Tourism continues to be one of Northern Irelands most recognisable good news stories. Tourism Northern Ireland is responsible for the development of tourism in Northern Ireland, supporting the tourism industry and for marketing the region as a tourist destination. As a non-departmental public body of the Department for the Economy, the organisation works closely with other tourism bodies to help develop the visitor economy. In 2023, almost two million overseas visitors chose to visit Northern Ireland, generating £1.2 billion in tourism expenditure. Around 70,000 people work in the industry, which accounts for nine-per-cent of all jobs in Northern Ireland. In addition, more than 70% of the jobs are located outside of the Belfast area, playing a critical role in breathing life into cities, towns and villages. Going forward, the tourism sector is well placed to deliver a more sustainable, more productive, regionally balanced economy which can deliver good jobs. Tourists increasingly want to engage with real life experiences which give them a sense of the culture and heritage of the places they are visiting, and Northern Ireland has that in abundance. Across the North, there has been an unprecedented growth in authentic, local tourism experiences which give visitors the opportunity to explore the local way of life and engage with local people. Tourism NIs consumer brand Embrace a Giant Spirit continues to go from strength to strength, encapsulating the spirit of the people, the warmth of the welcome and the authenticity of the visitor experience. Tourism NI is also closely involved in the tourism elements of the City and Growth Deal Programmes which will be crucial in helping to secure more spend from international visitors to the island. Following The 148th Open in 2019, there has been ongoing investment in Northern Ireland particularly in the accommodation sector with a number of new properties and acquisitions including the recently opened Dunluce Lodge in Portrush. This was also a particularly exciting year for tourism in Northern Ireland with The 153rd Open taking place at Royal Portrush. Northern Ireland has now become an increasingly popular destination for the lucrative golf and luxury segments of the tourism market. With 2025 now in full swing, there is certainly a lot to look forward to as Northern Ireland continues to showcase its world-class tourism offering. INTERIM HEAD OF FINACIAL ACCOUNTING GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY This is a key leadership role in Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) with responsibility for successfully leading the Financial Accounting team and reporting processes, as well as devising and implementing governance improvements through the management of risk. MAIN DUTIES The Head of Financial Accounting will oversee the efficient and effective management of Tourism NIs Financial Accounting functions, and lead on the Governance and Risk Management functions within Tourism NI. The Job Holder will be responsible for the following areas and activities: FINANCIAL REPORTING To be responsible for delivering the requirements associated with Tourism NIs Annual Accounts, ensuring timely and accurate production. To be responsible for meeting the requirements of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee (ARAC), to include liaising with external auditors to resolve any issues in relation to the audit of the financial statements and presenting the financial statements to the ARAC and the Tourism NI Board for approval. To ensure the preparation of timely and accurate information, briefings and reports as may be required by Tourism NI, the Department for the Economy, the Minister and the NI Assembly. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING To successfully lead the Tourism NI Financial Accounting team in the delivery of organisational, departmental, and individual objectives. To keep abreast of legislative changes to ensure that management decisions are based on accurate, up-to-date financial information and analysis. To be responsible for ensuring that proper financial controls and monitoring are in place to ensure the financial regularity, propriety and effectiveness of Tourism NI. To oversee the development and implementation of professional standards and best financial practice, including compliance with all public finance regulatory requirements. GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT To provide strategic leadership in establishing and implementing a robust Risk Management framework, and associated processes and procedures. To oversee the day to day running of the Governance function using appropriate systems, processes, policies, procedures, and practices to meet the needs of the business. To provide strategic leadership by designing, planning and undertaking Corporate Governance Reviews at regular intervals, to include ongoing advice in respect of organisational best practice and support with agreed improvement plans. PEOPLE MANAGEMENT To set objectives for the Financial Accounting team, to drive and monitor performance against objectives to successfully meet required deadlines. To develop the capability of the Financial Accounting team to ensure it meets the requirements of Tourism NI. To design and manage change that allows more flexibility, responsiveness and improved service delivery. To develop the financial expertise of the Financial Accounting team by leading the implementation of appropriate training and support in relevant areas of financial accounting and value for money. CORPORATE MANAGEMENT As a member of the Senior Management Team, the Interim Head of Financial Accounting will actively contribute to the purpose, vision, strategic direction and sustainability of the organisation. They will contribute to the wider corporate management of Tourism NI. They will drive a culture of high performance, ensuring that all team members have the opportunity to succeed and develop professionally. They will be a champion for values-based behaviours and positive engagement. They will be a trusted advisor on the policy implications of specific cross-functional development initiatives. This Job Description is new and has been written at a time of organisational change and it will be subject to review and amendment as the demands of the role and the organisation evolve. The job holder is therefore required to be flexible, adaptable and aware that they may be asked to perform tasks, duties and responsibilities which are not specifically detailed in the Job Description, but which are commensurate with the role and/or grade appointed or present an opportunity for development. PERSON SPECIFICATION ESSENTIAL CRITERIA EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS, & EXPERIENCE Have successfully completed the professional examinations and be a full and current member of one of the following bodies: The Institute of Chartered Accountants in 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 Accounts; The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy; The Institute of Certified public Accountants in Ireland. AND At least 5 years post qualification experience with evidence of successful financial management at a senior level and a successful track record in: Financial Management and Reporting; Corporate Governance and Risk Management. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA - Personal Effectiveness The Job Holder will be able to demonstrate a strong standard in the following competencies: Excellent ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships and networks with partners, stakeholders and key people in the Tourism industry and a proven track record of successfully managing multiple stakeholders to assist delivery of organisational objectives. Experience of business planning processes and of developing and implementing integrated plans and performance management frameworks. Evidence of applying strategic thinking in improving business and/or service delivery. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to write with clarity, coherence, and ability to design and deliver effective presentations. Delivery of effective leadership to create and sustain a high-performing and highly motivated team. DESIREABLE CRITERIA Demonstrable knowledge of public sector financial structures, management and governance. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This is not an exhaustive list of duties and requirements. The nature of the organisation is such that it must respond to the dynamic environment in which it operates and the nature of duties, tasks, knowledge and skills required for this post will evolve and change in time. The Job Holder is expected to adapt to these changes and develop the role as a result. Applicants must possess a current driving licence and the use of a car for business purposes, including the relevant insurance cover, or have access to a form of transport which will permit the applicant to meet the requirements of the post in full. EQUALITY STATEMENT Tourism NI is committed to equality and will comply with the Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998) statutory duties which requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity in relation to the nine equality categories and to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief; political opinion; and racial group. The Disability Discrimination Act (1995) Section 49A requires designated public authorities to have due regard to the need to promote positive attitudes towards disabled persons, and to the need to encourage participation by disabled persons in public life. FOR FULL APPLICATION PACK PLEASE CLICK APPLY WERE YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO OUR CAREERS PAGE! COMPLETING APPLICATIONS Those wishing to apply you should submit a completed application by clicking apply no later than 12 noon on Monday 1st September 2025. CVs will not be accepted as a substitute/supplement to the application form. TOURISM NI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER