Description
DUBLIN ZOO holds the prestigious position of being ‘Ireland’s leading Fee-Paying Family Attraction’ welcoming in excess of 1.2 million visitors each year. Our purpose is to save wildlife and inspire a passion for nature – one person, one family at a time.
We are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and diligent Financial Controller who, under the direction of the CEO, will be responsible for leading and overseeing the Zoo’s financial and accounting operations and ensuring compliance with internal financial procedures and statutory requirements, helping Dublin Zoo to achieve its mission of saving wildlife.
Purpose of Role
This role will be accountable for devising and delivering the Financial Plan for Dublin Zoo in line with the 10-year strategic vision ‘Dublin Zoo 200’; ensuring the charity’s financial health by implementing and overseeing the proper management of all financial and accounting operations; financial planning and analysis; investment appraisal; and ensuring compliance with internal financial procedures and statutory requirements.
The Financial Controller is responsible for providing consistent, robust and expert financial advice, information and control frameworks to the CEO, Senior Management Team, Finance & Audit Committee and Board of the Zoological Society of Ireland.
Responsibilities
Statutory Annual Financial Statements and Annual Audit
Preparation of the statutory financial statements for Dublin Zoo and the consolidated financial statements for the Zoological Society of Ireland.
The Financial Controller is an internal member of the Finance & Audit Committee, whose function is to assist the Board of the company on matters of financial management and in fulfilling its responsibilities by providing an independent review of financial reporting, by satisfying itself as to the effectiveness of the company’s internal controls and as to the sufficiency of the external audit process. The Committee also monitors and reviews the financial performance of the company, the annual budget for recommendation to the Board, and advises on remuneration and commercial contract issues.
Management Accounts
Preparation of standardised monthly management accounts to deadlines. Management accounts include Income & Expenditure, Balance Sheet, and Capital Expenditure summary, departmental expenditure reviews and other KPI’s. Experience with using Opera is advantageous.
Preparation of financial reporting pack for Board meetings (currently 7 meetings per year).
Cash Management
Ensure cash flow is adequate for the business needs. Overseeing movements of cash between current accounts and deposits to maximise interest return.
Cost Control, Budgeting and Strategic Planning
- Ensure the purchase order system is maintained and focus on cost savings for products and services.
- Ensure procurement policy is adhered to, especially in relation to capital expenditure.
- Ensure that expenditure is measured against budget targets and rolling or quarterly forecasts.
- Preparation of the overall annual budget and monthly review of performance.
- Prepares financial forecasts and scenario analysis to support development of investment cases, including cash flow projections and return on investment. Creates a forum to monitor post-investment benefits realisation and hold team members accountable for delivery.
Internal Controls
Ensure all internal controls are adequate and reviewed regularly. Cash management/handling controls and procedures are a key aspect of this.
Payroll / Pension Schemes
Responsible for processing the monthly salary payroll to ensure confidentiality (segregation of duties between the Financial Controller and the CEO as well as other Finance staff). Experience with using Sage is advantageous.
Ensure returns to Revenue e.g. P30, P35 and P45s are made on time through the Revenue’s ROS system.
Act as administrator of the pension schemes and liaise with the pension trustees and pension provider.
Risk Management / Data Controller
Responsibility for overview and management of the insurance cover and act as liaison with insurers and solicitors on important matters.
Knowledge and experience of risk management required, including development of a policy on risk management, statement of risk appetite of the board and a well developed corporate risk register.
Experience of acting at as Data Controller and ensuring compliance with GDPR, or willing to undertake training is this area.
Revenue and Other Statutory Compliance
In addition to payroll returns, ensure monthly VAT and intrastat returns are made on time to Revenue.
Responsibility for all Companies Registration Office and Charities Regulatory Authority statutory filing obligations.
Liaison with revenue on tax clearance certificate and renewal of alcohol licences.
Third Party Contracts
Responsibility for ensuring all third-party contracts comply with Dublin Zoo’s procurement and purchasing policies.
IT System Coordinator
Responsibility for all the Information Technology systems, including the internal network and front of house visitor interface systems for gate entry and annual pass processing. Ensure regular review of system requirements in conjunction with business needs.
Team and stakeholder management
Supporting and developing the finance team to achieve their potential, alongside building and maintaining relationships with key internal and external stakeholders including the auditor, Revenue Commissioners, vendors, and others.
Link Duties
All managers are required to carry out Link Duties as part of their contract. This involves being the point of contact on certain days, including approx. 5-6 weekends throughout the year.