Head of Finance & Corporate Reporting About The Role We are recruiting for the position of Head of Finance & Corporate Reporting for the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). As a senior leader in the organisation, you will bring expertise in your field along with a proven ability to lead and inspire teams. You are someone who thrives in dynamic environments, embraces innovation, and is committed to creating long-term, values-driven impact. Reporting to the Director of Finance & Corporate Services, the successful candidate will lead the Finance, Performance, Procurement and Risk teams, setting direction, managing workflows, assuring quality and staff engagement. Financial planning, reporting, good governance, and expert advice is at the heart of decision-making. The role holder will have responsibility for financial planning, budgetary management, forecasting, and reporting on outturn to the Board and to senior management as well as ensuring the proper control and assurance frameworks are in place. You will work closely with the strategy team to deliver our annual plan and external performance reporting. This is a high-visibility role working with budget managers and advising senior staff therefore the ability to communicate well in person and in writing, and to manage relationships will be key to success. Key Responsibilities Supporting the Director to lead and set strategic direction in the effective delivery of services and support functions and take forward change management programmes as required. Setting strategic direction, leading, managing and motiving the team to develop a culture of service delivery and business partnering, with a strong focus on continuous improvement. Maintaining and continuously improving controls and processes within the team and across the Commission for effectiveness, value for money and efficiency as well as promoting transparency, value for money, risk management and accountability across all expenditure. Ensuring the timely and accurate production of monthly management accounts and statutory accounts, forecasting and budget returns, etc. Ensuring effective budget and cash management, including accurate monthly profiling, effective performance management and monitoring. Working with the Strategic Communications team to link budgetary and business planning. Collaborating with the Strategic Communications, Investigations and Legal teams to ensure forecasts of volumes, durations and costs of investigation/ streams of work are integrated. Developing and maintaining long-term financial forecasts. Contributing to spending review processes and other fiscal events as required. Supporting decision-making with investment appraisal, development of business cases etc. Developing robust financial efficiency/ savings plans and monitor implementation. Management of the Performance Management function and ensuring regular performance, compliance and risk reporting to the senior management team and Board. Management of the Procurement function and overseeing the procurement pipeline and current procurement activity and ensuring adequate commercial and contract management arrangements are in place. Contributing to the identification of key strategic priorities that will impact on the organisation within the corporate and risk management frameworks. Providing strategic leadership in risk management and ensuring that operational financial risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated in line with the corporate risk register. Driving the development of financial/ corporate systems, policies and processes to ensure they are efficient, fit for purpose and support corporate requirements. Ensuring that the Annual Report & Accounts are presented accurately and in accordance with established timetables and standards. Attendance at Board, Audit & Risk Committee, and other governance bodies as appropriate. Acting as the key liaison point with the Sponsor Branch, Northern Ireland Office on financial matters, external auditors (NAO), internal auditors and others as required. Ensuring audit report recommendations are implemented on a timely basis that lessons learned are communicated effectively throughout the organisation. Maintaining a sound system of internal control including ensuring compliance with corporate policies and governance requirements. Preparing the business plan and managing the delivery of divisional objectives. Taking the lead on corporate projects as required. Ensuring compliance and best practice in relation to: audit and risk; holding and processing information; data protection, GDPR, the use of corporate electronic systems; freedom of information and environmental regulations. Reviewing and ensuring effective staffing structures are in place with the appropriate levels of skills and expertise. Fostering an environment and culture that delivers excellence in all activities. Managing and supporting staff to deliver high‑quality work, ensuring clear objectives and effective workload prioritisation. Leading on staff development through coaching, feedback, and identifying training needs to build team capability. Creating a positive, collaborative team culture that encourages learning, engagement, and continuous improvement. Deputising for the Director as and when required. Person Specification Essential Criteria Have successfully completed the professional examinations and be a full, and current member of one of the bodies listed below:- Chartered Accountants Ireland The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants The Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountancy NB Membership of alternative accounting bodies, recognised as equivalent by the selection panel, will be considered. Essential skills and experience : A minimum of 5 years’ post qualification experience in a complex organisation* with responsibility for a range of corporate functions. Demonstrable experience of overseeing organisational financial reporting, financial planning, budget management, audit processes, and compliance. Demonstrable experience of effectively analysing, managing and presenting complex financial management information at senior management and or board level to inform decisions. Effective interpersonal and communication skills with a proven ability to advise Senior Management, Executive Leadership Teams and Boards on strategic and operational matters. Demonstrable evidence of leading and developing a range of professional, highly skilled teams to deliver effective outcomes and performance improvements. Experience of building positive and effective working relationships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. *” A complex organisation” is defined as an organisation with a turnover gross revenue of £15m, have a headcount of at least 100 employees and with a multi-disciplinary workforce responsible for a range of functions or services and requiring a high level of collaboration with a range of internal and external stakeholders. Desirable Criteria Previous experience in public sector financial management, including oversight of budgeting, forecasting, and audit compliance, underpinned by a strong knowledge of public sector financial governance frameworks, procurement regulations, and value for money principles. We welcome the unique contribution diverse applicants bring and do not discriminate based on culture, ethnicity, race, nationality or national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, religion or belief, disability status, sexual orientation, educational or social background or any other factor. We are happy to discuss the role and answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us for an informal conversation by emailing us at recruitment@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk About Us The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is an independent organisation that has been established to recover information about Troubles-related deaths and serious injuries to families, victims, and survivors and to promote reconciliation. We are building the Commission and hiring more staff now that we have begun receiving cases. We are building a values-led organisation. We operate with integrity, impartiality, openness, accountability, and respect, as set out in our Code of Conduct. This is reflected in our fair and open recruitment processes. We encourage people to join us across all backgrounds, communities and faiths to help us deliver. The Commission is primarily based in Belfast, with further operational sites in Northern Ireland and London. Travel to all locations will be required, but hybrid working arrangements will help us support a range of flexible working patterns. This is an exciting opportunity to join an organisation with a unique and vital remit. The Commission is formed of seven Commissioners, the Chief Commissioner, Sir Declan Morgan, the Chief Executive Officer, Louise Warde Hunter and the Commissioner for Investigations, Peter Sheridan, as well as four Non-Executive Commissioners to provide challenge and scrutiny to the executive team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups. We value diversity in our workforce as it enhances our ability to serve the communities of Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. For further information and to submit your application, click the apply icon.