Head of Finance Operations

• Lead and manage core finance operations, including accounts payable, payroll & pensions, accounts receivable, client accounts, banking, taxation, general ledger, and systems administration.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial processing and month-end/year-end close.
• Oversee banking, weekly cash flow forecasting, ensuring adherence to agreed bank facility limits.
• Maintain and improve internal control systems to ensure compliance with accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Support internal and external audits and manage compliance with financial and tax regulations and statutory obligations.
• Maintain and manage strong relationships with banks, auditors, and other external stakeholders.
• Drive efficiency and automation in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
• Lead financial process improvement and transformation initiatives to strengthen financial controls, streamline reporting, optimise financial processes and systems for efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate with finance directorate teams including FP&A, Company Secretarial (including Audit & Risk), and Procurement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance operations team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for financial operational performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field (required).
• Professional accounting qualification ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA (required).

• Evidence of over 10 – 15 years post qualification experience, with at least 5 years in a finance leadership role in either a commercial body or commercial semi state body.
• Proven record of managing Finance Shared Services would be an advantage.
• Record of leading systems improvements and finance transformations, with proven change management experience.
• Strong systems skills and experience working with ERP systems (e.g., Sun, Microsoft dynamics, SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Strong leadership, people management, and mentoring skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills with the capacity to influence, negotiate and drive performance at a senior level.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Results driven.
• Prior experience in ESG Reporting Standards is desirable.
• An interest in horse racing while an advantage, is not essential.

• Creates an environment where the team is empowered to put the customer first.

• Supports the team in managing their workload to ensure customer needs are met.

• Role models customer focus and drives and develops customer focused initiatives.

• Ensures customer satisfaction is a priority.

• Is self-aware and proactively seeks feedback, using it for personal and professional development.

• Role models development by developing themselves and others.

• Reflects on behaviour, adapting approach to different situations.

• Is open to new ideas, drives continuous improvement with team and across the business.

• Results driven. Sets and delivers against SMART objectives for their area/team.

• Is accountable and delivers sustainable results, using resources effectively.

• Understands the wider business and its goals, onward communicates this to team.

• Empowers others to deliver their goals and projects with energy and pace.

• Is a flexible and adaptable to the needs of the business and delivers accordingly.

• Reviews processes and ways of working always striving for best practice and improving industry standards.

• Is creative and innovative and supports others to develop opportunities for creative thinking and innovation.

• Looks for innovative ways to provide a better service to our stakeholders.

• Implements change in a supportive, reassuring way, bringing others on the journey with them.

• Motivates and empowers others through a ‘can do’ approach.

• Understands strategic intent and aligns objectives and messages accordingly.

• Role models leadership and our core values.

• Develops, motivates and inspires others.

• Creates team environments where everyone contributes to the team objectives and is stretched accordingly.

• Ensures productive and positive communication is taking place across all teams.

• Harnesses team capability to ensure teams are performing to a high standard.

Horse Racing Ireland