Finance Manager

About the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)

The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) provides loan finance to Local Authorities Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing. The HFA is a key stakeholder in Irelands national housing strategy supporting the implementation of government policy.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance & Company Secretary the successful candidate will work collaboratively within the HFA Finance Team.

Candidates should be experienced and effective professional delivering results focused accurate analysis interpretation and reporting of financial and management accounts in both the public and private sector.

Familiar with Financial Reporting Standards (FRS 102) the Companies Acts and Governance Codes such as the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Key Responsibilities

The Finance Manager will focus on key areas such as public sector financial governance strategic financial planning regulatory compliance and reporting audit and statutory accounts team leadership and systems development.

The post will play a pivotal role in overseeing the financial management reporting compliance and strategic planning functions of the Housing Finance Agency. This position requires a high level of expertise in public sector finance statutory reporting and governance with responsibility for leading budgeting processes managing audits and ensuring regulatory compliance across all financial activities.

Management Accounting & Budgeting

Lead the production analysis and interpretation of management accounts and budgets.

Develop and enhance the annual budgeting framework and capital expenditure monitoring systems.

Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.

Financial Reporting & Communication

Coordinate and deliver monthly quarterly and annual financial reports to key stakeholders including DHLGH DPENDR Department of Finance New ERA Central Bank (Central Credit Register) CSO OGP and Oireachtas.

Prepare responses to financial queries from government and regulatory bodies.

Statutory Accounting & Audit

Manage the production of annual financial statements and statutory accounts in accordance with recognised accounting standards and the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Plan and oversee the annual external audit process ensuring timely and accurate delivery.

Draft reports and decision papers for the HFA Board OPDC and Audit Committees.

Strategic Planning

Produce and analyse financial data to support the development of the HFAs 5-Year Corporate Plan and other strategic initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

Support the development and performance management of the HFA Finance Team.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Compliance & Governance

Monitor adherence to all relevant legal regulatory and governance requirements.

Liaise with internal auditors on audits and related documentation.

Systems & Process Improvement

Lead financial system implementation upgrades and enhancements including the migration to Microsoft Business Central and Power BI.

Review and maintain robust financial processes and internal controls.

Treasury & Payments Oversight

Approve Loans and Treasury Confirmations within HFA systems and provide support to the Treasury Team.

Authorise payments via the IBB system and oversee payroll and administration payments.

Manage the Exchequer and ROS systems for financial administration.

Customer Billing & Reconciliation

Conduct half-yearly reconciliation and accounting of customer billing including interest and repayments.

Please note that the above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the HFA.

CRITERIA & QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Qualification & Experience:

A degree level or higher in a relevant field such as finance economics or business

Be a professionally qualified accountant with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience

Demonstrate exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Have at least 5 years experience working within a financial services environment.

Strong Microsoft office skills including Advanced spreadsheet skills.

Experience leading the implementation of accounting systems or financial platforms including managing change and ensuring successful adoption.

Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire develop and guide finance professionals.

Experience of managing conflicting demands and responding to tight deadlines.

Experience in communicating complex financial information to non-financial people.

Desirable Experience:

Familiarity with Government codes and reporting requirements

Knowledge of public sector procurement guidelines

COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:

Leadership: Provides strategic direction in lending operations builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of accountability compliance and customer focus.

Judgement Analysis & Decision Making: Assesses complex financial and credit information to make sound risk-aware lending decisions that align with organisational and regulatory priorities.

Management & Delivery of Results: Oversees the efficient delivery of lending services and projects ensuring timely high-quality outcomes while adapting to market and policy changes.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Communicates lending policies and decisions clearly builds trust with clients and stakeholders and promotes collaboration across teams and departments.

Specialist Knowledge Expertise and Self Development: Demonstrates deep knowledge of lending practices credit risk and financial regulations while actively pursuing professional development in the lending domain.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values: Upholds integrity and transparency in lending practices ensuring fair access to credit and placing the needs of citizens and communities at the centre of service delivery.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Tenure

The appointment is on a permanent contract subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.

Hours of Work

Operating on a 35-hour week with core hours between 08.00am 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a flexible work model with staff currently required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.

Salary Scale

The Assistant Principal Officer Standard salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 August 2025) is as follows:

ASSITANT PRINCIPAL OFFICER (PPC)

This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.

Assistant Principal Non-Personal Pension Contribution Salary Scale

This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.

Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.

Important Note

N.B. Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if immediately before appointment you are a currently serving civil/public servant.

Annual Leave

In addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 30 working days based on a five-day week.

The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via HIREHIVE LINK only

Each candidate should submit a short cover letter outlining why you believe your skills experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm on 30 September 2025.

If applicable please contact our HR Manager Katherina Sage if you require a job description in an accessible addition candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.

Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical.

The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.