Finance Department

Grade V - Finance Department

Job Specification & Terms and Conditions

Job Title and Grade

Grade V Staff Officer - Finance Department

(Grade Code 0566)

Campaign Reference

SCH/011/2026

Closing Date

Thursday 12th February 2026@ 17:00hrs

Proposed Interview Date (s)

Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date.

Taking up Appointment

As soon as possible after the closing date

Organisational Area

HSE Dublin South East

Location of Post

Finance Department - St Columcille’s Hospital

There is currently one permanent, whole-time post available. The successful candidate may be required to work in any service area within the vicinity as the need arises.

A panel may be created for Staff Officer Grade V, Finance Department, St Columcille’s Hospital Hospital, from which permanent or temporary vacancies of full- or part-time duration may be filled.

Informal Enquiries

Name: Christina Whelan

Title: Finance Manager

Email:Christina.Whelan@hse.ie

Details of Service

St. Columcille’s Hospital (SCH) Loughlinstown, is a model 2 hospital with 117 Inpatient Beds, 3 Medical Observation Beds, 8 Day Beds, 3 bed Endoscopy Unit, 9 Beds in MAU (Medical Assessment Unit) and 6 in the IU (Injuries Unit). The hospital currently employs 516 staff.

St. Columcille’s Hospital is committed to providing a quality, patient-focused service in a way that meets all patient needs in an equitable, efficient and safe manner. We acknowledge the contribution of each member of staff and aim to encourage and support them in their ongoing professional development.

St. Columcille’s Hospital is located on the border of County Wicklow. It provides a range of services to a diverse population covering South County Dublin and County Wicklow.

These services include an Injury Unit, Medical Assessment Unit, acute medical in-patient services, day surgery, outpatient care and diagnostic services. St. Columcille’s Hospital has a national speciality in obesity management and is a referral centre for bariatric surgery. In addition to general medicine and care of the elderly services it also has orthopaedic rehab and stroke rehab services.

Free staff car parking facilities on-site.

Reporting Relationship

The post holder will join the line management structure at St. Columcille’s Hospital and will report to the Finance Manager.

Purpose of the Post

The Accounts Payable Officer is responsible for the management and operation of the Accounts Payable function, including invoice processing, vendor management, purchase order compliance, reporting, and supervision of staff. The role ensures that payments are processed in line with legislation, regulations, and internal controls, while providing timely and accurate financial information to management.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

The position of Grade V encompasses both managerial and administrative responsibilities which include the following:

Administration

· Manage the end-to-end Accounts Payable process, ensuring compliance with the Prompt Payment Act, and Procurement frameworks.

· Process invoices, ensuring correct coding (GL/Cost Centre), VAT compliance, approvals, and timely payment.

· Maintain accurate records and filing systems for invoices, statements, and supporting documentation.

· Monitor GR/IR (Goods Received / Invoice Received) reports and resolve discrepancies.

· Ensure purchase orders are raised, matched, and closed appropriately.

· Manage vendor queries, ensuring timely resolution and escalation where required.

· Reconcile vendor statements and follow up on outstanding items.

· Oversee cash receipting, banking reconciliations, and petty cash management.

· Prepare weekly and monthly AP reports, including accruals, variance analysis, and journal postings.

· Support month-end and year-end processes, ensuring all AP-related transactions are captured.

Customer Service

• Promote and maintain a customer focused environment by ensuring service-users are treated with dignity and respect
• Seek feedback from service users/customers and implement change to incorporate same, in agreement with line manager

Human Resources / Supervision of Staff

· Supervise and ensure the wellbeing of staff within own remit

· Ensure an even distribution of workload amongst the team, taking into account absence due to annual leave etc.

