Financial Accounting Lead (IFMS Project)

Purpose of the Role

The Financial Accountant Lead will be responsible for leading the financial accounting work stream within the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) implementation programme. The post holder will ensure that all statutory, financial control, treasury, taxation, month-end and year-end accounting requirements are fully incorporated into the new system design and operating model.

The role will act as the primary subject matter expert for financial accounting processes, working closely with Finance, Procurement, ICT, the National IFMS Programme Team and implementation partners to support system design, data migration, testing, training and go-live activities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that IFMS delivers enhanced financial control, improved reporting capability, standardised processes and compliance with HSE, Department of Health and statutory financial reporting requirements.

IFMS Programme Delivery

• Lead the Financial Accounting work stream for the IFMS implementation programme.
• Act as the principal finance subject matter expert for general ledger and financial accounting processes.
• Participate in system design workshops to ensure financial accounting requirements are adequately represented.
• Support the implementation of standardised national finance processes within IFMS.
• Identify, assess and escalate risks and issues impacting programme delivery.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful implementation.

General Ledger and Financial Control

• Lead the review and redesign of general ledger processes within the IFMS environment.
• Support the development and implementation of a revised chart of accounts and financial structures.
• Ensure appropriate financial control frameworks are embedded within the system.
• Support the establishment of governance, approval and financial delegation structures.
• Ensure compliance with internal control and audit requirements.

Statutory and Financial Reporting

• Define statutory and financial reporting requirements for inclusion within IFMS.
• Ensure the system supports the preparation of annual financial statements and statutory returns.
• Support the transition to automated and standardised financial reporting processes.
• Validate reporting outputs and ensure alignment with organisational requirements.
• Assist in designing financial reporting packs for executive management and governance committees.

Balance Sheet and Reconciliation Processes

• Lead the review and redesign of balance sheet management processes.
• Ensure robust controls are established for reconciliations and financial monitoring.
• Support the migration and validation of balance sheet data.
• Develop procedures for ongoing reconciliation and control monitoring.

Treasury, Taxation and Compliance

• Support the incorporation of treasury and banking requirements within IFMS.
• Review VAT, RCT and other taxation-related processes to ensure compliance.
• Ensure all statutory and regulatory reporting requirements are considered during system implementation.
• Liaise with internal and external auditors as required.

Data Migration and Validation

• Support data cleansing, mapping and migration activities relating to financial accounting data.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of migrated financial information.
• Validate opening balances and financial structures before go-live.
• Assist with development of data governance and quality standards.

Testing and Quality Assurance

• Develop and execute financial accounting test scenarios and scripts.
• Participate in system integration testing, user acceptance testing and dress rehearsals.
• Validate financial transactions, controls and reporting outputs.
• Support issue resolution and defect management activities.

Change Management and Training

• Assist in developing operational procedures and financial accounting guidance documents.
• Deliver training and knowledge transfer to finance staff and system users.
• Support organisational readiness and transition activities.
• Promote adoption of standardised finance processes across the organisation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build effective working relationships with Finance, Procurement, ICT and operational stakeholders.
• Liaise with the National IFMS Programme Team and implementation partners.
• Engage with auditors, regulators and external stakeholders where required.
• Provide expert advice on financial accounting implications of system design decisions.
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The job description is an outline of the post as it is currently perceived by the hospital and will be subject to review and amendment. This job description will therefore be subject to change in light of the various strategies for the hospital and the development of the Clinical Directorate model and any future developments that arise and will evolve and change over time.

Selection Criteria: 

Selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would need to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post. 

Applications will be assessed on the basis of how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Mandatory:

Experience with Integra or SAP experience

Professional Accountancy Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).

Membership of a recognised professional accounting body.

Desirable:

Significant post-qualification experience in financial accounting.

Experience preparing statutory financial statements.

Experience managing balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.

Experience in large, complex organisations, preferably within healthcare or the public sector.

Experience with finance system implementations, ERP projects or finance transformation initiatives.

Informal Enquiries ONLY to: (Please note NO APPLICATIONS will be accepted via the Informal Email)