Finance Operations Manager

About Chartered Accountants Ireland

Chartered Accountants Ireland is Ireland’s leading professional accountancy body, representing 40,000 members in over 100 countries and educating 8,600 students. Its members provide leadership across both the public and private sector, bringing experience, trusted expertise, and strict standards to all aspects of their work. As the largest professional body on the island of Ireland, Chartered Accountants Ireland engages with several stakeholders including governments, policy makers, regulators, and business groups on key issues affecting the profession and the wider economy. Chartered Accountants Ireland supports members at every stage of their career from education to qualification to continuing professional development.   

Institute Values

The Institute strives to embed an environment based on our Values of Excellence, Forward-Looking, Openness and Accountability. Candidates should be able to demonstrate how these may apply to them in the role for which they are applying and how their previous experience is relevant to them.  

Summary of Role

Reporting to the Senior Finance Manager, the Finance Operations Manager will support the delivery and oversight of the Institute’s financial operations, ensuring efficient processing and adherence to internal controls and policies.

This role has arisen as the Senior Finance Manager transitions into a role focused on transformation, with the Finance Operations Manager taking responsibility for the day-to-day running of the finance function and providing team support during this transition.

The role will focus on the management of core finance activities including general ledger maintenance, supplier payments, payroll, receivables, and pension processes. The Finance Operations Manager will play a key role in ensuring that financial processes operate effectively and are aligned with organisational policies.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day financial activities, including receivables, payments, payroll, pension, and cash processing.
• Ensure smooth operation of transactional finance processes and resolve operational issues as they arise.
• Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives and business process enhancements.
• Liaise with system users to support system efficiencies and issue resolution.
• Ensure adherence to financial procedures and internal controls in line with Institute policies and regulatory requirements.
• Support billing processes and receivables management, ensuring timely invoicing and collection activity.
• Maintain relationships with customers and vendors to resolve day-to-day issues and support cash flow management.
• Support implementation and optimisation of finance systems and reporting tools.

General Ledger, Month-End & Transaction Processing

• Maintain the general ledger, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely recording of transactions.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and adjustments to ensure proper recording of financial transactions.
• Apply and enforce internal controls processes, and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Manage month-end closing processes, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Assist in preparing financial reports for review by the Senior Finance Manager.

• Ensuring accuracy and compliance with employment legislation and reporting requirements for finance activities.
• Review payroll calculations including wages, deductions, taxes, and benefits.
• Liaise with budget holders and line managers to ensure accurate and timely transaction processing.
• Maintain effective working relationships with key vendors, resolving day-to-day queries and disputes promptly to support smooth processing and cash flow.
• Support the implementation and ongoing application of credit control procedures, to minimise bad debt risk and improve cash flow.

Treasury Support

• Support cash flow monitoring and short-term cash forecasting.
• Assist in managing liquidity by ensuring timely processing of payments and receipts.
• Escalate cash flow risks or variances to the Senior Finance Manager.

Other:

• Support the maintenance and effective use of financial systems.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and support automation initiatives.
• Assist in documenting finance processes and updating procedural guidance.
• Support the Senior Finance Manager in maintaining strong financial governance processes.
• Prepare operational data and reports for internal stakeholders as required.
• Assist with audit requests and ensure documentation is complete and accessible.
• Support organisational initiatives and projects, including the finance transformation project, as required.
• Assist in embedding changes across the finance function as a result of the transformation project, ensuring processes continue to operate effectively.

Leadership & Team Management

• Supervise and manage a team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and mentorship fostering a culture of excellence.
• Allocate workload and ensure deadlines are met across all finance operations.
• Act as the first point of escalation for team queries and operational issues.
• Conduct regular performance check-ins and support development of team capabilities.

The candidate

Skills and Experience

The successful candidate will bring strong accounting and operational experience, with the ability to manage finance processes and lead a team to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines.

They will manage a team of finance professionals, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to foster effective working relationships with team members, internal stakeholders, and senior management.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Member of a Recognised Accountancy Body is a prerequisite.
• Proven experience in a finance operations or finance management role, preferably in a similar industry.
• Strong financial acumen and understanding of financial principles, regulations, and best practices.
• Proficiency in financial software and tools, including accounting software and spreadsheet applications.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities with a willingness to challenge inconsistencies and improve processes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience supervising or supporting a finance team.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders and support the Senior Finance Manager in delivering finance objectives.
• A proactive, hands-on approach in identifying process improvements and supporting continuous improvement within the finance function.

Flexible work arrangements

The Institute is seeking and encourages applications from experienced candidates who may be looking for flexible work arrangements. If such arrangements are being sought please bring these to the attention of your interviewer.

The Institute will use the information which you have provided in this form to respond to your request or process your application and will hold and protect it in accordance with the Institute's privacy statement, which explains your rights in relation to your personal data.  By submitting this application acknowledge you have read our privacy statement.

Chartered Accountants Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply: