Head of Function - Finance

at  CENTRAL BANK

THE CENTRAL BANK OF IRELAND SERVES THE PUBLIC INTEREST BY SAFEGUARDING MONETARY AND FINANCIAL STABILITY AND BY WORKING TO ENSURE THAT THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM OPERATES IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF CONSUMERS AND THE WIDER ECONOMY.

We currently have a vacancy for a Head of Function – Finance Centre of Excellence on a contract of indefinite duration in the Financial Control Division. This role is aligned with the Head of Function grade and the HoF salary scale, between €137,836 and €152,973 applies. Please click here for further information on our salary scales.
The purpose of the role is to oversee the management accounting, taxation and business support (e.g. billing & collections, accounts payable and systems) areas to ensure coordinated, integrated and strategic financial management of the organisation. Lead the development of an efficient customer focused team in the delivery of these services from the Division in a well-controlled and risk managed manner, providing a professional service to all stakeholders. Lead a systems and change agenda across the Division focusing on the review of processes and procedures to ensure that all are efficient and fit for purpose. Support and deputise for the Head of Division – Financial Control as required at senior committee and other fora.

Responsibilities:

• Develop the function’s strategy and contribute to the development of the overall strategy for the Division and the Directorate to ensure the objectives and strategic outcomes for the Division, Directorate, and the Central Bank as a whole, can be realised.
• Provide leadership and development of the team through effective direction, delegation, performance management and coaching to ensure all staff members can achieve the required performance standards and meet their own job enrichment/development objectives.
• Oversee and manage the operations of the functional area, i.e. the accounting, particularly management accounting, and business support (e.g. billing & collections, accounts payable, tax compliance and systems) activities; and support the business with appropriate financial support, to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the Central Bank’s finances.
• Deliver a systems and change program in accordance with the Divisional Strategy to ensure coordinated, integrated and strategic financial management of the organisation
• Empower direct reports to “own their areas” and foster a culture of collaboration to ensure a high performing, well-motivated team that is able to manage peaks and troughs of activity. Support and coach direct reports to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, committees and projects teams to empower them to represent the finance agenda in the wider organisation and Eurosystem.
• Deputise for the Head of Division – Financial Control in representing the Division and the Central Bank at Committee level in the ECB and wider international fora on policy and commercial matters to ensure that the Central Bank’s interests are reflected – as required. Actively participate in the governance structure of the Bank and relevant external committees and fora to ensure effective representation of the Central Bank’s interests.
• Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with relevant functions in the Central Bank for the long-term benefit of the Central Bank. Manage engagements with external stakeholders as required so key relationships are maintained and organisational objectives are achieved.
• Develop and drive the implementation of finance transformation and process development initiatives and achieve efficiency and quality enhancements through the development and implementation of improved processes, customer service and automation –working with our external suppliers as required.

Requirements:

• A professional Accounting qualification.
• Membership of the professional body, Chartered Accountants Ireland (CAI), the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), is an indispensable condition of the tenure of the employment
• Significant experience in a leadership role, including strong experience of managing a team of professionals.in a professional and busy finance function. ERP system implementation and finance transformation experience an advantage.
• Deep understanding/ experience of the relevant sector and the practical operations within the area and industry
• Strong analytical, problem solving, decision making, planning and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to critically assess complex/ once off issues and problems with the ability to distil significant volumes of information, identifying solutions for root causes of issues.
• Strong knowledge of the relevant regulatory and legal frameworks
• Subject Matter Expertise is required in the relevant areas
• A working knowledge of the area
• A proven track record in delivering results, services, change and cost reductions in a complex environment.
• Strong project management skills and proven ability to manage and balance a diverse portfolio of activity.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in particular the ability to relate to senior management and staff.
• Excellent capability in managing and delivering difficult/ contentious issues with others, including having an ability to challenge senior management on subjective issues.
• Strong people management, coaching and leadership skills including the ability to manage through people in multiple teams.
• Acting professionally, ethically and with integrity including being an exemplar for Bank’s behaviours and values.
• Well-developed strategic thinking, ensuring a fully informed, holistic approach is taken
• Strong leadership qualities and the ability to establish and communicate a clear vision and sense of purpose

We know it’s our people who make the Central Bank special and we are focused on creating a diverse, inclusive, fulfilling and progressive work environment. We encourage applications from candidates with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives as it strengthens us, as individuals and as an organisation. We are committed to positively supporting candidates with disabilities. If we can make any reasonable accommodations for you in the recruitment process in order to give you the opportunity to perform to your best, please email our Disability Inclusion Partner, Rebecca Daly at Rebecca.daly@centralbank.ie or 01 224 6711. Any information that you provide will be used only for the purposes of providing relevant support and will have no bearing on how your application will be viewed.
We have recently implemented a hybrid working model to balance the flexibility working from home provides with the value our office environments bring to support collaboration and connection with colleagues. Our approach to hybrid working enables colleagues to work from home up to 50% of working days, building on an existing broad range of flexible working policies and practices already in place to support our people achieve the right balance.
Our policies also provide insight into our organisational culture, work environment and working arrangements. Here are some of the key policies (subject to ongoing review and amendment) which may be of interest as you consider a career with us.

• Develop the function’s strategy and contribute to the development of the overall strategy for the Division and the Directorate to ensure the objectives and strategic outcomes for the Division, Directorate, and the Central Bank as a whole, can be realised.
• Provide leadership and development of the team through effective direction, delegation, performance management and coaching to ensure all staff members can achieve the required performance standards and meet their own job enrichment/development objectives.
• Oversee and manage the operations of the functional area, i.e. the accounting, particularly management accounting, and business support (e.g. billing & collections, accounts payable, tax compliance and systems) activities; and support the business with appropriate financial support, to safeguard the integrity and reputation of the Central Bank’s finances.
• Deliver a systems and change program in accordance with the Divisional Strategy to ensure coordinated, integrated and strategic financial management of the organisation
• Empower direct reports to “own their areas” and foster a culture of collaboration to ensure a high performing, well-motivated team that is able to manage peaks and troughs of activity. Support and coach direct reports to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, committees and projects teams to empower them to represent the finance agenda in the wider organisation and Eurosystem.
• Deputise for the Head of Division – Financial Control in representing the Division and the Central Bank at Committee level in the ECB and wider international fora on policy and commercial matters to ensure that the Central Bank’s interests are reflected – as required. Actively participate in the governance structure of the Bank and relevant external committees and fora to ensure effective representation of the Central Bank’s interests.
• Develop and maintain productive and collaborative relationships with relevant functions in the Central Bank for the long-term benefit of the Central Bank. Manage engagements with external stakeholders as required so key relationships are maintained and organisational objectives are achieved.
• Develop and drive the implementation of finance transformation and process development initiatives and achieve efficiency and quality enhancements through the development and implementation of improved processes, customer service and automation –working with our external suppliers as required