Financial Accountant

About the Role

Our client, a prominent manufacturing company located in County Meath, Ireland, is seeking a Financial Accountant with a strong commercial focus and proven experience in the manufacturing sector. This individual will play a pivotal role by integrating solid financial governance with operational understanding and strategic collaboration to enhance company performance, support decision-making, and fuel ongoing growth and long-term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts punctually.
• Generate financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections.
• Analyze financial results to advise on enhancing profitability and operational efficiency.
• Present financial data and core KPIs to senior leadership.
• Maintain accurate general ledger and accounting documentation.
• Manage pricing strategies, conduct margin analyses, and evaluate product profitability.
• Lead the yearly budgeting process and monitor adherence to budgets, investigating discrepancies as needed.
• Support strategic plans and business expansion initiatives.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity needs, and actively manage working capital including debtor and creditor accounts.
• Engage with financial institutions and external advisors when necessary.
• Ensure robust internal financial controls and adherence to Irish accounting standards, tax laws, and corporate policies.
• Handle VAT, Corporation Tax, PAYE/PRSI, and Revenue filings.
• Coordinate and serve as the main liaison for annual audits with external auditors.
• Lead and nurture the finance team by delegating tasks, monitoring output, and fostering training and development opportunities.
• Promote accountability, accuracy, and continuous operational improvements within the team.
• Partner with operations, procurement, sales, and senior management to provide actionable financial insights supporting informed decisions, assess capital expenditures, and participate in strategic project initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA) with a minimum of 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated background in a manufacturing context.
• Sound expertise in management accounting, budgeting, and financial controls.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and reporting specific to manufacturing environments.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles is advantageous.
• Experience in financial system implementation or enhancing processes is preferred.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong commercial insight and business acumen.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective leadership and team management skills.
• Proficient communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• High precision and attention to detail.
• Ability to independently manage diverse tasks and priorities.
• Strategic thinker with a pragmatic approach.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timeliness and accuracy of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Accuracy and integrity in budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, and stock valuation.
• Working capital optimization and effective cash flow management.
• Successful audit results and compliance adherence.
• Gross margin improvement and cost reduction efforts.