Head of Finance and Governance - Ireland

The role holder is a key member of Christian Aid Ireland’s leadership team, participating in the development of Christian Aid Ireland’s vision, mission and strategic direction, with particular emphasis on financial planning, financial stewardship and financial control, and enhancing organisation-wide performance.

The role holder will lead the finance function of Christian Aid Ireland, providing a wide range of support, financial analysis and information to Christian Aid Ireland management, the Board and its sub-committees.

This will include support and guidance to the Board and relevant sub-committees as requested in relation to the governance arrangements of Christian Aid Ireland.  In addition, he/she will advise and support the Leadership Team in setting policies and procedures for compliance with legal and Charity Commission requirements.

He/she will develop a risk management framework and support the leadership team, Finance and Audit Committee and Board in the performance of their governance duties in relation to risk management and internal control. 

He/she will support the wider organisation in developing/maintaining appropriate control frameworks, and will support the organisation in dealing with misuse of funds as they arise. 

The post holder will manage and develop the Finance team and its staff, so that there are clear lines of responsibility and authority and the team is able to contribute to the overall strategic priorities of Christian Aid Ireland.

He/she will represent Christian Aid Ireland professionally with Irish Aid and other donors, as well as in forums such as Dóchas.

The role is a full-time role with no option for part-time working arrangements. It is based in Belfast but oversees the finance function of Ireland North and South. Travel includes up to 20 days working away from the Belfast office within the UK and Ireland, and up to 5 days’ overseas travel.

The following is essential:

• Member of a recognised professional accounting body, with a minimum of three years’ post qualification experience, demonstrating skills at a senior level in an organisation.

• Experience of managing and motivating colleagues within a Finance team.

• Experience of statutory reporting, preferably in the not for profit sector.

• Experience of strategic planning, budgeting and developing successful models of management reporting.

• Ability to build respect for the value adding nature of financial information.

• Knowledge of VAT, tax and trading issues.

• Knowledge of complex accounting systems.

• Ability to explain complex financial issues to non-financial staff.

The following is desirable:

• Experience of financial management in the development sector.

• Experience of the legislative environment of UK and Ireland charities.

• Experience of foreign exchange /treasury management.

• Knowledge of development issues.

• Knowledge of church environment

Further information

This post will be based in Belfast. 

This role requires applicants to have the right to work in the country where this position is based.

We value diversity and aspire to reflect this in its workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, including a generous holiday allowance, a season ticket loan, and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Competency questions

As part of your application you will be asked to demonstrate your suitability by giving answers to the following questions:

Level 3

Building Partnerships: Give us an example of a time when you had to influence other people and persuade them to work in a collaborative way when there were different personal or organisational agendas

Steward Resources: Give us an example of how your skills in managing the available resources and people’s time led to the delivery of quality outcomes on time

Deliver Results: Please tell us about a time when you took a decision or made recommendations when the situation was difficult or ambiguous?

 For further information and to apply via our e-recruitment portal, please visit https://jobs.christianaid.org.uk/.   If you have any problems please contact [email protected].