SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers.
It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.
At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do.
Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the National Youthreach Programmes (2019), the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others.
SOLAS is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, ambitious and strong accountant to manage Finance across General Ledger, Procurement and Finance System support.
This will include responsibility for the preparation of the Annual Statutory Accounts of SOLAS.
The successful candidate will lead a team and oversee efficient and effective achievement of key deliverables which will support SOLAS to deliver on its objectives.
The role will report to the Director of Finance and will require a qualified accountant with excellent digital, numerical, written and verbal communication skills.
The Manager will be expected to interact and network with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally, have proven management skills with the ability to plan, organise and meet deadlines across multiple activities to accomplish goals with the team.
The Manager will demonstrate initiative to drive the ongoing development of robust guidelines, processes and systems in Finance, as well as proactive engagement with other Business units as required.
Applications are required to have an Accountancy qualification, with experience of working with a Tier 1 ERP/Finance System and knowledge of Public/EU Procurement procedures and guidelines desirable.
Key Responsibilities: Responsible for the preparation of the Annual Statutory Accounts of SOLAS, including planning and leading on engagement with the external auditors.
Oversee the maintenance of the organisations asset register.
Responsible for the SOLAS financial system, including being the key liaison with software provider and external support consultants, along with responsibility for system upgrades, on-going improvements, maintenance, engagement with stakeholders across the Organisation, tendering for support services etc.
Ensuring the monthly close for management accounts is completed accurately and in line with agreed timelines.
This includes ensuring accurate ledger postings and liaising across the Finance Department to ensure same.
Leading the procurement team to ensure that all procurement processes are adhered to across the organisation This includes procurement support to internal stakeholders; production of the Annual Procurement Plan; keeping abreast of all procurement developments at a National/EU level and implementing any changes as a result Ensure that the reputation of the organisation is properly protected.
Demonstrate the highest level of integrity in all areas of work and interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
This includes proactively identifying risks or concerns and addressing/highlighting them as appropriate.
Contribute as a senior manager to the overall management and future development of the Unit and the Organisation Establish and agree with the Director the annual work plans and budgetsforthe Unit.
Plan, monitor and control all activities of the Unit, including consideration for long-term plans.
Lead the unit to ensure that all plans support the overall strategy and objectives of SOLAS.
Provide leadership and direction to team members, ensuring efficient use of organisational resources and ensuring that staffs development needs are being considered and managed.
As part of on-going system and process improvement, consider the impact of changes on the existing ways of working withing an established team, and lead out on helping to embed change through practical support, clear communication, and hands-on engagement.
Produce and interpret financial and statistical data to support value-for-money assessments and strategic goals.
Deputise for the Director as required.
Provide appropriate support to staff, and other stakeholders, both internal and external as required.
Maintain historical FET financial data in an easily retrievable format to respond to queries as they arise.
Respond to Parliamentary Questions relating to role.
Produce written reports/status updates for internal/external stakeholders (e.g., Board, SLT, DFHERIS, Director).
Represent SOLAS on committees / groups as appropriate.
Other duties appropriate to this role that may be assigned.
Requirements: Essential: Qualified Accountant with minimum 5 years post qualification experience.
Minimum of 5 years experience working in the finance area of a public sector organisation, or a minimum of 5 years experience working in the finance area of a complex organisation.
Excellent digital and numerical modelling, written, verbal, communication and presentation skills Demonstrate the highest level of professional integrity at all times Excellent report writing, planning and modelling skills Ability to interact, network and build up strong working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders Experience of systems and process development and on-going improvement Ability to make informed decisionsin a timely manner Ability to plan, organise and meet deadlines Capable of providing clear direction and outline work across multiple activities to accomplish a range of goals in a well-planned and organised manner.
Excellent information technology skills, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) Ability to influence and relate effectively with a diverse range of people internally and externally including government departments, Board members, FET providers and staff representatives Excellent communication, interpersonal, leadership and negotiation skills with the ability to motivate, challenge and engage individuals and teams.
Proven track record of developing, driving, and delivering projects.
Desirable Requirements: Knowledge of Public/EU Procurement procedures and guidelines Previous experience in the implementation of a new Finance system Experience of using a Tier 1 Finance system Experience in Auditing and Government Accounting Experience working independently and taking initiative Familiarity with SOLAS role, responsibilities, processes, and systems with a particular emphasis on the Finance area This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €81,407 to €106,521 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week.
Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82.
Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.
SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.
Applications using the SOLAS Application Form which can be downloaded from our website, must be submitted through quoting reference number 599by 12pm, Wednesday, 11 February 2026.
Please complete the application form as specified.
SOLAS will not accept CVs.
A Blended Working policy is in place and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1).
One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday.
Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required.
SOLAS is an equal opportunity employer.
SOLAS welcomes people with diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to us.
Canvassing will disqualify.
Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme Cycle To Work Scheme Travel Pass Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives