Interim Head of Financial Accounting

This is a key leadership role in Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) with responsibility for successfully leading the Financial Accounting team and reporting processes, as well as devising and implementing governance improvements through the management of risk.

Main Duties

The Head of Financial Accounting will oversee the efficient and effective management of Tourism NI’s Financial Accounting functions, and lead on the Governance and Risk Management functions within Tourism NI. The Job Holder will be responsible for the following areas and activities:

Financial Reporting

• To be responsible for delivering the requirements associated with Tourism NI’s Annual Accounts, ensuring timely and accurate production.
• To be responsible for meeting the requirements of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC), to include liaising with external auditors to resolve any issues in relation to the audit of the financial statements and presenting the financial statements to the ARAC and the Tourism NI Board for approval.
• To ensure the preparation of timely and accurate information, briefings and reports as may be required by Tourism NI, the Department for the Economy, the Minister and the NI Assembly.

Financial Management and Accounting

• To successfully lead the Tourism NI Financial Accounting team in the delivery of organisational, departmental, and individual objectives.
• To keep abreast of legislative changes to ensure that management decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date financial information and analysis.
• To be responsible for ensuring that proper financial controls and monitoring are in place to ensure the financial regularity, propriety and effectiveness of Tourism NI.
• To oversee the development and implementation of professional standards and best financial practice, including compliance with all public finance regulatory requirements.

Governance and Risk Management

• To provide strategic leadership in establishing and implementing a robust Risk Management framework, and associated processes and procedures.
• To oversee the day to day running of the Governance function using appropriate systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices to meet the needs of the business.
• To provide strategic leadership by designing, planning and undertaking Corporate Governance Reviews at regular intervals, to include ongoing advice in respect of organisational best practice and support with agreed improvement plans.

People Management

• To set objectives for the Financial Accounting team, to drive and monitor performance against objectives to successfully meet required deadlines.
• To develop the capability of the Financial Accounting team to ensure it meets the requirements of Tourism NI.
• To design and manage change that allows more flexibility, responsiveness and improved service delivery.
• To develop the financial expertise of the Financial Accounting team by leading the implementation of appropriate training and support in relevant areas of financial accounting and value for money.

Corporate Management

• As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Interim Head of Financial Accounting will actively contribute to the purpose, vision, strategic direction and sustainability of the organisation.
• They will contribute to the wider corporate management of Tourism NI.
• They will drive a culture of high performance, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity to succeed and develop professionally.
• They will be a champion for values-based behaviours and positive engagement.
• They will be a trusted advisor on the policy implications of specific cross-functional development initiatives.
• They will be a champion for values-based behaviours and positive engagement.
• They will be a trusted advisor on the policy implications of specific cross-functional development initiatives.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria – Education / Qualifications & Experience:

• i. Have successfully completed the professional examinations and be a full and current member of one of the following bodies: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland; The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland; The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales; The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; The Association of Chartered Certified Accounts; The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy; The Institute of Certified public Accountants in Ireland.
• AND ii. At least 5 years’ post qualification experience with evidence of successful financial management at a senior level and a successful track record in: Financial Management and Reporting; Corporate Governance and Risk Management.

Essential Criteria – Personal Effectiveness:

• The job holder will possess a strong standard of: Excellent ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and networks with partners, stakeholders and key people in the Tourism industry and a proven track record of successfully managing multiple stakeholders to assist delivery of organisational objectives.
• Experience of business planning processes and of developing and implementing integrated plans and performance management frameworks.
• Evidence of applying strategic thinking in improving business and/or service delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to write with clarity, coherence, and ability to design and deliver effective presentations.
• Delivery of effective leadership to create and sustain a high-performing and highly motivated team.

Preferred Criteria:

• Demonstrable knowledge of public sector financial structures, management and governance.