Organisation
Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI) is the national organisation providing support, services and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families across Ireland. With a National Office and 25 volunteer operational branches nationwide, DSI delivers information, education, therapy, employability and advocacy services, alongside fundraising and community engagement activities that are vital to our mission.
Position
Down Syndrome Ireland is seeking a full‑time Head of Finance to play a vital strategic role with overall responsibility for finance controls, financial operations and compliance – three critical functions for the successful operation of DSI. The successful candidate will provide strategic financial guidance and leadership to the Board, CEO and Senior Leadership Team on all aspects of business planning, while upholding the highest standards of financial and non‑financial reporting in the organisation. The role reports to the CEO and is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, where the individual’s financial expertise, business acumen and experience will ensure that decisions are made on a well‑informed and balanced basis. Strong financial control and oversight, excellent operational performance and systems, and a culture of compliance and governance are prerequisites to DSI’s reputation as a registered charity and member‑focused organisation. The Head of Finance role is increasingly important as DSI grows, expands its operations, and defines its future strategic direction. This is a full‑time role.
Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant, highly motivated, energetic and keen to make a difference. They will be a natural and focused leader with strong interpersonal skills and a passion for excellence, possessing expertise and insight into governance within a not‑for‑profit environment. The candidate must have experience managing teams and motivating people so that objectives are met and timelines are adhered to. Experience influencing volunteers in financial compliance would be an advantage. Experience in formal reporting to an Audit and Risk Committee and a Board is also desirable. The person will enjoy working in a positive, action‑oriented, collaborative environment and overseeing strategic planning, financial forecasting, financial operations, risk management, financial compliance and governance. The role is well positioned to support and develop DSI’s strategic ambition through practical advice and innovative solutions, with continuous improvement as a lens. Experience of SORP and charity regulation reporting is an advantage.
Responsibilities
Oversight of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, including preparation and presentation of periodic financial and management accounts to all relevant stakeholders.
Oversight of the financial operations of Down Syndrome Ireland, managing accounting, legal, tax and cash flow within the organisation.
Ensuring compliance with all relevant legal, fiscal, procurement and regulatory requirements, and managing all financial compliance matters of the organisation and its subsidiaries, collaborating closely with the Board Audit and Risk Committee to ensure delivery of all charity regulation requirements.
Working in partnership with volunteer branch committees and treasurers to ensure compliance with DSI processes and regulations and create an environment of collaboration and support.
Collaborating with the Head of Governance and Compliance, CEO and Audit & Risk Committee to identify, manage and mitigate financial and regulatory risks.
Promoting a culture of risk awareness throughout the organisation through a quality risk‑management framework that is current and appropriate.
Oversight of DSI’s internal and external audits.
Oversight of all outsourced services relating to the finance function.
Contributing to broader transformation initiatives in a leadership capacity.
Working with all stakeholders, particularly the fundraising department and local branches, to identify and execute suitable opportunities to grow the organisation and increase its income streams in line with the agreed strategy.
In partnership with the SLT, developing, proposing and managing a long‑term reserves and capital planning strategy.
Supporting other functions of DSI as required through the provision of relevant, accurate and timely information and contributing appropriately as decisions are made for the organisation; overseeing grant application and reporting support is a key element of internal stakeholder support.
Oversight of the IT and operations function including IT supplier, operating system and data strategy.
Working with the CEO to develop and lead a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation with the ambition of delivering a best‑in‑class service to all stakeholders.
Challenging assumptions and decision‑making as appropriate and providing financial/commercial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers.
Continuously reviewing processes and procedures to ensure that systems and resources remain fit for purpose as the needs of the organisation develop and change over time.
Team management – finance team.
Any other ad‑hoc duties as requested by the CEO.
What We’re Looking For
Professional accounting qualification with experience of managing finance teams and operating in a leadership role.
A person who places a high value on compliance, risk management and governance and can oversee the efficient delivery of analysis and reporting while retaining focus on the strategic objectives of the role.
Good business acumen and commercial awareness to enable DSI to deliver its objectives in an affordable and cost‑effective manner.
Knowledge and experience of SORP accounting and the Irish Charities Governance Code an advantage, but not a specific requirement.
A clear and agile thinker with a demonstrable ability to make decisions.
Good project management and organisation skills and ability to deliver to agreed timelines.
Excellent communication skills as the role involves ongoing interactions with and presentations to internal and external audiences. Excellent interpersonal skills are needed to establish good, strong and respectful relationships with all stakeholders.
Ability to always motivate and manage staff with respect and empathy.
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