Head of Finance in Dublin

About the Role

The National Gallery of Ireland ('the Gallery') is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. The Gallery wishes to recruit a Head of Finance on a permanent basis in the Corporate Services division. The overall purpose of this post is to lead the Finance department at the Gallery, ensuring delivery of all aspects of Gallery wide financial management and statutory reporting for this leading cultural institution. This post will also be responsible for procurement management at the Gallery.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services (or nominated deputy), the Head of Finance will:

• Manage all aspects of finance in the Gallery which includes Exchequer funding and own generated revenues and all related reporting.
• Ensure adherence to, and compliance with, appropriate accounting standards and all statutory and other regulations including, statutory returns for payroll, pensions and tax and Prompt Payment of Accounts Act 1997.
• Provide support and information for parliamentary questions, board related issues and other information requests.
• Deliver all reporting requirements of the updated Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies (2016).
• Oversee the Gallery’s annual statutory accounts, monthly management accounts, financial management reports, funder reports, grant application submissions in accordance with appropriate financial procedures and guidelines and in accordance with recognised accounting standards.
• Manage the internal and external audit processes in the Gallery and deal with issues arising, including Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) audits.
• Provide assurance on adequacy of all financial management procedures and processes and maintain up to date manuals
• Prepare a robust and fit-for-purpose yearly budget to support the delivery of the Gallery’s strategy and services, and track performance against budget.
• Liaise with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport in respect of all financial matters and drawing down funding and grants.
• Lead on policies in the area of financial management and corporate governance.
• Manage the Finance department and advocate a culture of continuous professional development and operational improvement within these departments to ensure they meet their annual goals. Ensure they are properly resourced to deliver goals and to meet Gallery’s expanding technology, reporting and commercial requirements.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives that contribute to the delivery of the strategic objectives of the Gallery.
• Be proficient in presenting financial and other information in a clear, concise and logical manner to the Board and internal / external stakeholders.
• Be prepared to improve efficiency in finance systems, processes, procedures and structures, making sound decisions in a timely manner.
• Any other duties, and any changed duties, as assigned by the Director of Corporate Services.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A relevant qualification as a qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) with membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA).
• Significant relevant post qualification accountancy experience including management accounting, financial accounting, financial services or the regulatory environment. Public Sector work experience is desirable.
• Previous work experience at senior management level in a similar sized organisation.
• Previous work experience of overseeing audit processes, financial reporting including management and statutory accounts, budget process and practices.
• The ability to produce robust and fit-for-purpose budgets and track performance against budget.
• The ability to operate at strategic level coupled with operational understanding and strong financial acumen.
• A knowledge of public sector accounting and financial management environment and systems.
• Evidence as a visible, energetic and confident leader with the ability to motivate and inspire multiple teams, delegate effectively and facilitate high performance.
• A clear understanding of procurement, including contract negotiation and award, and subsequent management through to implementation.
• The ability to work independently and in a collaborative environment with peers and team members.
• An ability to clearly define goals/objectives and delegates effectively encouraging accountability for tasks.
• The ability to present financial and other information in a confident logical and convincing manner both verbally and in writing.
• A high degree of analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills in financial and business management.
• A strong track record in the exercise of sound professional judgement.
• An ability to maintain composure while working under pressure whilst achieving tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• A strong work ethic, be flexible and results focused.
• An energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute effectively to a positive work environment at the Gallery.

Details

Location: Merrion Square West, Dublin, Ireland

Contract Type: Full time, Permanent

Closing date: 1 Nov 2026

Salary: €87,510

Annual Leave: 30 days of annual leave pro rata.

Superannuation: Public sector pension scheme.

Benefits: Tax saver and cycle to work schemes.

Working hours: 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Flexibility is required and the successful candidate will be required to work occasional early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit your application online and upload the following documents in PDF format:

• CV (should be no more than three pages) detailing your relevant achievements and experience to date.
• Cover letter (should be no more than two pages) outlining why you wish to be considered and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date will be accepted.

All enquiries relating to the role can be sent through the messaging function within the Rezoomo application system, or alternatively to the HR Team at [email protected]. Canvassing will disqualify.