· Create and promote a positive working environment among staff members which contributes to maintaining and enhancing effective working relationships

· Promote cooperation and working in harmony with other teams and disciplines

· Deal with under performance in a timely and constructive manner

· Identify training and development needs of staff in own area

· Pursue and promote continuous professional development in order to develop management expertise and professional knowledge

Service delivery and improvement

· Ensure accurate attention to detail in own work and work of team

· Actively participate in innovation and support change and improvement initiatives within the service; adapt local work practices ensuring team knows how to action changes

· Monitor efficiency of service provided by team, identify and implement changes to the administration of the service where inefficiencies arise

· Encourage and support staff through change processes

Standards, policies, procedures & legislation

· Maintain own knowledge of relevant HSE policies, procedures, guidelines and practices to perform the role effectively and to ensure current work standards are met by own team

· Maintain own knowledge of relevant regulations and legislation e.g. Financial Regulations, Health & Safety Legislation, Employment Legislation, FOI Acts, GDPR

· Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc.and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

· Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service

The above Job Specification 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 and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Eligibility Criteria

Qualifications and/ or experience

Candidates must have at the latest date of application: -

1.Professional Qualifications, Experience, etc

(a) Eligible applicants will be those who on the closing date for the competition:

(i) Have 3-5 years satisfactory experience as a Clerical Officer in the HSE, TUSLA, other statutory health agencies, or a body which provides services on behalf of the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004

Or

(ii) Have obtained a pass (Grade D) in at least five subjects from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Leaving Certificate Examination, including Mathematics and English or Irish1. Candidates should have obtained at least Grade C on higher level papers in three subjects in that examination.

Or

(iii) Have completed a relevant examination at a comparable standard in any equivalent examination in another jurisdiction

Or

(iv) Hold a comparable and relevant third level qualification of at least level 6 on the National Qualifications Framework maintained by Qualifications and Quality Ireland, (QQI).

Note1:

Candidates must achieve a pass in Ordinary or Higher level papers. A pass in a foundation level paper is not acceptable.

Candidates must have achieved these grades on the Leaving Certificate Established programme or the Leaving Certificate Vocational programme.

The Leaving Certification Applied Programme does not fulfil the eligibility criteria.

and

(b) Candidates must possess the requisite knowledge and ability, including a high standard of suitability, for the proper discharge of the office.

Age

Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where s/he is not classified as a new entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004). A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed application forms for the office occurs.

Health

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character

Candidates for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Post Specific Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate experience deemed necessary for safe and effective performance in the role.

3-5 years’ experience of working in accounts payable role in a large multidivisional organisation to include experience of computerised finance and budgeting systems.

Relevant knowledge and experience in SAP S4 Hana P2P is desirable.

Knowledge of HSE Financial Regulations, and procurement processes desirable.

Candidates must demonstrate knowledge/experience in supervising staff and knowledge of HR policies relevant to supervisory positions.

Ability to adapt to changes in systems, processes, and regulations.

Other requirements specific to the post

Candidates must demonstrate flexibility in all aspects of their role.

Skills, competencies and/or knowledge

Professional Knowledge & Experience

· Demonstrates knowledge and experience relevant to the role as per the duties & responsibilities, eligibility criteria and post specific requirements of the role

· Maximise the use of ICT, demonstrating excellent computer skills particularly Microsoft Office, Outlook etc.

· Demonstrate the ability to work in line with relevant policies and procedures

· Demonstrate commitment to developing own professional knowledge and expertise

Planning & Managing Resources

· Demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and manage own workload and that of others in an effective and methodical manner within strict deadlines, ensuring deadlines are met

· The ability to manage deadlines and effectively handle multiple tasks

· The ability to manage within allocated resources and a capacity to respond to changes in a plan

· Maintains an awareness of value for money

Evaluating Information, Problem Solving & Decision Making

· Demonstrate numeracy skills, an ability to analyse and evaluate information and make effective decisions. Recognises when it is appropriate to refer decisions to a higher level of management

· Demonstrate initiative in the resolution of issues arising / problem solving and proactively develop new proposals and recommend solutions

· Makes decisions and solves problems in a timely manner before they accumulate

Team Working

· Demonstrate the ability to work on own initiative as well as part of a team, promoting a positive team spirit

· Demonstrate leadership potential, the ability to manage the performance of others and support staff development

· Works as part of the team to establish a shared sense of purpose and unity

Communications & Interpersonal Skills

· Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to present (verbal & written) information in a clear and concise manner

· Demonstrate the ability to influence people and events and the ability to build and maintain relationships with a variety of stakeholders

· Treats others with dignity and respect

Commitment to a Quality Service

· Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the service user and a strong commitment to providing a quality service

· Embraces and promotes the change agenda; demonstrates flexibility and initiative including the ability to adapt to and implement change

· Supports team through service improvement / change processes

Campaign Specific Selection Process

Ranking/Shortlisting / Interview

A ranking and or short-listing exercise may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application form. The criteria for ranking and or short-listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of those requirements.

