Group Financial Controller

About the Role

An opportunity is open for a seasoned and commercially astute Group Financial Controller to join the Finance Leadership Team within a substantial and well-established organisation based in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, with travel across Ireland as necessary. Reporting to the CFO, this pivotal role encompasses strategic oversight of financial control, reporting, compliance, governance, taxation, audits, shared services supervision, and finance transformation initiatives. The role ensures financial reporting accuracy and a strong internal control environment to support sustainable growth. The successful candidate will lead a high-performing finance team, cultivate future finance leaders, and collaborate closely with operational and commercial departments to enhance business performance and strategic decision-making. This role emerges amidst significant organizational change, including the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 and finance operating model enhancements, positioning the controller as a key driver of transformation and process excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the comprehensive financial control framework for all entities within the island of Ireland.
• Guarantee the precision, completeness, and reliability of financial records and reporting.
• Manage month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing activities ensuring timely and accurate outputs.
• Maintain exemplary balance sheet controls and robust financial policies and governance structures.
• Continuously improve internal controls, risk management, and financial stewardship practices.
• Lead the preparation and timely submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to Group.
• Provide insightful financial analyses that support executive decision-making.
• Handle statutory account preparations and filings in compliance with changing accounting standards.
• Manage relationships and compliance with external/internal audits and regulatory authorities including SOX compliance.
• Ensure tax, VAT, and regulatory obligations are met accurately and on schedule.
• Lead remediation efforts arising from audit and compliance reviews.
• Build, inspire, and manage a large, multifaceted finance team with emphasis on talent development and succession planning.
• Champion finance graduate programs and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as a strategic business partner providing commercial insight and supporting growth initiatives including acquisitions and investments.
• Lead finance transformation efforts and the successful implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 to improve finance operations efficiency, controls, and reporting.
• Monitor operational performance ensuring service-level standards are attained and enhanced.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with extensive post-qualification experience in senior finance leadership.
• Expertise in financial control, reporting, compliance, and governance within large, complex organizations.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including IFRS standards, and extensive audit management experience.
• Proficient in SOX controls and risk management frameworks.
• Proven success in building high-performing teams and influencing executive leadership.
• Experienced with ERP systems and finance technology platforms.

Desirable Skills

• Background with a Big 4 accounting firm.
• Experience in FMCG, distribution, foodservice, retail, or manufacturing industries.
• Previous involvement in ERP implementation or finance transformation programs.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 and multinational group reporting environments.

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrates strategic and commercial thinking.
• Presents strong leadership presence with executive influence capability.
• Exhibits high levels of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Possesses solid judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Exemplifies a continuous improvement approach along with resilience and adaptability.
• Builds trusted relationships across all organizational levels.