Overview
Deputy Regulator and Head of Audit & Finance Regulator of the National Lottery – Forvis Mazars In Ireland
Join to apply for the Deputy Regulator and Head of Audit & Finance Regulator of the National Lottery role at Forvis Mazars In Ireland.
The Organisation
The Office of the Regulator of the National Lottery (ORNL) is an independent regulatory office established by statute whose role is set out in the National Lottery Act 2013 (the Act). The functions of the Regulator include procuring the holding of the National Lottery, overseeing the operation of the National Lottery and monitoring and enforcing compliance with the Act and the Licence, as well as managing and controlling the National Lottery Fund. In addition, the ORNL is also responsible for exercising the enforcement rights of any trademark of the National Lottery.
The Role
The ORNL is recruiting for the role of Deputy Regulator and Head of Audit & Finance.
This position will play a key role in the ORNL, operating at the highest levels of the organisation and across the whole organisation. This role provides a senior voice to challenge and support the National Lottery Regulator, as well as contribute to leadership, collaboration, management, strategy and delivery in the organisation. In addition, the role will oversee Corporate Governance and Internal Controls in the Operator, the performance of the Operator and the impact on funds for good causes and the Operator’s security arrangements.
The Person
The ideal candidate should have proven experience in the areas of accounting or finance, and experience of audit (internal or external) and corporate governance. They must possess senior level experience, as well as leadership, management, and strategic skills. The role will also require excellent communication skills and the ability both to consult and collaborate with stakeholders and to assert the position of the Office of the Regulator. Experience or understanding of working in a regulatory office, regulated entity or advising regulators or regulated entities would be highly beneficial.
* A relevant qualification on the National Framework Qualifications (NFQ) of Level 8 or higher
* A recognised professional finance qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA)
* A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a management position in either the public or private sector
* Demonstrable experience of audit (internal or external) and corporate governance
* Leadership of a team with superb people skills and the capacity to influence, negotiate and drive performance
* Previous experience of developing and implementing strategic plans
* Success in roles requiring excellent judgement, decision making and analytical skills
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, engaging and liaising with both internal and external stakeholders, to represent and assert the position of the Office of the Regulator
* Experience of regulation: e.g., working in a regulatory office, regulated entity or advising regulators or regulated entities
* Understanding of the lottery industry, gambling industry or player protection
ORNL’s Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision: A safe, sustainable, properly-run National Lottery that optimises funds for good causes.
Our Mission: To independently oversee the operation of the National Lottery. Monitor. Enforce. Protect.
Our Values:
* Guardianship: acting in the public interest with integrity
* Independence: being objective and impartial
* Transparency: in our decision making and communication
* Accountability: holding ourselves and others to account
* Professionalism: consistent high standards of conduct, competence and courtesy
* Valuing Our People: respecting and supporting our people
* Future Focused: innovating and applying evolving knowledge, skills and experience
Role Summary
* The ORNL is seeking to appoint a senior leader to the role of Deputy Regulator and Head of Audit & Finance.
* This position will play a key role in the ORNL, operating at the highest levels of the organisation and across the whole organisation.
* The person will play a crucial role in overseeing financial and governance aspects of the operation of the National Lottery and monitoring the Operator’s compliance with the Act and Licence, as well as ensuring that the ORNL’s finances and other internal controls meet the highest standards of governance.
Key Responsibilities
This is a key role within the ORNL and will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
Responsibilities of Deputy National Lottery Regulator:
1. Deputise in the National Lottery Regulator’s absence
2. Provide a senior voice to challenge and support the National Lottery Regulator
Responsibilities of Head of Audit and Finance:
1. Managing and Administering the National Lottery Fund
2. Oversee processes and controls for receipt, holding and paying funds
3. Review payments received from Operator
4. Review requests for funds
5. Regularly review Operator’s processes
6. Regularly review calculation of Total Net Sales, Commissions etc. and systems for same
7. Regularly review calculation of Good Causes Contribution and systems for same
8. Monitor compliance with processes and controls
9. Weekly cash reconciliations
10. Monthly accounts
11. Internal Audit
12. External Audit
13. Annual Report and Accounts
2. Corporate Governance and Propriety in Operator
* Oversee continuity of Operator
* Consider any proposals to use facilities for other purposes
* Consider any proposals for schemes of testing
* Consider any proposed person to carry out tests and review reports
* Approve Operator bank accounts
* Review Operator’s systems of internal control
* Agree Reporting Line with internal audit function and committee
* Consider Operator’s proposed auditors
* Review report of Operator’s auditors
* Consider proposals to contract / subcontract lottery functions
* Consider proposals for exemptions from parts of the licence for contractors and subcontractors
* Consider Regulator termination of Contracts / Subcontracts if appropriate
* Assess Fitness and Probity of Directors, shareholders and others where required
* Consider any proposals to change control of the operator
* Consider proposed amendments to codes of practice under the Licence
* Consider proposals for new games and changes to existing lottery games
* Consider any proposals for the Licensee to undertake other activities
* Monitor level of unclaimed prizes
* Monitor use of unclaimed prize money rebated
3. Oversight of Operator Performance
* Chair regular fortnightly meeting with the Operator
* Review Operator’s Business Plans and discuss how they will meet the statutory objectives
* Review performance standards and achievement of same in respect of “determined matters”
* Consider any proposals to amend performance standards
* Review Annual Report on performance standards
* Review any IT incident reports
* Review financial transactions including payment of retailer commission
* Inspect accounting procedures and policies
* Agree form of management accounts
* Monitor financial data, management information and operations
* Review monthly and annual accounts of the Operator
* Review weekly trading report
4. Oversight of Operator Security
* Monitor security measures
* Consider proposed security auditor
* Consider and challenge any reports of security auditor
* Follow up on recommendations
* Consider and advise on appropriateness of security requirements
* Monitor compliance with security requirements
* Review any reports of potential fraud
5. Corporate Governance and Accounts of ORNL
* Oversee financial processes and controls at ORNL.
* Monitor compliance with processes and controls
* Chair ORNL Finance Committee Meetings
* Review ORNL monthly accounts
* Oversee preparation of ORNL Annual Accounts
* Internal Audit
* External Audit
Application and further information
* For further information (including the terms and conditions applicable) and to apply for this role please visit www.forvismazars.com/ie/en/executiverecruitment and search Ref. RNL0125.
* All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Executive Recruitment Team by email to execrecruit@mazars.ie or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.
* Forvis Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of the Office of Regulator of the National Lottery.
* No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to the Office of Regulator of the National Lottery.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon on Monday, 13th October 2025
The Office of Regulator of the National Lottery is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equality at all levels of the organisation.
Additional
* Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
* Employment type: Full-time
* Job function: Accounting/Auditing, Finance, and Management
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