Failure to include information regarding these requirements may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Those successful at the ranking stage of this process (where applied) will be placed on an order of merit and will be called to interview in ‘bands’ depending on the service needs of the organisation.

Code of Practice

The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be applied on a principle basis. The Code also specifies the responsibilities placed on candidates, facilities for feedback to applicants on matters relating to their application when requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment and selection process and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates”.

Codes of practice are published by the CPSA and are available on www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of Practice, Information for Candidates” or on www.cpsa.ie.

The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job specification may be reviewed.

This job specification is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.

Grade V

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Tenure

The post is permanent and whole-time.

The post is pensionable. A panel may be created from which permanent and specified purpose vacancies of full or part time duration may be filled. The tenure of these posts will be indicated at “expression of interest” stage.

Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 and Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Amendment Act 2013.

Remuneration

The Salary Scale (as at 01/08/2025)

€51,718 €53,265 €54,843 €56,456 €58,078 €59,969 €61,866 LSIs

New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, Local Authorities, Health Service and other Public Service Bodies and Statutory Agencies.

Working Week

The standard working week applying to the post will be confirmed at job offer stage.

HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day / Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies. Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec 16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).

Annual Leave

The annual leave associated with the post will be confirmed at job offer stage.

Superannuation

This is a pensionable position with the HSE. The successful candidate will upon appointment become a member of the appropriate pension scheme. Pension scheme membership will be notified within the contract of employment. Members of pre-existing pension schemes who transferred to the HSE on the 01st January 2005 pursuant to Section 60 of the Health Act 2004 are entitled to superannuation benefit terms under the HSE Scheme which are no less favourable to those which they were entitled to at 31st December 2004

Age

The Public Service Superannuation (Age of Retirement) Act, 2018* set 70 years as the compulsory retirement age for public servants.

* Public Servants not affected by this legislation:

Public servants recruited between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012 (new entrants) have no compulsory retirement age.

Public servants recruited since 1 January 2013 are members of the Single Pension Scheme and have a compulsory retirement age of 70.

Probation

Every appointment of a person who is not already a permanent officer of the Health Service Executive or of a Local Authority shall be subject to a probationary period of 12 months as stipulated in the Department of Health Circular No.10/71.

Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998

As this post is one of those designated under the Protection of Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act 1998, appointment to this post appoints one as a designated officer in accordance with Section 2 of the Act. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your appointment to your current post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. You will receive full information on your responsibilities under the Act on appointment.

Infection Control

Have a working knowledge of Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.

Health & Safety

It is the responsibility of line managers to ensure that the management of safety, health and welfare is successfully integrated into all activities undertaken within their area of responsibility, so far as is reasonably practicable. Line managers are named and roles and responsibilities detailed in the relevant Site Specific Safety Statement (SSSS).

Key responsibilities include:

· Developing a SSSS for the department/service[1], as applicable, based on the identification of hazards and the assessment of risks, and reviewing/updating same on a regular basis (at least annually) and in the event of any significant change in the work activity or place of work.

· Ensuring that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is integrated into day-to-day business, providing Systems Of Work (SOW) that are planned, organised, performed, maintained and revised as appropriate, and ensuring that all safety related records are maintained and available for inspection.

· Consulting and communicating with staff and safety representatives on OSH matters.

· Ensuring a training needs assessment (TNA) is undertaken for employees, facilitating their attendance at statutory OSH training, and ensuring records are maintained for each employee.

· Ensuring that all incidents occurring within the relevant department/service are appropriately managed and investigated in accordance with HSE procedures[2].

· Seeking advice from health and safety professionals through the National Health and Safety Function Helpdesk as appropriate.

· Reviewing the health and safety performance of the ward/department/service and staff through, respectively, local audit and performance achievement meetings for example.

Note: Detailed roles and responsibilities of Line Managers are outlined in local SSSS.

[1] A template SSSS and guidelines are available on the National Health and Safety Function/H&S web-pages

[2]See link on health and safety web-pages to latest Incident Management Policy