Respond is one of the largest housing associations in Ireland, providing social housing and homeless services. Our vision is that 'every family and individual in Ireland will have high-quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community'. We are growing rapidly in response to the housing crisis and are now looking for the right person who has the passion and skills to help us realise our vision.
Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.
Role: Chief Financial Officer
Location:
Hybrid position, with an expectation of in-person executive presence primarily in Dublin and Waterford.
Reporting to:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Salary:
A competitive remuneration package, along with benefits, will be offered commensurate with the successful candidate's skills and experience
.
Terms:
Permanent full-time 39 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
Job Purpose:
The Chief Financial Officer is responsible for providing strategic financial direction and leadership of the Financial & IT functions within Respond, ensuring that financial activity supports the Company's objectives. This role acts as a strategic partner within the Executive Team, enabling the Corporate Plan while driving financial competence, financial management information and reporting systems, and continuous improvement. The Finance Team comprises Finance Operations, Management Accounts and Budgeting, Treasury and Risk Management.
The post holder will also provide strategic leadership in the area of digital transformation and IT, ensuring that systems, data, and technologies are developed and deployed to enhance organisational performance and service delivery as well as maximise organisational effectiveness and agility.
This role requires a highly motivated, results-oriented individual with strong leadership and influencing skills, capable of managing complex financial and digital functions within a charity sector context.
Core Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Management & Governance
* Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all financial operations, including corporate planning, budget management, financial control, and reporting.
* Ensure financial compliance with the Charities Regulator, Housing Agency, Approved Housing Body (AHB) regulations, and relevant statutory and regulatory frameworks.
* Lead the development and implementation of financial strategies and planning to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
* Advise the CEO and Board on financial performance, risk, and sustainability, providing accurate, timely, and comprehensive reporting.
* Manage treasury, funding arrangements, and investment strategies in line with best practice in financial management.
* Ensure that robust systems of internal control, internal and external audit, and risk management are in place.
Leadership & Organisational Contribution
* Contribute actively as a member of the Executive Leadership Team to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.
* Lead and develop high-performing teams across finance, IT, and digital services.
* Build effective relationships with external stakeholders including Government Departments, Local Authorities, funders, and regulators.
* Ensure a culture of capacity building, and performance excellence in Finance and IT in the context of significant service development and asset growth on the immediate and long-term planning horizon.
* Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and service excellence in line with organisational values.
IT & Digital Transformation
* Develop and implement the organisation's IT and digital strategy, aligned with corporate objectives and company policy.
* Ensure compliance with data protection legislation, GDPR, cyber security standards, and business continuity planning.
* Promote innovation in the use of digital solutions to enhance tenant services, business intelligence, and operational efficiency.
* Lead the development and integration of housing management systems, financial systems, and digital communication platforms.
Essential Criteria/Education Qualification:
* Requires undergraduate degree level in Finance and related professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CGMA etc.).
Technical Skills:
* Proven experience in developing Finance Policy and Strategy, with experience of financial control, treasury management and corporate finance.
* Experience of advising and presenting at Senior Executive and Board levels.
* Extensive experience in identifying, assessing and managing risks.
* Demonstrated understanding of process improvement and change management.
* Experience in performance management and business partnering.
* Proven experience of Value for Money.
* Strong skills in strategic and organisation planning.
Desired Skills:
* Qualification in IT related discipline and/or experience in managing IT Departments.
* Sector experience in property, housing, construction, charity sectors.
* Excellent communication and analytical skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to identify solutions.
* Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across public and private sectors, with experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships.
* Ability to prioritise and manage workloads and to cope with conflicting demands
* A commitment to Respond's values and guiding principles.
Experience:
* Position requires minimum of 10 years' experience at Senior Manager level in a finance role.
For informal and confidential enquiries about the opportunity, please contact Susan Maguire, Director of People and Culture:
To apply, please follow the link below and submit your application, including a detailed CV and a cover letter.
Please note that only applications received via this link will be considered.
The closing date is Tuesday 30th September 2025 at 3pm.