Finance Partner - Corporate Services Division

The Finance Partner is responsible for delivering high-quality financial expertise to support the Chief Operating Officer (and the Director of Financial Planning and Risk Management in Financial Services Division) along with the heads of function within the Corporate Services Division (CSD). The Finance Partner will report to the Director of Financial Planning and Risk Management in Financial Services Division with a dotted line into the Project Accountant. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant. They will have a minimum of 7 years post-qualification experience and substantial proven experience at management level within an institution or company of similar scale. The appointee will have a strong track record and proven ability to make informed decisions and exercise sound judgment, together with building strong working relationships. They must have excellent skills in financial and quantitative analysis including proven experience in report writing, provision of reports and collation of data, experience of financial analysis and risk management, the application of internal controls and management information reporting. Candidates should possess a high level of motivation, energy and enthusiasm.  The appointee will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills together with a proven ability to work on their own initiative together with a commitment to pro-active team leadership. They must be innovative, competent in conveying financial information, and comfortable with the design and set up of MIS applications. They will be technically strong, a good business analyst and demonstrate the ability to successfully operate in a complex and dynamic University setting in an environment of constrained resources. Role Purpose To continue to manage the financial details and funding of all CSD functional areas. To support the Office of the Chief Operating Officer in all strategic financial planning activities including effective liaison with FSD. To act on behalf of the Office of the Chief Operating Officer in discussions regarding budgets, allocations, funding, and driving efficiencies with CSD units. Standard duties and Responsibilities of the Post To have in place an annual budget and financial plan for all units within CSD. Provide the management of the COO function with accurate and relevant financial information required for strategic and operational decision making, financial planning and resource allocation on a monthly basis. Provide financial support in the preparation, review and monitoring of budgets, explaining variances against budgets as they arise across the CSD, assisting the relevant heads of function in developing solutions to address deficits where relevant. Co-ordinate and support the Senior Management Team within the CSD in developing the Annual Budgetary Cycle/Process and the annual and 5 year financial estimates/forecasts, overseeing monitoring and reporting on performances. Provide information required to support all aspects of financial forecasting/modelling, identification of new sources of income etc. Drive Financial & Business training to both Directors and Senior Administrators within CSD. Assist in developing the financial and planning skills of other support staff in the Office of the COO. Assist in the development and oversee the implementation of agreed financial Key Performance Indicators, Metrics and Goals for the CSD, along with related Service Level Agreements. Liaise with the Financial Services Division at both a strategic planning level and on an operational basis. Provide financial leadership within the CSD function and work closely with other leaders in service and support functions throughout the University. Working with the CSD units to develop and implement a process reengineering programme for existing processes within the area which will deliver continuous improvements. Key Deliverables: An annual budget and expenditure forecast. Monthly outturn report to COO. Variance analysis on actual versus budget identifying risks and potential overspends. Developing creative & business solutions to negative financial variances. Ongoing training and development of system and financial skills to CSD Directors and Senior Administrators. Person Specification Qualifications (Essential) Candidates must hold a professional accounting qualification, with membership of an accounting body recognised in Ireland. Knowledge & Experience (Essential) Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years post qualification accountancy experience with substantial proven experience at management level in an organisation of similar scale. Substantial experience of financial planning and related reporting, project planning and associated financial oversight. Excellent skills in financial and quantitative analysis including proven experience in report writing, provision of reports and collation of data. Comfortable in the area of financial modelling (financial forecasting/projecting) and financial planning as demonstrated from prior experience. Previous experience in budget management, review and control in large organisations. Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products with special emphasis on Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. Excellent inter-personal communication skills, including the ability to relate financial concepts to non-financial personnel, and the ability to build effective relationships with a variety of stakeholders, as demonstrated from prior experience. Demonstrated ability to develop executive financial reports of the highest standard for and on behalf of the COO. Ability to contribute effectively as a member of the senior management team. Track record in leading and managing a team. Skills & Competencies The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following skills: Critical Thinking & Innovative Approach - the ability to work flexibly and operate strategically within a busy and complex environment, dealing with competing demands in order to produce high quality responses; pay attention to detail and possess a very high standard of accuracy; be highly motivated with proven organisational and administrative abilities in a similar sized organisation. Problem Solving - must possess excellent analytical skills - can identify a problem/risk and propose a solution; be capable of working  on own  initiative and able to prioritise tasks and work under time constraints to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects simultaneously - ability to prioritise and manage a complex and changing workload; be able to multi task and provide cross team support as required; demonstrate excellent analytical skills to evaluate, select and implement financial risk and operational solutions, including experience in report writing, provision of reports and collation of data. Communication Written - can produce written communications on behalf of the COO that reflect the standing of the office and that relate financial/legal concepts to non-financial personnel in order to address compliance, information and reporting requirements. Verbal - a demonstrated ability to interact with people at all levels, both internal and external to the organisation; demonstrate emotional intelligence and communicate with a high level of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality. IT Technology - highly developed computer skills with use of IT as a driver of efficiency; High level of competency in MS Office applications. Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access, as a support tool for data processing, analysis and reporting, are essential.  Candidates must have experience in using financial information systems financial/accounts packages. Experience in Oracle would be advantageous but is not essential; high level of competence in all MS Office applications, in particular data processing skills and advanced excel is required. The ability to work on their own initiative and also in a team; to multi-task within a busy environment; be a self-motivated, dedicated professional, with a ‘can do attitude' - ability to see tasks through to completion; committed to delivering a service whilst carrying a wide-ranging and considerable work load. Flexible approach - available to work outside normal hours required on an occasional basis.