Manager - Finance Unit

IrishJobs

Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

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About

SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society. At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2020 2024, the evaluation of the Greenskills Strategy , the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others. SOLAS is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, ambitious and strong individual to lead a team to oversee efficient and effective achievement of key deliverables which will support SOLAS to deliver on its objectives. This includes the strong management of a robust funding process in relation to the significant funding SOLAS provides to the FET sector in Ireland. The role will report to the Director of Finance and will require an experienced manager with excellent digital, numerical, written and verbal skills. The Manager will be expected to interact and network with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally, have proven management skills with the ability to plan, organise and meet deadlines across multiple activities to accomplish goals with the team. The Manager will demonstrate initiative to drive the on-going development of robust guidelines, processes and systems in Finance, as well as significant cross functional work with other Business units to promote best practice and support the FET system. Key Responsibilities: Management of a robust process in relation to the annual FET funding activities, which includes leading and supporting internal teams across different business units through effective planning, reporting, and assurance mechanisms. This will include oversight, continuous development and management of a robust financial reporting system to ensure potential challenges can be identified and addressed in a timely manner. Drive significant transformation initiatives in the area of FET funding, including supporting the development and implementation of outcomes-based funding model for FET provision, which is required to align with FET Strategy, organisational goals and the finalisation of the outstanding items from the FET funding model review. Production of Financial data, reports and analysis to support insights on FET outcomes across the FET sector to ensure that State investment is being maximised. This will include both regular and ad-hoc reporting and analysis which will require critical thinking to provide clear, succinct findings and recommendations as required. Oversight of, and further development in, robust processes to review all financial and non-financial information provided to SOLAS across the FET system to highlight any risks and concerns for SOLAS. This would include, but not limited to, financial returns made to SOLAS, Audited Financial Statements and Internal Audit reports. This would include reporting on risks and potentially working with internal and external stakeholders to mitigate any risks identified as appropriate. Requirement to build up and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with colleagues across all functions of SOLAS, in particular the FET College, System Performance and the Apprenticeship units. This will include the flexibility to work with these Business Units on a collaborative basis and promote a one-team ethos across the Business Units. On-going leadership in change management to continuously enhance an already robust system with practical support, clear communication, hands-on engagement and a can do attitude. Responsive management of self, others, and resources to deliver against changing priorities at short notice with high levels of professionalism, sectoral expertise, and a can do attitude. Make efficient and effective use of all resources in planning, organising, executing, and monitoring the units activities. Management of risk associated with FET system funding, including responses to audit queries, Parliamentary Questions, Requests from DFHERIS, and stakeholders, both internal and external. Ensure that the reputation of the organisation is properly protected. Demonstrate the highest level of integrity in all areas of work and interaction with internal and external stakeholders. This includes proactively identifying risks or concerns and addressing/highlighting them as appropriate. The post-holder will engage with government departments, ETBs, ETB Shared Service, agencies, and other key external stakeholders to ensure on-going support of the FET system. Working across the unit, support the Director and contribution as a senior manager to the overall management and future development of the Finance Unit and the organisation. This will include development and delivery of annual business plans and effective utilisation of allocated budgets, consistent with the overall FET strategy, the SOLAS Corporate and Annual Business Plan, and other relevant national policies. Provide strong leadership and direction to team members, ensuring efficient use of organisational resources and ensuring that staff development needs are being considered and managed. Deputise for the Director as required. Any other duties which may be specified from time to time Requirements: Essential: NFQ/QQI level 8, or equivalent standard of education in finance or business is the minimum required Minimum of 5 years relevant working experience in the Finance/Funding area of a public sector or similar complex organisation, ideally within the FET/HEA Sector Results focussed with excellent digital and numerical modelling, written, verbal, communication and presentation skills. Excellent information technology skills, including strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Demonstrate the highest level of professional integrity at all times Experience of process development and on-going improvement Ability to interact, network, and build up strong working relationships with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders including government departments, SOLAS Senior Leadership Team and FET providers Ability to make informed decisions in a timely manner Significant experience in task and people management, including leading and motivating teams, providing clear direction to accomplish a range of goals in a well planned and organised manner. Demonstrated leadership in organisational change and stakeholder engagement. Desirable Requirements: Qualified Accountant or possession of relevant post-graduate qualification. Demonstratable knowledge of the FET, Tertiary and/or educational sectors Previous experience working alongside other agencies or educational organisations in receipt of Government funding. Knowledge of public sector financial procedures and how they relate to the role Experience working independently and taking initiative. This is a permanent position for which the salary scale ranges from €82,221to €107,586per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service. SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development. To apply for this position please use the SOLAS Application Form which can be found on the SOLAS Careers page. You must download and complete the application form. This application form must be submitted via email quoting reference number 622, by 12.00pm, noon, Tuesday, 19 May2026. CVs will not be accepted. SOLAS, Castleforbes Road, Dublin 1 D01 A8N0 is the base location for this post. A Blended Working policy is in place, and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday. Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person when required. The use of AI throughout your recruitment process is limited. To understand more, see the SOLAS Careers page for details. SOLAS is an equal opportunity employer. SOLAS welcomes people with diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to us via the SOLAS website. Benefits: Paid Holidays Work Life Balance Employee Assistance Programme TravelPass Scheme Cycle To Work Scheme Health and Wellbeing Initiatives

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Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

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