Administrative Officer

Post Summary: Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) is seeking a highly motivated Finance Manager (Grade VII / Administrative Officer) to lead its Finance Unit. This critical middle-management role is responsible for the leadership, supervision, control and the efficient management of the financial administration function of MSLETB which bridges frontline operations and senior management to ensure robust financial governance, statutory compliance, and strategic resource management.

Role overview:

• Position: Finance Manager (Grade VII / Administrative Officer)

• Location: MSLETB Finance Unit (Mayo / Sligo / Leitrim region)

• Reporting To: Head of Finance, Director of Organisation Support and Development (OSD) and Chief Executive (CE)

• Purpose: Lead Finance functions, drive digital transformation, and ensure strict adherence to strong governance and compliance rules.

KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Responsibilities/Profile:

As a key member of the Middle Management Team, this position will be appointed at Grade VII level with responsibility, under general direction, in the co-ordination and monitoring of on-going, current and new projects of Mayo Sligo and Leitrim ETB and would be responsible for a multilevel of staff.

Key Tasks

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The postholder will undertake a wide range of responsibilities to manage, support and ensure a high-quality Finance service in MSLETB. These include:

Team Leadership & Performance

• Manage Staff: Lead, mentor, and coach the finance team to foster high performance.

• Develop Succession: Drive workforce planning, staff development, and continuous training.

• Allocate Work: Delegate tasks efficiently across frontline accounting functions.

• Leadership: Provide positive and effective leadership, including deputising for the Head of Finance as required.

Financial Management & Budgetary Control

• Prepare Plans: Compile annual service plans, forecasts, and annual financial statements (AFS).

• Track Spending: Deliver monthly reports on operational and capital expenditures.

• Enforce Controls: Maintain rigorous budgetary control to ensure long-term financial stability.

• Reporting: Preparation of regular reports and returns to management and funding agencies ensuring appropriate and accurate forecasting and budget monitoring. Continuous improvement of financial reporting processes and finance controls including development, automation, monitoring and reporting of KPIs.

Governance, Compliance & Policy

• Ensure Compliance: Adhere to statutory regulations, Code of Practice for Governance of ETBs, and accounting standards.

• Manage Audits: Facilitate internal and external audits, including Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) reviews.

• Draft SOPs: Write, review, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures across the unit.

• Advise Executives: Provide expert advice to senior management on legislative and financial changes.

Operational Excellence & Stakeholder Engagement

• Drive Efficiency: Leverage technology and data to streamline financial systems and reporting.

• Collaborate Widely: Build strong working relationships across internal departments and schools.

• Liaise Externally: Engage with external agencies, funding bodies, and the Department of Education & Youth, SOLAS etc.

This role will continue to evolve as MSLETB evolves, this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him / her from time to time by the CE and to contribute to the development of the post while in the role.

QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE

Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent.

Or

Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher

Or

Have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise.

SKILLS

Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service Competency Frameworks for the Irish Public Service.

COMPETENCIES

• Team Leadership

• Analysis and Decision Making.

• Management & Delivery of Results.

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills.

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development.

• Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values.

Key Competencies:

The person appointed to the above post will be required to demonstrate evidence of the following competencies:

Team Leadership

• Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing performance issues if they arise.

• Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team.

• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives.

• Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required.

• Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills and capacity of team.

• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors.

• Takes account of any broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions.

• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.

• Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well-reasoned rationale and stands by these.

• Puts forward solutions to address problems.

Management and Delivery of Results

• Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives.

• Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time.

• Structures and organises their own and others work effectively.

• Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available.

• Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required.

• Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation.

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively.

• Applies appropriate systems/processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs.

• Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role.

• Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management.

• Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues.

• Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits.

• Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances.

• Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing.

• Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goals.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development

• Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and department/organisation and effectively communicates this to others.

• Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work.

• Focuses on self-development, striving to improve performance.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives.

• Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands.

• Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon.

• Ensures that customers/learners are at the heart of all services provided.

• Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity.

The Office

This is a permanent contract of employment. The normal working week is a 35 hours five-day week basis excluding breaks.

The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an officer of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an officer of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with discharge of his or her duties as a MSLETB Officer.

Probation

The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSL ETB’s Probationary Policy.