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 Financial Accountant, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the HFA's finance function, contributing to the effective financial management of the HFA.
They will have responsibility for assisting in the preparation and analysis of management accounts and financial statements. In addition, they will manage accounts payable, assist with audit preparation, and ensure regulatory and tax compliance.
The role also involves supporting the treasury and payroll functions and contributing to the development and implementation of enhanced financial reporting and management information systems. Operating in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, the assistant accountant will be expected to manage multiple priorities with initiative, and a commitment to excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Reporting & Analysis
•Assist in the production and analysis of monthly management accounts and maintain the accounting system.
•Provide support in completing annual statutory financial statements and assist with internal and external audits.
General Ledger & Reconciliations
•Assist with processing journal entries and performing balance sheet reconciliations, including bank, fixed assets, and accounts payable.
Accounts Payable Management
•Maintain the Accounts Payable subledger, including invoice processing, payment processing, and reconciliation.
•Liaise with vendors, customers, and internal stakeholders to address financial queries.
Systems & Process Improvement
•Participate in the implementation, upgrade, and enhancement of accounting systems to improve operational efficiency and data integrity.
•Identify opportunities to streamline internal processes and improve operational workflows.
•Support the implementation of new systems or tools that enhance productivity and reporting accuracy.
Regulatory & Compliance Reporting
•Assist with the preparation and timely submission of CSO, Revenue, and other Government department reports.
Team Support & Ad Hoc Projects
•Support the finance team with ad hoc projects, assignments, and evolving responsibilities as required.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA & QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Qualifications & Experience
•Third level degree/level 8 qualification in business, finance, accounting or relevant area.
•A minimum of 2 years' experience of accountancy work or working in a finance department.
•Good analytical and problem-solving skills and an ability to see tasks to completion.
•Strong attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure to meet deadlines as required.
•Approachable and supportive, with the ability to communicate effectively with people.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
•Strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Word.
•Ability to work on own initiative, quickly and efficiently, making use of accounting and workflow software to automate routine work to meet operational and reporting needs.
•Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
•Good organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
•Integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information.
•Adaptability and willingness to learn and grow in the role.
Desirable Experience
•Experience in a public sector, financial services, lending/treasury or housing-related environment.
•Good understanding of public sector accounting.
•A good knowledge of government codes of practice and procurement process.
•Familiarity with Exchequer Enterprise and Business Central General Ledger systems.
COMPETENCIES
The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:
•Management & Delivery of Results: Manages multiple priorities efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of internal and external reports and timely completion of work assigned.
•Organisational and time management skills: The ability to manage time and resources effectively to achieve deadlines effectively.
•Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Builds working relationships across departments, communicates clearly and professionally, and ensures effective information flow between the Management Team and wider organisation.
•Team player:Ability to work as part of a team and take direction accurately. Collaborates effectively within the team.
•Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development: Demonstrates strong 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:
EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE - PPC
€37,919 €39,860 €40,956 €43,094 €45,010 €46,864 €48,711 €50,519 €52,366 €54,207 €56,160 €57,469 €59,335¹ €61,216²
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.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER STANDARD SCALE
€36,343 €38,534 €39,400 €41,269 €43,086 €44,850 €46,602 €48,319 €50,055 €51,746 €53,531 €54,751 €56,504¹ €58,274²
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 23 working days, based on a five-day week. This will rise to 24 days after 5 years' service and to 25 after 10 years' service.
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.
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 covering 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 5 February 2026.
If applicable, please contact our HR Manager, Katherina Sage 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.