Head of Finance and Corporate Services

Head of Finance and Corporate Services Reporting To Chief Executive Officer Location Athletics House, Mary Peters Track, Upr Malone Road, Belfast Purpose of the Role The Head of Finance and Corporate Services will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, HR administration, governance support and organisational systems for Athletics Northern Ireland and Mary Peters Track Ltd. The postholder will support the CEO, Board and senior management team through accurate financial reporting, financial planning, compliance oversight and effective organisational support within a publicly funded and commercially active environment.

About the Organisation Athletics Northern Ireland is the governing body for athletics in Northern Ireland and is responsible for the development, promotion and governance of the sport across all levels from grassroots participation through to elite performance. Mary Peters Track Ltd manages one of Northern Irelands leading athletics facilities on behalf of Belfast City Council. The successful candidate will work across both organisations within a complex operational environment involving public funding, governance requirements, facility management, events and commercial activity.

The successful candidate will join Athletics NI during an important period of organisational development and transition. Whilst the role includes opportunities to strengthen systems, processes and organisational resilience, an immediate priority will be ensuring continuity across key finance, payroll, HR and corporate services functions. The postholder will be expected to quickly establish an understanding of existing arrangements across Athletics NI and Mary Peters Track Ltd and ensure the timely delivery of critical activities including payroll, grant claims, VAT returns, management reporting, budgeting and compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities Financial Leadership and Management Lead the annual budgeting and financial planning process across Athletics NI and Mary Peters Track Ltd. Ensure continuity of critical financial functions, including payroll, VAT returns, grant claims, management reporting and statutory compliance. Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, budget monitoring reports and financial forecasts. Provide financial analysis and advice to support operational and strategic decision-making.

Monitor cashflow and provide regular forecasting and variance analysis. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, financial sustainability and operational effectiveness. Support commercial decision-making through profitability and performance analysis. Maintain effective financial controls, systems and procedures. Lead preparation for annual audit processes and liaise with external auditors and advisors. Ensure compliance with VAT, HMRC and statutory financial requirements. Prepare financial reports and supporting information for the Board and Committees.

Manage financial administration relating to Sport NI and other funding bodies, including grant claims and compliance reporting. Support the financial management of the Belfast City Council management contract relating to Mary Peters Track. Governance and Corporate Services Support the CEO with the development and continuous improvement of governance, corporate services and organisational support systems across both organisations. Support organisational governance, procurement and risk management processes.

Maintain oversight of organisational policies, procedures and compliance frameworks. Support the CEO and Board in the development of effective governance structures, risk management arrangements and reporting processes. Maintain oversight of organisational insurance, statutory filings and corporate compliance requirements. Manage procurement processes and supplier contracts in accordance with organisational policies and funding requirements. Review existing financial, HR and administrative systems and procedures and implement improvements where appropriate.

Develop and document key financial and corporate services processes to strengthen organisational resilience and reduce reliance on individual knowledge…