Duration: Permanent.  A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.

Background:

Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority - is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.  Our vision is to be a globally recognised leader in developing innovative science-based solutions for the sustainable transformation of our land resources into products and services for the benefit of society. 

Teagasc’s mission to provide scientific leadership and support to Irish farmers and food companies in achieving a sustainable food system is underpinned by our organisational values of 'Respect, Excellence and Integrity'.

The Teagasc Finance Department is comprised of three teams reporting in to the Head of Finance – the Financial Accounting team, the Management Accounting team and the Financial Operations team.  The Financial Accounting team maintains and develops the Teagasc finance system, Integra. This includes managing/testing system upgrades, design and implementation of system enhancements to meet customer needs, report specification/design, maintenance and validation of interfaces into Integra.  The team also trains staff on new functionality, develops user guides/videos, ensures the system is compliant with tax rules/regulations and develops the system in line with the finance department strategy.

Basic Function:

To assume responsibility for financial accounting functions in Teagasc including, but not limited to, preparation of the annual statutory financial statements in compliance with Irish GAAP, preparation of the audit file, managing the audit process and liaising with the auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General’s office) during the course of the audit. The Senior Financial Accountant is also responsible for co-ordinating production of monthly management accounts, managing cash and banking controls and ensuring tax compliance and as a senior member of the Finance Department ensuring adequate internal financial controls and maintaining a strong control environment.

Hybrid Working:

Applications under the Home Working and/or Remote Working polices of the Agile Working Programme may be considered for up to 2 days per week.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives, for the benefit of all in the organisation. We are committed to the principles of 'Equal Opportunities, No Barriers, Active Inclusion'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.

       Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure monthly management accounts are delivered on a timely basis. Ensure the integrity, accuracy and relevance of the information reported in accordance with appropriate policies and procedures. 
• Prepare annual statutory accounts for the Teagasc group, prepare the audit file, liaise with the auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General’s office) and manage the audit process.
• Lead and mentor the trainee accountant, including design and implementation of training programme, and other staff reporting to the post, currently one half-time Accounts Assistant.
• Ensure optimum banking and cash controls are in place and operating effectively and manage cash flow in close liaison with Payroll, Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.  Carefully manage Teagasc deposit investments to ensure optimum return within risk tolerance.
• Provide financial analysis, reporting expertise, tax compliance and governance support to the business.
• Procure and manage external service providers in the areas of tax, financial accounting and actuaries at appropriate intervals in compliance with national and EU procurement regulations.
• Proactively engage and participate in the annual business planning and risk management processes and manage the implementation of the business plan to meet organisational goals and objectives.
• Take responsibility for his/her own on-going personal and professional development.
• Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations.  This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Customer Service Charter and Action Plan through adherence to best practice protocols.
• Take responsibility for own on-going personal and professional development.
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

* This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive.  It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.

Person Specification:

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with first rate academics who has experience in accounts preparation and audit and tax compliance. Candidates must have strong technical accounting skills, strong system skills, be commercially focussed, with the ability to liaise effectively with people at all levels within the organisation.

Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process. The ‘desirable’ qualifications, knowledge and skills will be influential in the short-listing process where large volumes of applications are received.

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.

Interviews: It is intended to hold interviews for this post the last week in August/ first week in September.