About the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)
The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) provides loan finance to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing. The HFA is a key stakeholder in Ireland's national housing strategy, supporting the implementation of government policy.
The Role
Reporting to the Finance Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the HFA's finance function through a period of growth. Working collaboratively across the HFA teams, they will lead enhancements in financial reporting, forecasting and performance analysis to strengthen strategic decision-making and organisational transparency.
This is a multifaceted role requiring a blend of strong technical expertise and effective communication and leadership skills. The candidate will be responsible for all accounting and related controls, including statutory and regulatory compliance, financial reporting, budgeting, and analysis. They will also contribute significantly to the organisation's Corporate Governance framework and risk management practices.
The ideal candidate will be confident engaging with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and will have experience managing staff and resources in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Strong IT proficiency is essential, and familiarity with Exchequer Enterprise, Business Central and Power BI is desirable but not required.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Financial Reporting: Ensure the timely and accurate production, interpretation, and analysis of monthly management reports and contribute to the development of the HFA's 5-Year Corporate Plan. Support the development of financial processes.
* Statutory Accounts Audit Coordination: Prepare annual statutory financial statements and compile audit documentation in accordance with recognised accounting standards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.
* Board Committee Engagement: Draft decision papers and information reports for Board and Committee meetings, ensuring clarity and strategic alignment.
* Systems Development Enhancement: Participate in the implementation, upgrade, and enhancement of accounting systems to improve operational efficiency and data integrity.
* Governance Internal Controls: Maintain and review governance processes and internal controls, ensuring alignment with best practice and regulatory standards.
* Tax Compliance: Ensure timely and accurate submission of Revenue-related returns and adherence to all statutory taxation deadlines.
* Superannuation Scheme Administration: Oversee the administration of the HFA's superannuation scheme, ensuring compliance and effective management.
* Treasury Support: Provide backup support for treasury dealing activities, including transaction execution and reconciliation.
* Project Team Support: Assist the Financial Accountant with ad hoc projects, assignments, and evolving responsibilities as required.
* Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to streamline internal processes and improve operational workflows. Support the implementation of new systems or tools that enhance productivity and reporting accuracy.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Qualifications Experience
* Possess a professional accounting qualification and membership of a recognised professional accounting body
* A minimum of 3 years' experience of accountancy work, including management accounting and/or financial accounting.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to see tasks to completion.
* Ability to review existing financial management systems, controls and procedures in place and make changes to ensure they are effective and in line with organisational aims.
* Be experienced in the management of staff.
* Approachable and supportive, with the ability to communicate effectively with people.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and competency in managing financial software systems.
* Experience of managing conflicting demands and responding to tight deadlines.
* Experience in communicating complex financial information to non-financial people.
Desirable Experience
* Experience in a public sector, financial services, lending/treasury or housing-related environment.
COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:
* Team Leadership: Supports cross-functional collaboration and leads by example, helping teams deliver high-quality outputs while fostering a culture of adaptability, learning, and continuous improvement.
* Judgement, Analysis Decision Making: Applies sound judgement and analytical skills to support strategic initiatives, internal reporting, and policy development, ensuring decisions are well-informed and aligned with organisational goals.
* Management Delivery of Results: Manages multiple priorities and projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of internal reports, strategic support, and operational improvements that enhance agency performance.
* Interpersonal Communication Skills: Builds strong working relationships across departments, communicates clearly and professionally, and ensures effective information flow between the Management Team and wider organisation.
* Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development: Demonstrates deep understanding of the requirements of their role and sector, while actively pursuing personal and professional growth.
* Drive Commitment to Public Service Values: Shows dedication to the HFA's mission, upholding integrity, accountability, and customer focus in all aspects of operational and strategic support.
PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
Tenure
The appointment is on a permanent contract subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.
Hours of Work
Operating on a 35-hour week with core hours between 08.00am – 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a flexible work model, with staff currently required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.
Salary Scale
The Higher Executive Officer Standard salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 August 2025) is as follows:
HIGHER EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PPC)
€58,847 – €60,567 – €62,285 – €64,000 – €65,723 – €67,437 – €69,157 – €71,637 LSI1 – €74,112 LSI2
This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.
Principal Non-Personal Pension Contribution Salary Scale
€56,047 – €57,664 – €59,279 – €60,907 – €62,537 – €64,180 – €65,811 – €68,158 LSI1 – €70,513 LSI2
This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution. Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.
Important Note
N.B. Entry will be at the minimum of the scale, and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if, immediately before appointment, you are a currently serving civil/public servant.
Annual Leave
In addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 29 working days, based on a five-day week.
The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via HIREHIVE LINK only. Each candidate should submit a short cover letter outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm on 30 September 2025.
If applicable, please contact our HR Manager, Katherina Sage if you require a job description in an accessible format. In addition, candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.
Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical.
The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.