Location: Head Office, Teagasc, Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12
SecondaryLocation: Moore Park, Fermoy Co. Cork
Administration
Salary: Admin Grade 3 with a Salary Scale of €37,919 to €61,216
Closing Date: 25/09/2025 12:00 PM
Permanent Full Time
Job Description
Duration:
Permanent. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Background:
The Finance Department in Teagasc is organised into three units - Financial Accounting, Management Accounting and Financial Operations. This role is based within the Financial Operations unit which provides a range of high volume services across three functional teams: 1. Accounts Payable (AP) 2. Accounts Receivable (AR), Cash Management, Billing 3. Payroll, Travel & Subsistence Expenses (T&S).
The Accounts Payable team processes and pays 35,000 purchase invoice documents per annum, and monitors associated compliance with legislative and tax regulations including Prompt Payment legislation, tax clearance, Value Added Tax, Relevant Contracts Tax and Professional Services Withholding Tax. The function operates with the assistance of an external service provider.
The Accounts Receivable team generates 2,000 invoices, 100 credit notes and 1,700 customer statements per annum for Research and Education as well as 42,000 invoices, 58,000 customer statements and 20,000 receipts per annum for farm advisory client contract renewals. A further 30,000 annual receipts are processed in advisory offices
The Payroll, Travel and Subsistence Expenses team processes payroll and pensions for 3,500 staff/ retirees using the People XD system ensuring deduction are calculated correctly and in compliance with Revenue requirements including PAYE, PRSI and USC. The team also have responsibility for the processing of approved travel and subsistence expense claims in accordance with policies and regulations.
The post of Financial Operations Officer (Administration Grade 3) will take on appropriate responsibility for the assigned Financial Operations function to include acting as a Team Lead.
Hybrid Working:
Applications under the Home Working and/or Remote Working polices of the Agile Working Programme may be considered for up to 2 days per week.
Diversity & Inclusion:
At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation. We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
Job Objectives
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
* Lead, manage and develop assigned team members.
* Ensure strong two-way communication with the team and promote the development of collaborative working relationships.
* Record, direct and oversee transaction processing in the assigned Financial Operations function (being either AP, AR or Payroll/T&S) in compliance with policy and regulations.
* Facilitate accurate and timely payments.
* Ensure tax compliance including the receipt and transmission of data to/from ROS.
* Regularly review and update policies and procedures for the assigned Financial Operations function.
* Provide assistance / support to customers and manage queries with timely and accurate responses, ensuring clear communication and effective resolution.
* Provide accurate functional reports and information.
* Identify opportunities for innovation and deliver continuous improvement of Financial Operations services.
* To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
* To actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
* To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
* To carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
* This Job Specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and responsibilities and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post-holder.
Skills Requirement
Hiring Manager should review the table below for accuracy and amend as appropriate – reference: Teagasc Competency Profiles for the grade – available on the tnet
Essential
Desirable
Qualifications
* QQI Level 5 qualification or passed an examination at the appropriate level within the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) which can be assessed as being comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent.
* At least 2 years' administration experience ideally in a financial related role or a role where the skills are transferable.
* A payroll or accounts qualification e.g. IPASS or IATI qualified.
* Experience in a team leader role.
Skills / Knowledge
* Good understanding of financial operations processes, controls and tax regulations.
* Excellent analytical, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Computer literate with a high level of proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and Outlook.
* Proven track record of successfully dealing with competing priorities and deadlines.
* Familiarity with Public Sector governance procedures & regulations
* Familiarity with People XD and/or Integra.
Behavioural Competencies
* A structured approach to work with an ability to work in a confidential environment
* An ability to work on own initiative and to work collaboratively with others
* Organized and methodical with strong attention to detail.
* Self-motivated and ability to plan and prioritise work by importance and urgency.
* A positive, proactive solutions-focused approach to work.
* Flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements / priorities.
* Ability to work to strict deadlines.
* Strong oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail
* High degree of honesty and integrity.
* Self-disciplined with an ability to set clear standards and to take a quality customer service approach to work.
* Demonstrates a strong orientation and commitment to meeting the needs of both internal and external customers.
Note: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.