(Permanent)
Purpose of this role
The Finance Manager at the Irish Management Institute (IMI) plays a key role in bridging day-to-day financial operations and the broader strategic financial agenda. Reporting to the Head of Finance, this position is responsible for preparing management accounts, overseeing payroll processing, managing balance sheet reconciliations, and assisting with budgeting and forecasting activities. The Finance Manager will also assist with process improvement and IT finance transformation initiatives, ensuring the finance function continues to evolve in line with best practice.
The appointee will line manage the Accounts Assistant, providing guidance, support, and oversight of transactional finance activities.
The appointee will report to the Head of Finance.
About us
Leadership. It’s more than a job – it’s a mindset. It’s the capacity to inspire, empower and create new possibilities.
IMI’s mission, and passion, is to equip leaders to build the future. We are world-class specialists in enabling and inspiring leadership performance. We challenge and support leaders to fulfil their ambition, unlocking their potential and giving them the skills to deliver exceptional performance.
We’ve been shaping world-class executives for over seventy years. Founded by business leaders, for business leaders, we deliver intensively practical executive education that works in the real world. Our unique global rankings are a testament to our impact.
Any day spent at IMI challenges assumptions, deepens perspective and amplifies ability to lead. Do you have what it takes to work with IMI? Join us on our mission to equip leaders to build the future, and you will shape the future of leadership in Ireland.
IMI. Inspiring Leadership Performance.
Key Responsibilities:
(This job description outlines the primary duties and requirements of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. IMI reserves the right to amend and change the job description as necessary):
1. Management Accounts & Financial Reporting
- Prepare monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery
- Manage and reconcile balance sheet control accounts on a monthly basis
- Support month-end close processes in collaboration with the Head of Finance
- Monitor key financial indicators, identify trends, and investigate variances against budget and prior year
- Assist in the preparation of financial presentations and reports for senior management
2. Budgeting & Forecasting
- Assist in the preparation of the annual budget in collaboration with the Head of Finance and relevant stakeholders
- Prepare budget templates, guidelines, and instructions for department heads
- Consolidate departmental budgets and review submissions for accuracy and reasonableness
- Maintain dynamic rolling forecasts, providing regular updates to track performance against budget
- Identify potential financial risks and opportunities and communicate findings to the Head of Finance
3. Accounting Operations
- Oversee the management of day-to-day finance functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the finance department
- Manage the end-to-end payroll process in conjunction with the external payroll provider, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Take responsibility for vendor payment runs, ensuring timely and accurate processing in line with agreed payment terms
- Prepare and file VAT returns accurately and on time. Support broader taxation compliance activities as required
- Assist in the preparation of year-end statutory accounts and liaise with external auditors as required
4. Team Leadership & Management
- Line manage and mentor the Accounts Assistant, providing day-to-day guidance and support including cover when on leave
- Review and oversee the work of the Accounts Assistant, including AP, AR, bank reconciliations, and transaction processing
- Support the professional development of the Accounts Assistant and promote a collaborative team environment
5. Cash Flow Management
- Prepare and maintain cash flow forecasts, monitoring actual performance against projections
- Provide regular cash flow reporting to the Head of Finance, highlighting risks and opportunities
- Support working capital management across the organisation
6. Business Partnering
- Act as a key business partner across departments, building strong relationships with budget holders and non-finance stakeholders
- Provide commercially focused financial insight and analysis to support decision-making across the organisation
- Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable information for non-finance audiences
- Proactively challenge and support departmental performance, contributing to a culture of financial awareness
7. Process Improvement & IT Finance Transformation
- Help identify and implement finance process improvements to drive efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
- Assist in IT finance transformation initiatives, including system enhancements and integrations
- Collaborate with the IT department and external vendors on system upgrades and automation opportunities
- Develop and maintain financial procedures and controls documentation
- Provide training and support to finance and non-finance staff on systems and processes
8. Ad-Hoc Finance Projects
- Support the Head of Finance and wider business on ad-hoc finance projects and strategic initiatives as they arise
- Contribute to cross-functional projects where financial expertise and commercial acumen are required
- Demonstrate flexibility and a proactive approach to evolving business needs and priorities
Work Location and Virtual Work: This role is based at IMI’s headquarters in Dublin. Travel within Ireland and, occasionally, internationally is required to attend meetings, conferences and client engagements.
IMI recognises the importance of flexible work arrangements and promotes a hybrid work model that combines in-person and virtual work. The employee has the flexibility to work remotely for a part of their working hours, subject to operational requirements and the agreement of their line manager as outlined in the Hybrid and Flexible working policy.
Candidate Requirements
Required Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge
- A professional finance qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent
- Proven experience in management accounting, financial reporting, and analysis
- Experience managing or mentoring members of a finance team
- Demonstrable experience in payroll processing and VAT compliance in an Irish context
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, and forecasting processes
- Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is desirable
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills; strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Experience in the education or professional development sector is advantageous but not essential
- Knowledge of Irish accounting standards and tax regulations is desirable
Personal Qualities & Attributes
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of business partnering and influencing across departments with the ability to interpret financial data and translate it into actionable insights
- Self-driven with the confidence to make decisions and take ownership with ability to work on own initiative, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Strong interpersonal and people management skills
- Professional, collaborative approach with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with integrity
IMI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to ensuring that our recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and accessible to all. If you require any reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] IMI is committed to protecting your personal information and we process and protect your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice which can be accessed on our website at the following addresshttp://www.imi.ie/about-imi/careers-imi
