial body or commercial semi state body.
• Proven record of managing Finance Shared Services would be an advantage.
• Record of leading systems improvements and finance transformations, with proven change management experience.
• Strong systems skills and experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Sun, Microsoft dynamics, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Strong leadership, people management, and mentoring skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with the capacity to influence, negotiate and drive performance at a senior level.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Results driven.
• Prior experience in ESG Reporting Standards is desirable.
• An interest in horse racing while an advantage, is not essential.

JOB PURPOSE

To lead and oversee the finance operations function, ensuring the effective delivery of financial processing, reporting, compliance, and internal controls. The Head of Finance Operations will drive process improvements, systems optimisation, and team leadership to support the financial integrity and performance of the business.
The finance operations function provides services to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), HRI subsidiaries including Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Tote Ireland, HRI Racecourses -Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary, and shared services to Curragh Racecourse and Cork (Mallow) Racecourse.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive finance leader to step into a broad impactful role within a growth focussed environment.
This is a full-time permanent role based in Ballymany, Newbridge, Co. Kildare with an option to work hybrid - minimum 3 days a week in the office.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and manage core finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll & pensions, accounts receivable, client accounts, banking, taxation, general ledger, and systems administration.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial processing and month-end/year-end close.
• Oversee banking, weekly cash flow forecasting, ensuring adherence to agreed bank facility limits.
• Maintain and improve internal control systems to ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and manage compliance with financial and tax regulations and statutory obligations.
• Maintain and manage strong relationships with banks, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
• Drive efficiency and automation in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
• Lead financial process improvement and transformation initiatives to strengthen financial controls, streamline reporting, optimise financial processes and systems for efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with finance directorate teams including FP&A, Company Secretarial (including Audit & Risk), and Procurement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for financial operational performance.