Role Overview
The Head of Finance and Compliance is an executive-level leader responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability and regulatory integrity of the organisation. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this role provides strategic oversight of all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and long-term planning. In addition, the role ensures that the organisation operates in full compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
Working closely with the CEO and UCC Academy Board, the Head of Finance and Compliance plays a central role in aligning financial strategy with the organisation's mission and values. This includes developing robust financial systems, managing risk, and fostering a culture of accountability and transparency across the organisation. The role also oversees internal controls, audit processes, and compliance frameworks to support effective governance and compliance.
This position requires a leader with strong financial acumen, a deep understanding of nonprofit and public sector regulatory environments and a commitment to ethical leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Leadership, Strategy and Planning
* Serve as an effective member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and long-term planning.
* Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk exposure, and compliance matters.
* Represent the Finance and Compliance function at Executive meetings, Board meetings and other relevant forums, with responsibility for ensuring emerging actions are effectively undertaken across both functions.
* Support Executive decisions, positively communicating complex and sensitive information to identified stakeholders, as required.
* Actively role model UCC Academy's values and leadership behaviours, challenging nonalignment, where exhibited.
* Champions efficient process utilising data to inform decision.
Financial Strategy & Operations
* Leads the Finance function, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and reporting.
* Advises CEO on financial, commercial and compliance items, aligned with UCC Academy and UCC strategic priorities and considering company advancement.
* Ensures compliance with financial regulations, tax obligations, and audit requirements across all jurisdictions.
* Designs and maintains a financially sustainable business model, including pricing strategies and capital structure planning.
* Oversees procurement and financial controls in line with public sector and regulatory standards.
* Drives financial enablement to support business growth, scenario planning, and commercial decision-making.
* Accountable for organisation meeting reporting deadlines for UCC group reporting and other external bodies.
* Manage the business unit activities effectively to meet organisational requirements in a timely manner.
Compliance & Internal Controls
* Responsible for leading the development and implementation of internal control frameworks to support risk management and regulatory compliance.
* Oversees adherence to all statutory requirements e.g. the Code of Governance for Subsidiary Companies of Irish Universities 2021 (the "Code of Governance") and Charities Regulator annual reporting and compliance reviews.
* Act as a key liaison with auditors and regulatory bodies, ensuring transparency, professionalism and alignment with governance standards.
* Accountable for legal, regulatory and financial compliance for international entities.
* Manage financial governance agreements with UCC, including service agreements, MoAs, Finance Schedules.
* Ensure continuous improvement of compliance processes and systems, integrating technology to enhance transparency and efficiency.
* Accountable for the preparation and presentation of regulatory finance reports at Board level, including Annual Reports, Statements of Internal Control, and other statutory disclosures, ensuring alignment with governance and compliance obligations.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal, regulatory, and compliance requirements, ensuring the organisation remains aligned with current standards and obligations.
* Ensure data integrity and system accuracy in the Financial Management system and ensures adherence to data protection and compliance requirements in all work activities.
Stakeholder Communication and Management
* Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to UCC Academy CEO, UCC clients, auditors, regulators and financial institutions.
* Establish structured mechanisms for capturing and analysing client feedback, ensuring insights are systematically integrated into continuous improvement initiatives and strategic decision-making across the Finance and Compliance functions.
* Accountable for clear and effective communication to key stakeholders.
People and Culture
* Leads and develops the Finance & Compliance team, fostering a high-performance culture aligned with UCC Academy's values.
* Manages resourcing, performance, and development planning in collaboration with the People & Culture team.
* Acts as a mentor and role model, promoting cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organisation.
* Responsible for the overall performance and positive employee experience across the Finance & Compliance function, with accountability for talent retention through effective leadership, engagement, and development strategies.
* Demonstrate accountability for personal performance and growth, aligning with UCC Academy's values and contributing positively to team and organisation.
Organisational Enablement & Continuous Improvement
* Drives simplification and optimisation of financial and compliance processes to support operational excellence.
* Leads the maturity of process capabilities across both functions, integrating technology to enhance data quality and decision-making.
* Supports the Academy's growth agenda by enabling scalable systems and practices that protect and enhance commercial value.
* Provides strategic leadership and expert guidance on finance function transformation, including the design and delivery of scalable financial services across multiple entities or business units.
Other
* Such other duties as may reasonably be assigned to you by your manager.
This list is not exhaustive, and the Head of Finance and Compliance will undertake other duties as appropriately requested.
Essential Criteria
* Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
* 10 years post-qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role.
* Experience with regulatory compliance frameworks, including the Charities Regulator, Revenue Commissioners, and public sector governance codes.
* Track record of managing audits (internal and external), risk registers, and internal control systems.
* Experience in preparing and managing large-scale budgets and financial models.
* Experience with regulatory compliance frameworks, including the Charities Regulator, Revenue Commissioners, and public sector governance codes.
* Track record of managing audits (internal and external), risk registers, and internal control systems.
* Experience in preparing and managing large-scale budgets and financial models.
* Proven experience in managing international compliance across operations, contracts, and resourcing, with a deep understanding of cross-border regulatory frameworks and risk mitigation strategies.
* Ability to communicate regulatory finance reporting, with senior stakeholders such as Board members (Annual reports, Statement of Internal controls, etc.).
* Proven track record in leading end-to-end finance transformation initiatives, aligning financial strategy with business objectives to drive operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
Desirable Criteria
* Experience in a higher education or university-affiliated organisation.
* Experience with EU funding or reporting to European Commission bodies.
* Exposure to procurement and contract management in a public sector context.
* Demonstrated expertise in delivering high-quality financial services to internal and external entities, fostering strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency.
Conditions of Employment
* Employment Type:
The post is full-time. A six-month probationary period will apply.
* Eligibility:
You must be eligible to work in Ireland to be considered for the role.
* Salary on commencement:
Level 6: €86,000– €117,697 per annum. New entrants to UCC Academy will likely be appointed onto one of the first three points of the scale, subject to experience.
* Term:
Permanent on successful completion of a 6-month probationary period.
* Annual Leave:
25 Days plus up to 5 discretionary Company Days.
* Pension:
Company Defined Contribution Pension Scheme available after 6 months in post.
* Location:
Our place of work is the Western Gateway Building, UCC. Onsite presence is required, with opportunities for flexible working when organisation and client needs allow.
How to Apply
In order to be considered for the post, we ask you to submit a
2-page CV and cover letter
outlining how you meet the requirements.
UCC Academy is an equal opportunities employer
By submitting your CV you are deemed to give your consent to UCC Academy to share your CV and personal details with the University and individual departments within the University for the purposes of recruitment.