Overview
Company Overview:
A leading specialist Distribution and Wholesale Irish based group with a strong track record of success, operating as a key segment of a €2.5 Billion international group, is seeking an experienced and technically proficient qualified Accountant in a newly created role of Group Financial Controller to lead and develop the Finance function for the Irish based operations.
This role is critical to managing the financial integrity and performance forecasting of our client’s significant operations across three standalone businesses. The successful candidate will report directly to the Finance Director and will be instrumental in delivering timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting and planning.
A key enticement of this role is the career progression opportunity for the appointee to advance to a Country Finance Director role in the short-to-medium term.
Key Priorities & Objectives
The appointee's immediate focus and key responsibilities include:
1. Consolidated Reporting & Group Compliance: Taking ownership of the consolidation process for Irish legal entities and operating results, ensuring compliance with local Irish GAAP/IFRS standards and international Group reporting packages/timetables.
2. Strategic Reporting & Presentation: Presenting and interpreting the consolidated financial results and performance to the Finance Director and senior leadership team, providing clear commentary on variances and trends.
3. Weekly Forecasting: Building, implementing, and managing a robust weekly financial forecasting model that accurately projects performance and seamlessly feeds into the broader all-Ireland financial forecasting process.
4. Budgeting Leadership: Driving and coordinating the annual all-Ireland budgeting process, working cross-functionally to develop and refine financial plans and targets.
5. Finance Transformation & Business Support: Championing the modernisation of the Irish Finance function, on its transformation from a traditional Finance function to a proactive, value-add true support and business partner to operational and commercial teams.
6. ERP Alignment and Process Re-engineering: Leveraging the ongoing implementation of the new ERP system as a pivotal opportunity to review, enhance, and re-engineer core financial processes using the improved efficiency to deliver high-value commercial insight and support to the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
Core Responsibilities
As the authority on financial accounting for the Irish group, the Group Financial Controller will be responsible for the following key areas:
Financial Control & Reporting
* Manage the end-to-end month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes for the Irish group.
* Prepare and finalise statutory financial statements under relevant accounting standards (Irish GAAP/IFRS) for the group.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual audit cycle efficiently and effectively.
* Ensure rigorous maintenance of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and overall financial data integrity.
Group Reporting & Compliance
* Own the accurate and timely submission of all Irish financial data into the International Group’s consolidation system, adhering strictly to global deadlines and accounting policies.
* Provide guidance on technical accounting matters, ensuring the group remains compliant with evolving standards.
* Oversee and optimise Tax Planning and Compliance across the Irish Group in coordination with external advisors and Group tax teams.
* Develop and enforce robust internal controls, policies, and procedures across the finance function to mitigate financial risk and ensure asset safeguarding.
Treasury and Working Capital
* Oversee treasury management, including cash flow monitoring, and working capital performance.
Leadership, Development & Business Partnering
* Finance Transformation & Efficiency: Drive the re-engineering of core financial processes ensuring optimal system utilisation, maximum automation, and seamless alignment with cross-functional business processes. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, reduce reporting cycle times, and significantly improve financial data quality.
* Team Enhancement & Commercial Partnership: Actively enhance and develop the capability of the Finance team, mentoring junior members and strengthening collaborative Commercial Partnerships with other business functions (Sales, Operations, Logistics and Marketing) to ensure Finance acts as a strategic enabler.
* Lead, mentor, and develop the local finance team, fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and strong technical competency.
Candidate Profile
Required Skills & Experience
* Professional Qualification: Fully qualified accountant, ideally trained within a Big 4 or Top 10 accounting firm, followed by a minimum of 5-7 years post-qualification experience in a Finance role within Industry.
* Process Improvement: Direct, demonstrable experience in leading or significantly contributing to process re-engineering initiatives.
* Experience operating within a multi-site environment is beneficial but not essential for success in this role.
Personal Attributes:
* A proven change agent with a passion for process improvement
* Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
* A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
* Strategic Contributor: Demonstrated ability to think holistically across the business, contributing value, ideas, and solutions that extend beyond the core financial remit.
* Strong leadership, influencing, and communication skills, capable of engaging both the finance team and wider business unit leaders to foster genuine business partnership.
Location
The role is to be based either at company office’s in Dublin West or in the Midlands depending on the appointed candidate’s preferences.
Next Steps
If you are a driven and technically strong finance professional ready to take on a key leadership role within a substantial, fast-paced business, please submit your CV.
Remuneration
An attractive base salary, company car, annual bonus scheme, pension, healthcare and other benefits commensurate with the candidate’s experience will be offered.
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