Accounts Payable Officer

Role Overview

We are inviting a skilled Accounts Payable Officer to join the Finance Team of a public-sector organization on a 12-month contract basis. This position requires more than just processing transactions; you will be integral in upholding financial governance, reinforcing internal controls, ensuring compliance with tax and VAT regulations, and fostering continuous enhancements within finance operations.

Primary Responsibilities

• Efficiently process a large volume of supplier invoices, ensuring accurate authorization, coding, and matching with purchase orders.
• Manage supplier accounts actively including payment runs, monitoring outstanding balances, and reconciling supplier statements regularly.
• Serve as the main contact for the shared Accounts Payable mailbox, handling queries, resolving discrepancies, and addressing payment issues promptly and professionally.
• Conduct month-end reconciliations for accounts payable, bank accounts, and control accounts, maintaining detailed audit-ready documentation.
• Oversee correct VAT treatment on supplier invoices, including VAT recovery, handling reverse charges, and managing intra-EU and international transactions.
• Apply knowledge of Irish taxation standards, ensuring adherence to Public Sector Professional Services Withholding Tax (PSWT), Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT), and other Revenue-related responsibilities.
• Ensure compliance with public sector financial procedures, procurement rules, circulars, and timely payment legislation.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing clear, thorough documentation and explanations.
• Utilise financial systems efficiently—particularly Microsoft Business Central—and identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance service delivery.

Qualification and Experience Requirements

• Minimum NFQ Level 5 certification in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a comparable field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in accounts payable, finance officer roles, or similar positions managing high volumes of invoice processing and payments.
• Proficiency with integrated financial management tools such as Microsoft Business Central and strong skills in Microsoft Excel and Office suite.
• Comprehensive understanding of end-to-end accounts payable workflows, Irish VAT rules, and public sector financial guidelines.
• Exceptional attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to workload and process improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possession of a recognized accounting technician qualification or active pursuit of a professional accounting designation.
• Experience working within public sector or regulated environments.
• Hands-on exposure to VAT returns, tax compliance, and audit support activities.
• Familiarity with public procurement procedures.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capabilities.