We are currently recruiting for a Manager for the Programme Funding Unit on behalf of our client, a leading public body. This is initially a two year fixed term contract.
Role Purpose
The Programme Finance Unit manager is responsible for implementing the functions of the unit. The unit will provide robust and appropriate financial management systems, processes & controls for the delivery of programmes. This ensures all funds are managed effectively and payments to funded groups and participants on schemes are made accurately and as scheduled. This includes ensuring that all financial activities comply with National and EU laws, Government circulars and internal policies and procedures. This Unit will be made up of Manager(s), Co-ordinators, Administrators and Support Officers with skillsets and knowledge relevant to the Unit remit and functions to deliver a range of supports and services to organisations on behalf of Government Departments and the organisation. There may be a requirement to further develop specialist knowledge and expertise relevant to the role and support the Directorate as and when required with additional tasks.
There are four Areas within the Finance Unit and detailed below are the respective programmes each Area will manage:
Area Programmes
Health & Wellbeing Sláintecare (SIIF)
The Manager in the Health & Wellbeing Unit may also involve work on programmes in other finance units depending on the budget. This will be reviewed annually.
Role Requirements
Operations Finance Management and Risk Governance
- Providing professional finance-related support to our SI&E operations business units.
- Taking responsibility for core operational financial procedures, controls and quality.
- Oversee the production of management information for a variety of internal and external audiences and assisting in the development of these in timely manner and in agreed format.
- Management of the SIE finance operations team, organising roles and responsibilities, work plans, timetables and deadlines for the functions, objectives and deliverables.
- Ensure all financial operations functions are delivered in a timely manner in line with appropriate policies and regulations.
- Programme and Beneficiary Financial Performance and Risk Management
- Effective Treasury management including all programme cash flow, drawdown and reporting requirements including convening oversight meetings to monitor same.
- Liaison with other directorates as appropriate on operations management, specific programme developments, performance delivery agreements, and programme specific reporting etc.
- Input into ICT System Development and UAT from a Finance Operations perspective.
- Implementing appropriate controls for recommendations of external, internal and beneficiary audits - Identify, report, manage and monitor issues of risk.
- Assist with development of control and delivery of actions as per SIE Risk Register.
- Managing work activation schemes such as RSS and Tus with direct oversight of payroll and associated processes. This includes liaising with funding departments and informing on policy decisions for existing schemes, as well as development and rollout of any new employment schemes.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Oversee the production of management information for a variety of internal and external audiences and assisting in the development of these in timely manner and in agreed format.
- Reporting to funders on specific programme financial requirements, particularly in relation to reporting requirements.
- Being accountable for allocated budgets and resources, and the commissioning of any other required services.
- Managing Service Level Agreements (SLA's) / performance metrics and management reporting for Programme Funding Management and related services.
- Develop processes to implement policy decisions and assist in development of new systems as appropriate
People Management
- Oversee assigned staff, ensuring they understand their roles, receive the necessary mguidance, and feel valued as part of the organisation.
- Conduct one-on-ones and performance evaluations to foster staff development andmaintain high performance standards.
- Make sure team members follow all standards and procedures, promoting a collaborative and productive work environment.
- Work with senior management to allocate team resources effectively, ensuring the right support is in place at the right time.
- Ensure adherence to the highest health and safety standards and all internal policies to maintain a safe and positive working environment.
- Manage recruitment process with RAG and Candidate Manager in support of Recruitment Team.
- Support and drive the implementation of all HR policies to a consistent and high standard.
- Lead with an agile mind-set, focused on problem solving through creative solutions.
Stakeholder Management
- Oversee relationships and communications with external stakeholders, including funding departments and key organisations, to ensure smooth and effective programme management and delivery, where applicable to this Unit and role.
- Build and maintain effective internal relationships across directorates, particularly within the SI&E Operations team and shared services that support operations and programme delivery.
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, using their insights to improve both current and future programmes.
Required Experience
Professional Experience
- 4 years+ demonstrated knowledge and professional application
- Strong experience of developing high performing teams
- Experience of directing customer service / account management services
- Experience of negotiating with senior management or senior Government officials in relation to programme/project delivery.
- Ideally would have substantive knowledge or direct experience of current Social Inclusion and Employment programmes, service provision and policy.
- Quality auditing and improvement experience and expertise
- Project Experience covering requirement gathering and prioritisation, planning, resource allocation
- Ability to work at differing levels of detail, both big picture concepts and complex detailed issues
- Highly Proficient in use of MS packages e.g. Project, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
- Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics CRM, SharePoint applications and portals would be an advantage.
Personal Attributes
- Ability to develop professional relationships with customers and colleagues to achieve Success.
- A structured and organised approach with the ability to prioritise and manage workload under pressurised conditions.
- Demonstrate a flexible and adaptable approach to their work in fast paced demanding environment.
- Experience of operating consistently in a changing environment at an optimal level.
- Approaches their work in a professional, friendly and courteous manner
- Is confident and approachable while possessing the ability to be assertive as required.
- Enthusiastic, pragmatic and motivated in their approach.
- An agile attitude to proactively seek solutions and opportunities with the Team and to enhance, support and grow the service provided.
Qualifications
- Qualified Accountant or equivalent
- IPASS Payroll qualification for work activation programme management
- Relevant Third Level qualification (e.g., Degree) or equivalent is desirable
