We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Financial Accountant to join a growing finance team in Shannon, reporting directly to the Financial Controller. This is a broad and hands-on accounting role, suited to an experienced qualified accountant with strong technical and operational accounting knowledge and experience across the full accounting cycle.
The successful candidate will take ownership of key areas of the finance function, including month-end and year-end reporting, management accounts, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, balance sheet control and statutory reporting. The role will also have responsibility for managing and developing members of the finance team.
Experience within a manufacturing environment would be advantageous. However, this is not essential, and candidates from other relevant sectors with strong all-round accounting experience will be considered.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Own and manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Prepare and review monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs.
- Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations.
- Manage accruals, prepayments, provisions, fixed assets and other accounting adjustments.
- Analyse monthly results and provide clear commentary on key variances and trends.
- Support the preparation of annual statutory accounts and external audit requirements.
- Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, company policies and statutory requirements.
- Maintain robust financial controls and identify opportunities for process improvement.
Management Accounting & Commercial Finance
- Provide financial analysis and insight to support business decision-making.
- Support budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes.
- Analyse actual performance against budget and forecast.
- Work closely with operational and commercial teams to understand financial performance.
- Where relevant, provide oversight and analysis of inventory, cost of sales, margins and other operational KPIs.
Accounts & Working Capital
- Provide oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control activities.
- Monitor cash flow and working capital.
- Review key balance sheet accounts and ensure issues are identified and resolved.
- Ensure appropriate controls are maintained across the transactional finance function.
Team Leadership
- Manage, support and develop direct reports within the finance team.
- Allocate responsibilities and ensure deadlines and reporting requirements are met.
- Review the quality and accuracy of work produced by the team.
- Coach and develop team members, providing regular feedback and support.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Audit, Tax & Compliance
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts and relevant tax filings.
- Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors and other professional advisors.
- Ensure the finance function operates in accordance with relevant Irish accounting and tax requirements.
Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting.
- Support finance systems and ERP improvements.
- Lead or contribute to finance projects as required.
- Develop more efficient and automated approaches to reporting and analysis.
Candidate Profile
Essential
- Qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
- Strong experience across the full accounting cycle (7+ years PQE).
- Proven experience with month-end and year-end close.
- Experience preparing and reviewing management accounts.
- Strong balance sheet and financial control experience.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
- Previous experience managing, supervising or developing finance staff.
- Strong Excel and financial systems skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with non-finance stakeholders.
- A hands-on, proactive approach with strong ownership and accountability.
