Senior Project Accountant

Senior Project Accountant

Description

Post Title & Subject Area: Senior Project Accountant

Grade: Grade VII

Post Duration: 1 yearSpecified Purpose Contract linked to TEF Funding, Full-time

Reports to: Head of Corporate Services

Salary: NCAD Grade VII - €60,611 - €78,795 per annum

Candidates should note that as per Department of Finance guidelines, entry will be at the first point of the salary scale and the rate of 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.

Annual Leave: Annual Leave will be 30 working days per annum. This leave is exclusive of public holidays.

Hours of Attendance: Working hours will be 35 hours per week (net of rest breaks).

Location: This position is based at NCAD, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin

Background

The National College of Art and Design (NCAD) is entering an exciting and significant phase of development, with a number of major initiatives commencing from 2026 onwards. These include a comprehensive programme of capital renewal, the delivery of a number of large-scale research projects, and the implementation of NCAD’s strategic objectives, supported by the planned expenditure of a key strategic fund.

All of these programmes are supported by Government funding and are therefore subject to robust public-sector governance, accountability and compliance requirements. The scale and complexity of these initiatives will require strong financial oversight, effective controls, and adherence to recognised good governance practices to ensure value for money, transparency, and compliance with funding conditions.

The Project Accountant will play a central role in supporting these programmes by providing high-quality financial management, reporting, and assurance across all project streams.

This role is a specified purpose role funded by the Targeted Enhancement Fund (TEF), this funding is time-bound and the objectives of the funding are to:

● Provide targeted support for initiatives that are critical to the strategic development of NCAD.

● Contribute towards enhancement initiatives that will strengthen the performance of NCAD.

● To consolidate NCAD's position in the higher education landscape.

● Facilitate the development and/or continuation of initiatives that further national policy and priorities.

Role Purpose

The Senior Project Accountant will provide comprehensive financial management, control, and reporting support across multiple discrete projects, with a particular focus on capital programmes and publicly funded initiatives. The role ensures compliance with public-sector financial governance requirements, supports value-for-money objectives, and contributes to transparent, accurate, and timely financial reporting to internal and external stakeholders. The individual will be required to manage the financial aspects of each project and demonstrate leadership to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Project & Capital Financial Management

● Manage the financial aspects of multiple discrete projects, including capital projects, from approval through to completion.

● Prepare, monitor, and control project and capital budgets, forecasts, and cash flows.

● Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and funding conditions, identifying variances, risks, and corrective actions in a timely manner.

● Support project and programme managers by providing financial advice and analysis to inform decision-making.

Management Accounting & Financial Reporting

● Prepare accurate and timely management accounts and project financial reports in accordance with public-sector accounting standards and internal reporting requirements.

● Deliver detailed variance analysis and narrative commentary for senior management and governance forums.

● Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes.

● Maintain accurate and auditable financial records across all projects.

Governance, Compliance & Audit

● Ensure compliance with public-sector financial regulations, circulars, and internal control frameworks.

● Support internal and external audits, including provision of documentation, reconciliations, and explanations.

● Ensure appropriate financial controls are in place across projects, with a focus on transparency and accountability.

● Contribute to continuous improvement of financial controls, processes, and reporting practices.

Funding & Grant Management

• Manage the financial requirements associated with EU-funded and/or Government-funded projects, including:
• Grant claims and drawdowns
• Compliance and financial reporting
• Audit and verification processes
• Ensure expenditure is eligible, properly documented, and reported in line with funding agreements and programme rules.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders, including project teams, senior management, and central finance.
• Liaise as required with external bodies such as Government Departments, funding authorities, auditors, and oversight agencies.
• Any other duties that may be required from time to time in relation to supporting the administration of the College.

Mandatory Criteria and Competencies

Qualifications & Professional Membership

● Fully qualified accountant and a member of one of the recognised Irish professional accounting bodies, including: ACA, ACCA, CIMA

Technical & Professional

● High level of computer literacy, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience using financial and ERP systems.

● Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting.

● Knowledge of public-sector financial governance, controls, and audit requirements (desirable).

Analytical & Organisational

● Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

● Well-developed planning, organisation, and prioritisation skills.

● Ability to manage complex financial information and meet strict reporting deadlines.

Interpersonal & Communication

● Strong written and verbal communication skills.

● Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.

● Collaborative approach, with the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams.

Personal Attributes

● High degree of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

● Proactive, solutions-focused, and resilient in a complex project environment.

● Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Desirable Criteria and Competencies

Previous Experience

● Proven experience in management accounting/ and/or project accounting, ideally within a public-sector or publicly funded environment.

● Experience in the financial management of capital projects in the public sector.

● Demonstrated experience managing the financial aspects of multiple discrete projects concurrently.

● Experience supporting capital programmes and/or projects subject to external funding and compliance requirements.

● Experience working on EU-funded and/or Government-funded programmes, including compliance and financial reporting requirements.

Personal Attributes

● Proven ability to work independently as a self-starter, managing competing priorities and resolving issues proactively.

Closing Date: 10th of March 2026