Finance Director

Role Overview

The Finance Director is tasked with providing strategic financial leadership, executive oversight, and governance for Special Olympics Ireland. This pivotal role ensures robust financial management, statutory compliance, and operational control. Reporting directly to the CEO and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the director drives financial insight, controls, and capability to support the organisation's strategic goals in a compliant and sustainable manner.

Finance Transformation and Digital Modernisation

• Champion and endorse a finance transformation roadmap and approve future operating models.
• Lead initiatives to replace manual, Excel-heavy processes with automated workflows and improved reporting.
• Evaluate, select, and oversee implementation and adoption of modern financial systems.
• Promote process efficiency, data quality, and accountability among finance process owners.
• Develop a management-information framework to deliver accurate, timely, and actionable reports for decision-making.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Collaborate closely with CEO and leadership to design and execute financial strategies for stability and sustainability.
• Oversee annual and multi-year financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and scenario analysis for executive and board approvals.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate financial risks, reporting appropriately to executive bodies.
• Manage cash flow, reserves, investments, and financial commitments to safeguard organisational resilience.
• Serve as a key strategic financial advisor to senior leadership and board members.

Team Leadership and Governance

• Provide clear, supportive leadership to the finance team, setting high expectations for performance and development.
• Review team structures and competencies, addressing gaps via training or recruitment.
• Promote accountability balanced with mentoring and empowerment.
• Implement finance business-continuity plans and process documentation to minimize key-person risks.

Financial Controls and Compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls, financial governance, and asset protection.
• Ensure adherence to Charities SORP 2026, FRS 102, legal, tax, charity, funding, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage relationships with external auditors ensuring comprehensive audits and timely issue resolution.
• Develop and maintain financial policies and delegated authority frameworks.

Grant Management and Restricted Funds

• Oversee administration and assurance of public/private grants, restricted and designated funds with transparent accounting.
• Manage complex compliance and multi-annual reporting to key funding agencies including Sport Ireland and HSE.
• Ensure controls and responsibilities for authorising and reporting grant expenditures are appropriately maintained.

Management Information and Reporting

• Transform financial data from retrospective reporting into predictive, strategic insights.
• Foster financial accountability by supporting budget holders through training, guidance, and business partnering.
• Define key financial metrics and provide detailed analysis of performance, trends, risks, and corrective measures to leadership.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent) with current standing.
• Extensive senior financial leadership experience including organisational strategy, governance, and Board liaison.
• Proven success leading finance transformations and implementing digital change in complex environments.
• Expertise in charity accounting, SORP compliance, and grant/fund management.
• Experience as a trusted advisor to executive teams and boards.
• Strong skills in strategic programme leadership, digital tool application, financial modelling, and communication.

Cultural and Leadership Attributes

• Strategic yet pragmatic leader comfortable with hands-on involvement.
• Supportive manager focused on clear expectations, accountability, and employee development.
• Dedicated advocate for Special Olympics Ireland’s mission towards athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Benefits and Working Environment

• 25 days annual leave, increasing up to 31 days with service, plus two additional company holidays.
• 7% employer pension contribution.
• Cycle to Work scheme participation.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Hybrid working with minimum of two days onsite at Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown.
• Discounted gym memberships available.

Equal Opportunities and Recruitment Process

Special Olympics Ireland champions diversity, inclusion, and equitable hiring practices. Applications are welcome from all backgrounds and abilities. Reasonable accommodations for the recruitment process are available upon request. Submit CV and cover letter by 5pm Thursday 12 November; shortlisted candidates will be contacted week commencing 23 November. Interviews to be held between 30 November and 4 December.