**For full job description and how to apply for this role, please see the TCD vacancies page comp ID 038052 https://www.tcd.ie/hr/vacancies/
The Purpose of the Role
The Head of Finance will direct and be responsible for the financial management of the Centre budget (>€100m), across multiple funding streams(Research Ireland, EI, EU, Industry & Philanthropy). This new role will have the authority to devise and take action as well as taking responsibility for the financial strategy regarding the diversity and sustainability of the Centre’s funding. In particular, the Head of Finance will be responsible for the financial planning, projection and management of the Centre’s funding. An in-depth understanding of ADAPT’s strategic and long term goals will be required in the execution ofthe financial function. The Head of Finance will be accountable for providing expertise and strategic input in the delivery of the Centre’s financial goals & objectives.
Standard Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
Strategy & Policy Development
• Devise and implement a financial strategy for the diversity and sustainability of the Centre’s funding. With particular responsibility for the financial planning and scenario modelling to assist all aspects of ADAPT including operational, business development and strategic planning.
• Provide strategic guidance and solution-based approaches to financial planning to inform the decision-making of ADAPT’s academics across TCD and wider ADAPT partnership (DCU, UCD, TU Dublin, TUS, MTU, MU, UoG)
• The Head of Finance will be responsible and accountable for shaping and directing ADAPT’s expenditure policy including ADAPT’s policy on industry targets along with the Executive Director for Commercialisation and will directly influence the policy on the distribution of industry funds across across the Centre and partner institutes
• Enable ADAPT to harness diverse funding opportunities by providing expert financial planning and direction cross a complex portfolio of research grants (contract value €100m) from multiple research sponsors such as Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the European Union as well as multiple industry partners including SME’s and MNC’s
• Develop and implement best practice approaches in all aspects of financial management to ensure the appropriate financial controls, policies and behaviours are developed and executed for the Centre based on the Irish Financial Legislation and funders requirements
• Devise and implement best practice governance with respect to all financial matters across the organisation, communicating complex information clearly, concisely and persuasively to the wider Senior Management committees
• Enable the achievement of ADAPT’s strategic goals by implementing processes, systems, and ways of working to improve monitoring controls and procedures as well as the internal control environment in line with best practise for state funded organisations
• Utilise specialist knowledge and provide financial expertise in the compilation of proposals and business plans submitted to the various funding agencies (Research Ireland, EI, EU etc.) for new and additional funding
Financial Oversight
•In collaboration with the ADAPT Director, direct the financial management of the Centre budget (>€100m), across multiple funding streams (Research Ireland, EI, EU, Industry & Philanthropy) including business risk and contingency planning as well as risk mitigation
• Overall responsibility for the financial oversight of the Centre-wide budget (across 8 university partners) and be the primary conduit for financial reporting of all of ADAPT’s Research Ireland, EI, EU, industry and philanthropic funding
• As a key member of the ADAPT Management Committee, drive informed decision-making by monitoring and translating national and international developments and trends into clear impact and risks to ADAPT financial goals
• Provide essential financial expertise to enable the Diretor to understand and control the complex financial budgets in the Centre
• Act as a member of ADAPT’s Management Committee and provide overall financial guidance, maximising impact through contributions to overall strategy, and resolve blockages in achieving ADAPTs objectives and goals
• Inform and ensure financial and HR reporting obligations for the ADAPT and Learnovate Research Centre are discharged in a timely and transparent manner
• Ensure compliance with National and EU procurement policies together with effective contract management across the ADAPT academic partnership
Sustainability & Risk Management
• The Head of Finance will support risk assessment, budgeting and planning for the research, commercialisation activities and operations across the eight ADAPT member institutions
• The Head of Finance will be responsible for informing the funding distribution across this virtual organisation (i.e. university boundaries) associated with complex industry collaborative research projects involving investigators from multiple institutions
• The Head of Finance will direct and be responsible for the financial management and risk mitigation associated with the Centre budget (>€100m double that of ADAPT Phase 1), across multiple funding streams (Research Ireland, EI, EU, Industry & Philanthropy) by embedding effective risk management structures and frameworks within ADAPT TCD as well as across university partner institutions
• As a member of the ADAPT Centre Senior Management team provide financialexpertise and guidance to facilitate transformation, implementation and embedding of change initiatives
• Conduct value for money analysis of the Centre’s activities and expenditure bringing clarity, focus and innovative approach to support high level decision making to achieve the Centre’s long-term financial objectives
• Manage and monitor financial aspects of engagement with industry partners with a total income of over €30M including completion of Consolidated Industry Cost Share Report and in-kind reports.
• Devise and manage ADAPT’s Financial Risk Register and embed effective risk management structures and frameworks within ADAPT TCD as well as across university partner institutions
• Oversee ongoing variance through analysis; keeping tight controls on all research grants and liaise with principal investigators and relevant stakeholders for action when necessary
• Continuously evaluate the Centre’s funding performance, providing key expertise in the implementation of new methods to increase success rates in line with the Centre’s objectives
Stakeholder Management
• Create and maintain relationships with key C-level executives in stakeholder organisations which including HEI partners, industry partners MNEs and SMEs, international and national funding agencies, and philanthropic foundations
• Liaise with external auditors such as the C&AG and Audit Authority and where necessary lead the implementation of any findings
• Lead the executive communication across the TCD finance office and faculty offices and build strong working relationships with key stakeholders across these various functions
• Develop and maintain strong relations across Centre partner institutions as well as executive directors of other Research Ireland Centres
Operational Management
• Lead and manage a high-performing, multi-institute finance team across the Centre; encouraging a culture of initiative, innovation & continuous improvement through career development while ensuring the teams activities are aligned with ADAPT’s strategic goals.
• Promote continuous talent development across the finance function by motivating a continuous learning culture and champions the strengths & capabilities of team membersto enable a positive work environment
• Lead and grow the existing finance unit which currently comprises of the Finance Manager, Finance Executive Officer and Research Accountant
Qualifications
• Possess a professional accountancy qualification and be a member of a recognised body of accountants (e.g. ACCA, CIMA, ACMA, ACA or equivalent).
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience with at least 5 years post qualification in a large complex organisation with multiple stakeholders
