Accountant (Agency Contract)

Applications are invited for the above 11 month agency contract position in our Finance Department within the Group Financial Control Function based in Belfast. Job Description Background: The System Operator for Northern Ireland Limited (SONI) is the independent Transmission System Operator (TSO) in Northern Ireland and is responsible for the safe, secure, economic and reliable operation of the electricity transmission system. SONI is part of the EirGrid Group, and is also responsible for operating the Single Electricity Market in conjunction with EirGrid on the island of Ireland. The Finance Department is responsible for the provision of timely and accurate financial information to the Board and to Management. The team is also responsible for the ongoing development of the Group's internal control procedures and financial information system to fulfil regulatory and statutory requirements. We are keen to recruit an Accountant who will take a proactive role in the preparation of financial accounts, budgeting and forecasting and the administration and cost control of capital projects. The role holder is responsible for the management of and regular reporting on the SONI TSO Belfast functions. Key Responsibilities : - Monthly KPI reporting, and variance analysis; - Oversee month end and year end accounts preparation; - Preparation and presentation of quarterly and annual directorate level spend reports - Strong capital expenditure reporting - support preparation of business cases, report on project progress against budget; - Provide coaching and training to assistant accountants as necessary - Involvement in the annual audit processes, both internal and external; - Ensuring key controls and reconciliations are effectively maintained and adhered to in a regulatory environment; - Maintain good collaborative working relationships with middle and senior management; - Financial planning and analysis; - Support the annual budgeting process; - Drive efficiencies through process improvements; - Other ad-hoc duties, as they arise. Reporting Relationship: Reporting to SONI TSO Financial Controller. Knowledge, Skills and Experience: Essential: - Qualified accountant, with 1 to 3 years post qualified experience within a finance department; - Ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines; - Well organised, self-motivated person with the ability to operate on their own initiative; - Exposure to IFRS and local GAAP reporting requirements; - Experience of working as part of a team; - Positive, can-do attitude; - Strong IT and systems skills - MS Office suite, Tier 1 ERPs - Excellent attention to detail and ability to organise and work with large volumes of data - Strong interpersonal and communication skills; Qualifications: - Degree or equivalent business qualification - Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) Closing Date: 4th May 2018 SONI is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, race, religious or political beliefs.