Group Financial Controller

A leading specialist Distribution and Wholesale Irish based group with a strong track record of success, operating as a key segment of a €2.5 Billion international group, is seeking an experienced and technically proficient qualified Accountant in a newly created role of Group Financial Controller to lead and develop the Finance function for the Irish based operations.

This role is critical to managing the financial integrity and performance forecasting of our client’s significant operations comprising three standalone businesses. The successful candidate will report directly to the Finance Director and will be instrumental in delivering timely, accurate, and insightful financial reporting and planning.

A key enticement of this role is the career progression opportunity for the appointee to advance to a Country Finance Director role in the short-to-medium term.

The appointee's immediate focus and key responsibilities include:

• Consolidation Ownership & Group Compliance: Taking full ownership of the consolidation process for all Irish legal entities and operating results, ensuring compliance with local Irish GAAP/IFRS standards and international Group reporting packages/timetables.
• Group Reporting & Presentation: Presenting and interpreting the consolidated financial results and performance to the Finance Director and senior leadership team, providing clear commentary on variances and trends.
• Weekly Forecasting: Building, implementing, and managing a robust weekly financial forecasting model that accurately projects performance and seamlessly feeds into the broader all-Ireland financial forecasting process.
• Budgeting Leadership: Driving and coordinating the annual all-Ireland budgeting process, working cross-functionally to develop and refine financial plans and targets.
• Finance Transformation & Business Support: Championing the modernisation of the Irish Finance function, transforming it from a traditional head office function to a proactive, value-add true support and business partner to operational and commercial teams.
• ERP Alignment and Process Re-engineering: Leveraging the ongoing implementation of the new ERP system as a pivotal opportunity to review, enhance, and re-engineer core financial processes. The appointee will ensure alignment with the ERP rollout across the wider business, using the improved efficiency to deliver high-value commercial insight and support to the Senior Leadership Team.

As the technical authority on financial accounting for the Irish group, the Group Financial Controller will be responsible for the following key areas:

• Manage the end-to-end month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes for the Irish group.
• Prepare and finalise statutory financial statements under relevant accounting standards (Irish GAAP/IFRS) for all Irish entities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors, managing the annual audit cycle efficiently and effectively.
• Ensure rigorous maintenance of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, and overall financial data integrity.

• Own the accurate and timely submission of Irish financial data into the International Group’s consolidation system, adhering strictly to global deadlines and accounting policies.
• Provide guidance on technical accounting matters, ensuring the group remains compliant with evolving standards.
• Oversee execution of the tax strategy and compliance across Irish entities in coordination with external advisors and UK based Group Tax function.
• Develop and enforce robust internal controls, policies, and procedures across the finance function to mitigate financial risk and ensure asset safeguarding.

• Oversee treasury management, including cash flow monitoring and working capital performance.

• Finance Transformation & Efficiency: Drive the re-engineering of core financial processes. Lead continuous improvement initiatives, reduce reporting cycle times, and significantly improve financial data quality.
• Team Enhancement & Commercial Partnership: Actively enhance and develop…