Pay Grade: Léargas utilises civil service pay scales. Appointment equivalent to Assistant Principal Higher – successful candidate commences strictly at Point 1; €85,100
Role and Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Head of Corporate Services as outlined in this job description should not be regarded as comprehensive in scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the requirements of Léargas.
The Head of Corporate Services will lead their team and portfolio of services as well as provide strategic leadership to the organisation covering the full range of corporate governance, support to Finance, Audit and Risk Committee (FARC) and Board and facilitating capacity building and collaborative partnerships with stakeholders including internal teams and the government departments.
The Head of Corporate Services for Léargas will:
1. have substantial experience at a senior leadership level across Finance, HR, Procurement, IT, Governance and Business Planning and Development including strong financial management experience and the preparation of financial statements to recognised accounting standards.
2. be familiar with relevant finance, procurement, governance, continuous improvement, business planning and performance monitoring, risk management and corporate statutory duties. The post holder will ensure that the financial and corporate responsibilities of Léargas are discharged effectively and efficiently, will carry out company secretary duties and coordinate risk management across Léargas.
3. have experience of working with Boards of Management and a thorough understanding of the requirements of the codes of practice for governance and other relevant compliance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Corporate Services
4. Lead, develop, motivate, support and direct the Corporate Service Team functions, setting high standards and ensuring resources are appropriately planned and allocated to support organisational goals and objectives.
5. Ensure the smooth running of all areas of corporate services; HR, finance, procurement, facilities, business development, IT, governance and compliance.
6. Work with Léargas teams, particularly Operations and Finance, to streamline and improve processes and provide support for bursary and budget management.
7. Prepare annual and three-year financial and business development plans with the support of the management team.
8. Provide ongoing support and regular reporting to the Board, FARC, relevant Government Departments, funders and stakeholders regarding Léargas operations, finance, governance and compliance.
Governance and Compliance
9. Ensure smooth running of all areas of corporate governance in accordance with legal and statutory requirements, the charities code, and where appropriate and relevant, the code of practice for state bodies and EU Commission Regulations.
10. Work with the Procurement and Compliance Officer and Heads of Teams to ensure compliance and value for money in corporate procurement, effectively monitor, manage and record approval and documentation systems.
11. Ensure compliance with budgetary and financial management of agreements and SLA’s with lead stakeholders.
12. Act as Company Secretary to ensure all legal and Company Office Requirements are complied with.
13. Oversee the Risk Management Framework of Léargas for adherence with GDPR and information security requirements.
14. Lead, develop, motivate, support and direct the implementation of the Léargas Sustainability Statement to improve our environmental performance of daily business operations and demonstrate compliance with policy and leadership for environmental sustainability and the global fight against climate change.
Finance and Accounts
15. Work with the Senior Finance Officer and Management Team to establish appropriate operational budgets and effectively monitor and manage operational income and expenditure. Identify and act on any deviations or variations from the agreed expenditure or activity in conjunction with the relevant Team manager and/ or ED.
16. Liaise closely with other members of the management team to ensure a seamless understanding of current and forecast financial positions and operations.
17. Oversee financial procedures and payroll and ensure controls are in place throughout the organisation, including up-to-date documented policies and procedures
18. Oversee production of timely, accurate and relevant monthly management account information, including commentary on significant areas and variances from departmental budgets and highlighting any challenges.
19. Oversee the maintenance of accounting and financial records efficiently.
20. Review and approval of all monthly balance sheet reconciliations,
21. Oversee preparation of year-end accounts and annual financial statements including the directors’ report. Liaise with external auditors and the Senior Finance Officer to manage year-end audit processes.
22. Oversee implementation of internal audit plan including annual review of internal financial controls. Liaise with external auditors and the Senior Finance Officer and management team to resolve all mitigations identified.
23. Working as a member of the team in the preparation and submission of financial and other reports to the relevant government departments and the European Commission.
HR
24. Work with the Senior HR Officer and Heads of Teams to:
1. Plan, develop and deliver effective Training and Development.
2. Assist in the assessment of essential knowledge and skills for our work, maximising talent and resources, and supporting staff to reach their full potential.
3. Assist with effective succession planning across all levels of the organisation.
4. Support excellence in performance management and development systems as well as effective time management analysis and reporting.
25. Support the organisation to achieve its objectives in staff satisfaction and well-being, including health and safety while carrying out their duties, and ensuring appropriate facilities are available to implement.
26. Oversee the efficient maintenance of HR records and policies.
27. Support the Senior HR Officer and the Léargas management team in developing strategies for attracting and retaining staff.
28. Ensure compliance with policy, legislation, stakeholder agreements and other requirements for personnel, recruitment, delegated sanction and hiring etc.
IT and Digital
29. Leading Digital transformation and efficiencies through the business process of the organisations together with the IT Officer.
30. Ensuring value for money, performance and delivery from external partners and service providers.
31. Ensure information security management and compliance with policy, legislation, stakeholder agreements and other requirements for business continuity
32. Supporting and delivering the IT Strategy and implementation for Léargas
Person Specification
Essential skills, experience and qualifications required:
33. Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior leadership position with a qualification relevant to the portfolio - Governance, Finance, Risk Management and Business Administration etc.
34. Good financial knowledge and understanding with prior experience in managing departmental budgets.
35. Demonstrated commitment to people, organisational development, interpersonal development and collegiate working.
36. Exceptional communication skills (writing/ verbal / presentation of information and ideas).
37. Self-starter with a process improvement mindset.
38. Accountable and works with integrity.
39. Ability to proactively initiate and positively manage change.
40. Effective at problem-solving in a constructive, inclusive and creative manner.
41. Experience supporting, coaching and motivating a team and demonstrating excellent leadership qualities.
Desirable experience
42. Experience working in a not-for-profit organisation would be an advantage
43. Qualifications in accountancy and membership of a recognised association would be an advantage.
44. Affinity with and understanding of the importance of international and European exchange opportunities and benefits for people, organisations and inclusive societies.
45. Experience with SORP
46. Experience with accounting software, user and administration systems – eg Iplicit.
Key competencies applicable to this role
47. Leadership and Strategic Direction
48. Judgement, Analysis and Decision-Making Organisation
49. Management & Delivery of Results
50. Building Relationships and Communication
51. Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self-development
52. Drive and Commitment to Léargas and European Values