The Head of Finance Operations will report to the Chief Financial Officer. The purpose, key responsibilities, qualifications, skills and experience, and competencies required are as follows:
Job Purpose
To lead and oversee the finance operations function, ensuring the effective delivery of financial processing, reporting, compliance, and internal controls. The Head of Finance Operations will drive process improvements, systems optimisation, and team leadership to support the financial integrity and performance of the business.
The finance operations function provides services to Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), HRI subsidiaries including Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, Tote Ireland, HRI Racecourses -Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary, and shared services to Curragh Racecourse and Cork (Mallow) Racecourse.
This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive finance leader to step into a broad impactful role within a growth focussed environment.
This is a full-time permanent role based in Ballymany, Newbridge, Co. Kildare with an option to work hybrid - minimum 3 days a week in the office.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead and manage core finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll & pensions, accounts receivable, client accounts, banking, taxation, general ledger, and systems administration.
* Ensure accurate and timely financial processing and month-end/year-end close.
* Oversee banking, weekly cash flow forecasting, ensuring adherence to agreed bank facility limits.
* Maintain and improve internal control systems to ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
* Support internal and external audits and manage compliance with financial and tax regulations and statutory obligations.
* Maintain and manage strong relationships with banks, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
* Drive efficiency and automation in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
* Lead financial process improvement and transformation initiatives to strengthen financial controls, streamline reporting, optimise financial processes and systems for efficiency and scalability.
* Collaborate with finance directorate teams including FP&A, Company Secretarial (including Audit & Risk), and Procurement.
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Develop and monitor KPIs for financial operational performance.
Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (required).
* Professional accounting qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA (required).
Skills And Experience
* Evidence of over years post qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a finance leadership role in either a commercial body or commercial semi state body.
* Proven record of managing Finance Shared Services would be an advantage.
* Record of leading systems improvements and finance transformations, with proven change management experience.
* Strong systems skills and experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Sun, Microsoft dynamics, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
* Strong leadership, people management, and mentoring skills.
* Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with the capacity to influence, negotiate and drive performance at a senior level.
* In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory frameworks.
* Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
* Results driven.
* Prior experience in ESG Reporting Standards is desirable.
* An interest in horse racing while an advantage, is not essential.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Customer Focus
Creates an environment where the team is empowered to put the customer first.
Supports the team in managing their workload to ensure customer needs are met.
Role models customer focus and drives and develops customer focused initiatives.
Ensures customer satisfaction is a priority.
Developing Self
Is self-aware and proactively seeks feedback, using it for personal and professional development.
Role models development by developing themselves and others.
Reflects on behaviour, adapting approach to different situations.
Is open to new ideas, drives continuous improvement with team and across the business.
Energy & Pace
Results driven. Sets and delivers against SMART objectives for their area/team.
Is accountable and delivers sustainable results, using resources effectively.
Understands the wider business and its goals, onward communicates this to team.
Empowers others to deliver their goals and projects with energy and pace.
Is a flexible and adaptable to the needs of the business and delivers accordingly.
Innovation & Change
Reviews processes and ways of working always striving for best practice and improving industry standards.
Is creative and innovative and supports others to develop opportunities for creative thinking and innovation.
Looks for innovative ways to provide a better service to our stakeholders.
Implements change in a supportive, reassuring way, bringing others on the journey with them.
Leadership
Motivates and empowers others through a 'can do' approach.
Understands strategic intent and aligns objectives and messages accordingly.
Role models leadership and our core values.
Develops, motivates and inspires others.
Team
Creates team environments where everyone contributes to the team objectives and is stretched accordingly.
Ensures productive and positive communication is taking place across all teams.
Harnesses team capability to ensure teams are performing to a high standard.