Role Description

The Financial Controller is a key member of the Senior Management Team and is responsible for ensuring the strong financial stewardship of the company’s resources by overseeing financial planning, reporting, compliance, budgeting, donor fiscal management, and internal controls.  

This is a hands-on role given the size of the organisation, which supports strategic decision-making and guarantees that all financial activities align with regulatory requirements, donor agreements, and organisational policies. S/he will work closely with the CEO and the Senior Management Team, in addition to supporting and advising the Audit & Risk Committee and Board of Directors.

The Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation is seeking a skilled Financial Controller to join its Senior Management Team. This key role ensures strong financial stewardship through oversight of budgeting, reporting, compliance, and internal controls. Working closely with the CEO and Board, the successful candidate will support strategic decision-making and donor compliance. 

Applicants should have a professional accounting qualification and at least five years’ experience, ideally in the non-profit sector. This hands-on position requires excellent analytical, leadership, and communication skills to manage financial operations and contribute to organisational impact.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Lead the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements
• Maintain accurate accounting records in compliance with company / charity financial standards and local laws
• Oversee the general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, and journal entries
• Prepare financial dashboards and analysis for senior management and the Board
• Represent the organisation as senior financial team member to stakeholders as required

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead on multi-annual budget development with programme and operations teams
• Monitor budget performance, providing variance analysis and actionable insights
• Conduct rolling forecasts and scenario planning
• Draft budgets for funding applications and reports

Donor Compliance & Grant Management

• Ensure financial compliance with donor rules and grant requirements
• Review grant budgets, donor reports, and expenditure tracking
• Coordinate donor audits and financial reviews
• Support proposal development with costings and financial risk assessments

Internal Controls & Risk Management

• Maintain and review  internal control frameworks and financial policies
• Monitor adherence to procurement, asset management, and financial procedures
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures
• Investigate irregularities and recommend corrective actions

Audit & Regulatory Compliance

• Coordinate internal and external audits
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting and tax obligations
• Maintain documentation for financial transparency and accountability

Cash Flow & Treasury Management

• Manage day-to-day transactional processes
• Oversee cash flow planning and liquidity management
• Manage bank relationships and authorise payments
• Supervise cash handling procedures across offices and field operations

Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Supervise finance team members and ensure strong performance management
• Provide training to non-finance staff on financial policies and donor requirements
• Promote a culture of accountability and ethical financial behaviour

Reporting to:     CEO

Salary:                 €65,000  pro rata (€52,000 / 4 days per week)

Location:             Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Co. Wicklow, Ireland (25kms from Dublin City Centre)

Terms:  Three-year fixed term contract (inclusive of a six month probationary period) with a view to renewal to permanent status thereafter. The role is currently anticipated to require approximately 32 hours / 4 days per week. We offer flexible and hybrid working arrangements, including the option to split hours across different days and a blend of office-based and remote working. Glencree is committed to supporting flexible working practices and is open to discussing arrangements that best suit the successful candidate.  Please note that some flexibility in working hours may occasionally be required during audit periods or key donor reporting deadlines.

Experience and skills sought:

The following are indicative experience and skills sought in looking for the best person to work as part of the Senior Management Team.  The successful applicant will be highly organised and efficient and have the personal and relational skills to liaise effectively with the Staff, Board, strategic partners, service providers and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (CPA, CPFA, CA, ACCA,) strongly preferred

Experience

• Minimum 5  years of progressive financial management experience, preferably in an NGO or non-profit
• Proven experience with donor-funded projects and grant compliance
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting, financial reporting, and leading audits
• Experience managing a multi-country or multi-currency environment is a plus

Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of NGO financial standards and donor regulations
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, NetSuite, or similar)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to NGO accountability principles
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial staff
• Strong leadership and people skills

The successful candidate will need to be eligible to work in the Republic of Ireland; have a full, clean drivers licence and access to own transport.