Duration:
Permanent . A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Background:
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to lead a large and complex public sector Accounts Payable operation. Working within a modern shared services environment, you will coach and develop a high-performing team, oversee a significant outsourced service provider and play a key role in driving process improvement, digital transformation and strong financial governance.
If you enjoy leading people, improving processes and working across a large organisation, this role offers significant scope to influence how Accounts Payable services are delivered while contributing to the delivery of Teagasc's strategic objectives.
The Accounts Payable service:
- processes over €100 million in payments annually
- processes more than 35,000 supplier invoices every year
- supports multiple business areas across Teagasc
- manages complex tax compliance obligations
- works with an external service delivery partner
- supports a diverse supplier base including commercial suppliers, researchers, grant recipients and staff
Key priorities for the successful candidate include:
- driving continuous improvement across Accounts Payable
- identifying opportunities for automation and digitalisation
- enhancing supplier and customer experience
- strengthening internal controls
- developing KPIs and performance reporting
- working collaboratively across Finance and Procurement to enhance the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay process.
This role offers opportunities to develop leadership capability, influence financial operations strategy, work across procurement, finance and ICT and to contribute to major systems and process improvements.
This role is one of two Accounts Payable manager posts, where both Accounts Payable managers work closely together in leading the Teagasc Accounts Payable Function.
Leadership
- Lead, coach and develop the Accounts Payable team.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and customer service.
- Build capability across the team.
Operational Management
- Ensure efficient, accurate, timely and compliant payment processing.
- Monitor service performance through KPIs, providing insights and recommendations to senior management.
- Manage relationships with key internal stakeholders.
Governance
- Ensure compliance with legislation.
- Maintain strong internal controls.
- Support internal and external audit.
Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve processes.
- Drive system optimisation, automation and improvement projects.
- Maintain up to date policies and procedures.
Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage outsourced service provider.
- Monitor contractual performance.
- Lead procurement exercises where required
Corporate
- Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
- Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
- Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
- Take responsibility for own on-going personal and professional development.
As one of two Accounts Payable Managers, you will play a key leadership role within Financial Operations, helping to shape how financial operations services are delivered across Teagasc. Working closely with colleagues across Finance, Procurement and operational business units, you will influence service delivery, strengthen governance and drive continuous improvement across the Procure-to-Pay process.
- This job specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post holder.
- A level 8 degree, (as recognised on the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent), in Finance, Accounting, Business or other relevant discipline and/or a recognised accounting qualification
- Experience (minimum 1 year) of leading an Accounts Payable function and/or a busy finance team
- Qualifications in tax, leadership, project management or other skills relevant to the role
- Ability to successfully lead, influence and motivate change, and to drive automation and process improvements
- Demonstrated ability to apply judgement and critical thinking
- Excellent problem-solving ability, with strong analytical and communication skills
- Knowledge of best practice in Accounts Payable operations and processes
- Expertise in Irish public sector tax requirements applicable to the Accounts Payable function or the ability to quickly develop it.
- Exposure to finance transformation or shared services environments a distinct advantage
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities
- Effective leadership
- Collaboration and ability to maintain a strong network of business relationships
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Stakeholder management and customer focus
- Commitment to on-going personal and professional development
- Commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our Teagasc Together ethos
We welcome applications from candidates with Accounts Payable leadership experience gained in either the public or private sector.
Note: The ‘essential’ qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are ‘must-have’ which will be used in the selection process.
