SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, was established on 27 October 2013 and its mission is to fund, co-ordinate and monitor a range of Further Education and Training (FET) provisions that is responsive to the needs of learners and employers. It is an agency of the recently formed Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. SOLAS works in close collaboration with Education and Training Boards (ETBs) across Ireland on provision of high-quality further education and training, equipping learners with relevant skills and knowledge, and providing a pipeline of talent into employment and to the Irish economy and society.
At SOLAS, we put the learner, employers and communities, which FET serves, at the heart of everything we do. Working with sister agencies, SOLAS leads actions in key policy and strategy documents including the most recent Further Education and Training (FET) Strategy 2026 – 2030, the evaluation of the Greenskills Strategy , the National Skills Strategy 2025 and the People Strategy 2020-2024 and others.
SOLAS is seeking to recruit a Director of Finance for a three-year fixed term contract. The Director of Finance will be responsible for leading and overseeing the organisation’s finance function, ensuring the delivery of robust financial management, effective governance, and strong financial control across SOLAS.
The role will have responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, audit, compliance, treasury, and procurement, while also supporting strategic decision-making and driving continuous improvement and best practice across finance operations.
Reporting to the Executive Director – Support, the successful candidate will be a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the overall mission and strategic direction of SOLAS and the wider FET and tertiary system.
The SOLAS budget for 2026 is €1.35 billion and funding dispersed to Education and Training Boards and other funded bodies amounts to some €1.26 billion.
This senior management role will have a number of direct reports at manager level and have lead responsibility for financial matters, including the following areas:
Financial Management Unit
- Management and oversight of the SOLAS budget.
- Developing and implementing financial policies and procedures.
- Leading the estimates process and expenditure coordination, and reporting for SOLAS. This incorporates engagement throughout the year with the Chief Executive, Executive Directors, Directors, colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG).
- Leading and maintaining high standards in statutory accounts preparation, C&AG audit coordination and supporting accountability at the Public Accounts Committee and other Oireachtas Committees.
- Supporting the development of enhanced metrics to measure performance, value for money and enhancing accountability.
Procurement
- Oversight and continued development of procurement in the organisation. Acting as business procurement partner for the organisation, managing supplier negotiations, tracking supplier performance, and ensuring all purchasing activities drive value while complying with corporate and public procurement guidelines.
Internal Audit
- Liaison and engagement with the Head of Internal Audit
This is a 3-year temporary position for which the salary scale ranges from €108,152 to €133,775 per annum (inclusive of two long service increments) for a 35-hour week. Starting pay will be at the minimum point of the scale as per Government Circular E100/8/82. Exceptional circumstances may apply for candidates with current service in the Civil/Public service.
SOLAS offers an excellent benefit package including a contributory pension scheme and the opportunity for further training and development.
Applications, using the SOLAS Application Form, quoting reference number 634, should be e-mailed to [email protected]. Please complete the application form as specified. CVs will not be accepted.
The closing date is 12pm, Tuesday, 04 August 2026.
634 Role Specification
SOLAS, Castleforbes Road, Dublin 1 D01 A8N0 is the base location for this post. A Blended Working policy is in place, and an arrangement is available to request with this role, a minimum requirement of 2 days per week in the office (Castleforbes House, Dublin 1). One of the days being the SOLAS Anchor Day - Wednesday.
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Please note that as a public sector employee, you must reside in the Irish jurisdiction to avail of blended working, and in accordance with Department Public Expenditure and Reform (DPENDR) requirements, you must be available to attend in person if and when required.
SOLAS is an equal opportunity employer. SOLAS welcomes people with diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to apply. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to us on [email protected] . Canvassing will disqualify.
