Finance DirectorKilkenny Cheese LtdRole SummaryKilkenny Cheese is a joint venture between Tirlan and Dutch family business Royal A-ware, a 130-year-old company with strong positions in EU and global markets. The facility has started up in 2024 as a greenfield site at Belview, Co KilkennyRoyal A-ware is a traditional Dutch family business with a passion for food and with a strong entrepreneurial attitude. Demand-led, we offer our clients tailored products and services. In recent years investments have been made in the development and management of own supply chains resulting in independence, efficiency, and flexibility. We are specialized in producing, ripening, cutting, and packaging cheese, and also produce and package cream and fresh dairy products.Based in Belview in South Kilkenny the role reports to the Managing Director of Kilkenny Cheese Limited and will be a member of the Executive team of Kilkenny Cheese Limited with the Head of Site Operations and the HR Business Partner. The Finance Director will partner with the Executive Leadership and Site Leadership teams and be responsible for the financial stewardship of the company. It is a hands-on role with month end reporting as well as a strategic role working on business planning and growthKey ResponsibilitiesPreparation and presentation of periodic financial reporting information, in line with structured deadlines and in accordance with both shareholders' requirements – to include variance analysis with regard to Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Working Capital movements versus Budget/Forecast.Working with the Managing Director and Board of Kilkenny Cheese to develop the strategic long term plans for Kilkenny CheeseSupporting the Managing Director in defining and actioning long term strategic plansProvide detailed insights into sales performance of Kilkenny Cheese products through the two joint venture partnersBe the main focal point for the financial lenders of Kilkenny Cheese in terms of meetings, discussions and reportsProvide clear and informative financial, operational & industrial commentary with appropriate management information systems – enabling effective communication of site performance, together with the identification & resolution of critical issues impacting the profitability of the Kilkenny Cheese Ltd business.Preparation and presentation of annual budget and periodic forecasts in line with structured deadlines – to include clear communication of key variances versus prior plan and prior year performanceAssist the Executive Leadership Team in completing the operational KPI framework, and exercise ownership with regard to operational performance measurement versus target, within the scope of the Kilkenny Cheese Ltd operational KPI frameworkFulfill a site leadership role through effective business partnering with regard to the achievement of assigned operational & financial targets.Ensure effective and robust site financial controls as part of Royal Aware and Tirlan risk management policy.Ensure effective and robust balance sheet reconciliation & control.Adopt a continuous improvement approach to finance process efficiency. Accounting supervision (month close process, payroll, cash, tax files).Monitor the stock valuation & take part in ordering/payment and capex projectsResponsible for the review and actioning of various Service Level Agreements in conjunction with department headsWorking with external bodies including Government agencies such as Enterprise IrelandAct as Company SecretaryKey Requirements:Qualified accountant with 10 years + post-qualification experience in financial /cost controlling.Operational and Strategic Treasury Management experience is desirableDemonstrated ability to clearly define and execute agreed strategiesUnderstand relevant FMCG market trends through continuous learning and how they may impact long-term horizon for the business.Strong Influencing, leadership, & decision making skills with the ability to manage, influence and negotiate with a broad set of internal and external stakeholders.A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and manage short vs. long term views of every decision.Strategic vision & execution, with associated business acumenProven commercial acumen to meet strategic operational imperativesExcellent analytical skills and problem solving skillsExperience of the food industry especially dairy is desirablePractical and grounded in their approach to problem solvingRegular international travel will be necessaryExperience of a manufacturing organisation in a financial/operational control or management accounting capacity.Solid technical finance ability.Track record of process improvement & cost saving initiatives.ExperienceBe able to demonstrate excellent problem solving skillsAdvanced organisation and planning skills.Strong PC skills, Microsoft Office (Word, excel and MS Project),Ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholdersExperience in maintenance of ERP systemPerson ProfileKnowledge of Dairy or similar food processing industryAbility to manage a range of complex projects to completionExperience in management of significant capital budgetsExcellent interpersonal and influencing and communication skillsWillingness to travel internationallyAbout usThrough our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market. Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.Commitment to Diversity & InclusionWe believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status.Please apply with an uptodate CV