A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Job Description: Finance Officer FORWARD Project Position Overview The FORWARD Project (Focus on Reconciliation, Working to Achieve Real Dialogue), funded by PEACEPLUS, is seeking a highly skilled Finance Officer to oversee the financial management of this €2.7 million initiative. The Finance Officer will be responsible for ensuring financial compliance across the project, managing budgets and expenditure, and preparing financial reports for SEUPB and the Project Steering Committee. This role requires a detail-oriented professional with experience in financial reporting, strong teamwork skills, and the ability to meet strict deadlines. The Finance Officer will serve as the central point for advice and guidance to the project on all financial matters pertinent to the project and will work closely with LCA, our Project Partners, and the SEUPB to ensure that all required project deliverables are achieved. Key Responsibilities Financial management of the FORWARD project, including budgeting, cash flow management, project reporting and claim submission. Assist with managing and maintaining cloud-based accounting software, ensuring accurate data entry and tracking of financial transactions. Ensure the appropriate financial procedures, controls and structures are adhered to for the safe, effective, efficient and economic management of public funds. Assist with organisational month end closure to include production of monthly management accounts for the FORWARD project, including analytical review and variance analysis. Preparation of quarterly returns to SEUPB, assisting all Project Partners in their reporting processes. Liaison with SEUPB and external controllers to submit all claims for verification within required timescales. Management of all FORWARD funded procurement to ensure adherence to SEUPB procurement rules, and provision of advice, direction and guidance on the key principles of public sector procurement, ensuring value for money is embedded within the organisation. Support the annual budgeting process, liaising with FORWARD budget holders to report on actual, forecast and budget expenditure. Ensure the timely distribution of payments to Partners and corporate suppliers in line with PEACEPLUS Programme policies and procedures. Prepare and collate monthly data and monitoring as per requirements of SEUPB and LCA Ltd Provide wider finance and admin support to colleagues across FORWARD Partners. Any other duties as reasonably requested by LCA Ltd Senior Management. Collaboration & Support Work closely with the Project Co-ordinators and administrative staff to ensure smooth financial operations. Assist project partners in financial planning, forecasting, and expenditure tracking. Provide training and support on financial reporting systems, procurement regulations, and compliance requirements. Essential Criteria Degree-level qualification in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. OR, A Fully Qualified Accounting Technician Minimum of 2 years experience in financial management within the community/voluntary sector. Proven experience in budget management for projects. Strong knowledge of financial reporting to funders, particularly SEUPB or similar bodies. Experience working with financial reporting systems. Knowledge of SEUPB Procurement Regulations, including tendering and contracting requirements. Ability to work to strict deadlines and manage multiple financial reporting requirements. Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to support non-financial staff in financial reporting. Full clean driving license and access to your own car for regular travel. Desirable Criteria Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA). Experience working on EU-funded programmes, particularly PEACE or INTERREG. Knowledge of public sector financial regulations and compliance frameworks. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Terms & Conditions Contract Duration: To June 2029 (3.5 years) Salary: £33,024 per annum. Location: Based in Derry/ Londonderry with travel as required. Reporting to: FORWARD Lead Project Co-ordinator. Employee Value Proposition LCA Ltd offers the following benefits and values to its staff: A generous annual leave allowance- FT 28 days per annum. Flexible office hours. A full Employee Assistance Program. Workplace health insurance scheme available. Great workplace culture and team-building events. As part of the FORWARD Project, you will be working with people from diverse communities across the region including ex-prisoners and former combatants, and former members of the security forces. Discretion and confidentiality are key requirements of this role. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the work which the FORWARD project will carry out, a high degree of personal integrity and discretion is required, as well as an ability to work with people from different backgrounds and with diverse political outlooks. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional to play a key role in a high-impact peacebuilding initiative. If you have the skills and experience required, we encourage you to apply.