Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel from which permanent or temporary vacancies for the position of Executive Accountant in Monaghan County Council shall be filled.

The role

This position is a senior position within the Finance Department reporting to the Financial Management Accountant. The successful candidate will be responsible for the roll out of the Financial Management System modernisation programme and the review and development of tax procedures and policies within the Local Authority sector in line with current tax legislation. He/she will also be responsible for the introduction of new initiatives, policies and procedures and working with multidisciplinary teams. The individual will work in a dynamic and progressive local authority which provides a multiplicity of services to County Monaghan.

The Finance Department has responsibility for:

• Financial and management accounting - including the preparation of revenue and capital budgets, and the Annual Financial Statement.
• Management of long and short-term finances, including investments and borrowings.
• Development and improvement of financial systems.
• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable.
• Insurance.
• Motor Taxation.

• Have experience of operating ICT systems.
• Strong understanding of tax legislation and regulations and ideally have experience in a relevant tax role.
• A high degree of analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be self-motivated with the ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, have a positive outlook and enjoy working with people.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and achieve objectives in a timely manner.

The Executive Accountant shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the council and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The duties of the post include, but are not limited to, the following: -

• Project Leader on the Financial Management System modernisation project
• Dissemination of taxation knowledge and monitor and implement internal controls to ensure the local authority is tax compliant
• Assisting in the introduction of reporting structures and systems in line with new requirements of legislation, circulars, value for money reports etc.
• Assisting in the planning, scheduling, and preparing the Annual Financial Statement
• Ensuring that the Council adheres to currently accepted accounting standards and relevant codes of practice
• Developing the accounting skills of staff involved in financial activities throughout the Council and provide financial advice and assistant to all departments
• Liaise with internal and external auditors. Provide information to Auditors during the course of their audits as required.
• Assisting in the planning, compilation, and preparation of Local Authority Budgets
• Assist in the management and control of the day-to-day operations of the finance department
• Assist in the preparation of monthly / quarterly revenue and capital financial reports, monitoring, and review of same, identification of variances and recommendations for corrective actions if required
• Assist in the preparation, implementation and on-going review of the local authority’s finance plans including management of capital budgets
• Financial planning and analysis including ad-hoc financial analysis and modelling
• Provide financial advice and assistance to all departments to support the achievement of the corporate objectives and support devolved budgeting structures.
• Promote and assist the implementation of good practice in: Risk Management; Procurement; Value For Money; Shared Services; Efficiency and Effectiveness 
• Monitor and implement / improve internal controls and checks to ensure good financial control, safeguarding of assets of the local authority.
• Ensuring the rapid, timely and accurate preparation of financial and management reports through the use of automated systems
• Manage and develop the team of staff in the Finance function to ensure the highest standards of proficiency and work with a variety of non finance teams
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.
• Deputising for other employees of the Local Authority, when required,
• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required or assigned from time to time.

Monaghan County Council