The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes. The WDC are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference.
Purpose of position:
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Financial Controller will lead and manage the finance, treasury and risk activities of the Western Development Commission (WDC). This person will lead the shared Corporate Services function including Finance, Treasury, Governance, Procurement, Legal & Risk Management, Administration and Human Resources. This is a 12-month maternity cover contract. The post holder will be a member of the management team and will work closely with the CEO on operational matters to ensure strong governance and financial management structures are maintained.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead the Corporate Services team (6 team members) within the shared administration function, ensuring a best-in-class corporate services support structure is available to assist the WDC meet its’ strategic objectives.
- Oversee daily, weekly and monthly accounting, including monthly accounts, payroll, payments, fund disbursals and statutory filings.
- Maintain financial control procedures and systems to minimise risk and ensuring adequate internal controls are in place to warrant the completeness and accuracy of all information.
- Ensure that appropriate and timely reporting, budgeting and planning is in place to measure delivery of the WDC Strategic Plan.
- Responsible for the preparation of WDC Financial Statements in compliance with applicable standards and regulations including FRS 102, the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, and the WDC Act.
- Ensure that the WDC is tax compliant and is compliant with all regulatory requirements and adheres to best practice in all its processes.
- Liaise with external auditors (Comptroller and Auditor General) to ensure the preparation of records for audit and the co-ordination of prompt responses to C&AG audit queries and the implementation of agreed audit recommendations.
- Key point of contact for parent Department (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht) and other external parties on all governance, risk, financial matters and other ad-hoc requests.
- Oversee compliance with the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies including the Internal Audit function and Public Procurement guidelines.
- Participate proactively as a key member of the management team.
- Safeguard and manage WDC assets, including fixed assets, liquid funds, investments, loans and receivables and associated reporting and timely access to information.
- Manage the Human Resources function.
- Oversee statutory compliance obligations to include Health & Safety, data protection, Climate and Sustainability and Freedom of Information (FOI).
- Note: the functions and responsibilities initially assigned to the position are based on the current organisational requirements and may be changed from time to time. The job holder requires the flexibility to fulfil other roles and responsibilities as assigned by the CEO.
Eligibility Criteria and Experience:
Essential
- A professional accountancy qualification and be a member of a recognised body of accountants and have a minimum of three years post qualification.
- Proven experience in leading and managing a small team delivering multiple support services in a deadline-driven environment.
- Strong IT skills, proven experience of using Sage Finance, Office 365 or similar.
- Excellent oral and written communications, interpersonal and leadership skills with proven experience managing and motivating staff as well as contributing within a fast-paced team environment.
- Possess strong commercial judgement and general business acumen.
- Excellent negotiation and relationship building skills.
Desirable
- Demonstrable experience operating within the public sector or evidence of the capacity to quickly acquire same.
- Experience working in a remote environment.
- Proficient in Irish.
Conditions:
All appointments are subject to the Western Development Commission Act 1998 and staff must agree to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies. The appointment will be for a full-time, fixed-term 12-month contract, subject to a probationary period as specified in the employment contract. Candidates must satisfactorily complete a 6-month probationary period before the 1-year fixed-term appointment can be confirmed. Notwithstanding the above, this will not preclude an extension of the probationary contract if performance dictates the same. Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will hold a full driving license and have access to transport as this post will involve travel nationally in support of the seven county Western Region and attendance at the Parent Departments Head Office in Dublin. When absent from home and your designated office location on official duty, you will be paid accordingly.
As part as of the application process, you will be required to submit the follow documentation:
- A comprehensive CV detailed as relevant to the position (no longer than three pages);
- A short cover letter/ personal statement (no more than one page) outlining why you wish to be considered for the post and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements for the position.
Closing Date:
The closing date for applications is Friday 20th March 2026.
For more information on this role, please contact Sarah Flynn.
sarah.flynn@collinsmcnicholas.ie
353 719108060
