Financial Controller

JOB & PERSON SPECIFICATION

About the WDC:

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes.

Culture of the WDC:

At the WDC, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference. Our culture is defined by teamwork, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. We value diversity, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you are passionate about making a difference in the western region of Ireland and want to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Purpose of Role:

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Financial Controller will lead and manage the finance, treasury and risk activities of the Western Development Commission (WDC). This person will lead the shared Corporate Services function including Finance, Treasury, Governance, Procurement, Legal & Risk Management, Administration and Human Resources. This is a 12-month maternity cover contract.

The postholder will be a member of the management team and will work closely with the CEO on operational matters to ensure strong governance and financial management structures are maintained.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Corporate Services team (6 team members) within the shared administration function, ensuring a best-in-class corporate services support structure is available to assist the WDC meet its’ strategic objectives.

• Oversee daily, weekly and monthly accounting, including monthly accounts, payroll, payments, fund disbursals and statutory filings.

• Maintain financial control procedures and systems to minimise risk and ensuring adequate internal controls are in place to warrant the completeness and accuracy of all information.

• Ensure that appropriate and timely reporting, budgeting and planning is in place to measure delivery of the WDC Strategic Plan.

• Responsible for the preparation of WDC Financial Statements in compliance with applicable standards and regulations including FRS 102, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the WDC Act.

• Ensure that the WDC is tax compliant and is compliant with all regulatory requirements and adheres to best practice in all its processes.

• Liaise with external auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General) to ensure the preparation of records for audit and the co-ordination of prompt responses to C&AG audit queries and the implementation of agreed audit recommendations.

• Key point of contact for parent Department (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht) and other external parties on all governance, risk, financial matters and other ad-hoc requests.

• Oversee compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies including the Internal Audit function and Public Procurement guidelines.

• Participate proactively as a key member of the management team.

• Safeguard and manage WDC assets, including fixed assets, liquid funds, investments, loans and receivables and associated reporting and timely access to information.

• Manage the Human Resources function.

• Oversee statutory compliance obligations to include Health & Safety, data protection, Climate and Sustainability and Freedom of Information (FOI).

• Note: the functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The job holder requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.

Eligibility Criteria and Experience:

Essential

• A professional accountancy qualification and be a member of a recognised body of accountants and have a minimum of three years post qualification.

• Proven experience in leading and managing a small team delivering multiple support services in a deadline-driven environment.

• Strong IT skills, proven experience of using Sage Finance, Office 365 or similar.

• Excellent oral and written communications, interpersonal and leadership skills with proven experience managing and motivating staff as well as contributing within a fast-paced team environment.

• Possess strong commercial judgement and general business acumen.

• Excellent negotiation and relationship building skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrable experience operating within the public sector or evidence of the capacity to quickly acquire same.

• Experience working in a remote environment.

• Proficient in Irish.

Conditions:

All appointments are subject to the Western Development Commission Act 1998 and staff must agree to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Key Competencies:

For effective performance at this level, the candidate will need to demonstrate that they possess the key competencies for effective performance at Assistant Principal level:

• Leadership

• Judgement Analysis & Decision Making

• Management & Delivery of Results

• Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self Development

• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

General Information

This competition will be used to fill specific posts in the WDC. Please note, this role is a full time fixed term post and the successful candidate will be required to take up assignment on a full time basis. Discussion regarding flexible working arrangements can be undertaken once the successful candidate is out of probation.

Health & Character:

Candidates must be in good health, capable and competent of carrying out the work assigned to them, and they must also be of good character. Those under consideration for a position may be required to complete a health and character declaration. References will be sought.

In the event of conflicts of interest, candidates may not be considered for certain posts. It is important that candidates list their previous civil or public service employment if they have availed of a voluntary redundancy or retirement scheme and/or are in receipt of an ill-health retirement pension. Failure to do so could lead to disciplinary action.

Eligibility to Compete:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a) A citizen of the European Economic Area. The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

(b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp four visa; or

(e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp four visa; or

(f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp four visa.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

This is a competitive competency-based selection process to appoint the most suitable candidate to fill this specific position. A panel for this position may be formed as part of the recruitment process.

How to Apply:

As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit the following documentation:

a) A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV), detailing experience relevant to the position (maximum of three pages);

b) A short cover letter or personal statement (maximum of two page) outlining the applicant’s motivation for applying for the post and demonstrating how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

Duties of Post:

The duties and responsibilities set out in this job description are indicative of responsibilities related to this role. As with all posts, the nature of WDC business is evolving and flexibility is required to adapt to changing business needs.

Remuneration:

Based on 40 hours gross per working week (or 35 hours net), successful candidate will be paid on the Assistant Principal Scale:

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate:

The salary for this position, with effect from 1st February 2026 is as follows:

€82,290 – €85,320 – €88,393 – €91,475 – €94,553 – €96,329 – €99,433 – €102,550 – €102,550

1 After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum 2 After 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum

In addition:

• A further general round increase of 1% will apply on 1st June 2026.

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous public sector experience as per circular 08/2019.

The PPC (Personal Pension Contribution) scale applies when the individual is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6 April 1995 or are a new entrant to the civil or public service and are making a compulsory personal pension contribution. A different rate will apply where the appointee is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Important Note:

Interested applicants should understand that entry will be at the first point of the appropriate scale and will not be subject to negotiation. The rate of total remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.

Office Location:

The WDC is a remote-first organisation with its head office in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon, staff are also located in Galway, Letterkenny, and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Ballaghaderreen, Galway, Letterkenny or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC.

New staff or those on probation may initially work on-site more frequently until completing role induction, as decided by their manager or the CEO.

Remote First:

At the WDC, we follow the Government’s / our parent Department’s guidance in extending remote working to all employees in order to provide flexibility and opportunities for dynamic collaboration and work / life balance. We believe in harnessing technology to drive innovation and maximize efficiency, empowering our team to thrive in a flexible work environment.

We promote in-person collaboration and attendance at our offices located in Sligo, Galway, Letterkenny and Ballaghaderreen when it is required or warranted. New staff or those on probation may initially work on-site more frequently until completing role induction, as decided by their manager or the CEO.

Travel:

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will hold a full driving licence and have access to transport as this post will involve travel nationally in support of the seven county Western Region.

When absent from home and your designated office location on official duty, you will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, in accordance with Civil Service regulations.

The candidate may also be prepared to undertake occasional international travel in the undertaking of their duties.

Hours of Attendance:

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 40 hours gross per week (35 hours net). The successful candidate will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of their duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

The rate of remuneration payable covers any extra attendance liability that may arise from time to time.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave allowance will be 30 working days a year. This leave is on the basis of a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Sick Leave:

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the sick leave circulars.

Officers who will be paying Class A rate of PRSI will be required to sign a mandate authorising the Department of Social Protection to pay any benefits due under the Social Welfare Acts directly to the employing Organisation.

Payment during illness will be subject to the officer making the necessary claims for social insurance benefit to the Department of Social Protection within the required time limits.