Finance Manager

We are recruiting a Finance Manager to be part of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to lead the delivery of important workstreams that deliver on key objectives for the Commission.

The role is a fast-paced and highly collaborative role, reporting to the Head of Finance & Corporate Performance the successful candidate will be a key player in ensuring effective financial stewardship and sound governance. You need to be highly organised, proactive and able to operate on your initiative in a challenging, fast-moving environment.

You will lead the finance team and be responsible for all aspects of financial management and support the implementation of new systems and processes.

You will possess the ability and communication skills to build strong working relationships at all levels across the ICRIR and various stakeholders.

Familiarity with the Government finance and the requirements of Managing Public Money would be desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the day-to-day finance operations and managing the finance team.
• Maintaining and continuously improving financial management, financial reporting, controls and processes for effectiveness, efficiency and usability.
• Managing budget and budget management processes including monthly management reporting and forecasting.
• Strengthening and quality controlling finance and management reporting to ensure accurate up to date information on a timely basis each month and at year end.
• Developing and maintaining a medium /long-term financial forecasts and forecasting and monitoring against the Business Case.
• Managing the spending review processes and other fiscal processes as required.
• Ensuring effective budget and cash management, including accurate monthly profiling.
• Ensuring that effective finance business partnering is in place with regular budget meetings and technical support being provided to teams across the Commission.
• Providing financial analysis, reporting, and commentary to support business decisions and development of business cases etc.
• Working with HR to ensure that effective payroll processes are in place.
• Ensuring VAT and other tax compliance.
• Assisting in driving efficiencies, systems development and automation strategies to enhance financial operations.
• Leading on day-to-day liaison with the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on financial matters, the external auditors (National Audit Office), the internal auditors and other stakeholders as appropriate.
• Ensuring that the Annual Report & Accounts are presented accurately and in accordance with established timetables and standards.
• Attending Audit & Risk Committee, Board, and other governance bodies as appropriate.
• Ensuring audit recommendations are implemented on a timely basis and that lessons learned are communicated effectively throughout the organisation.
• Providing financial input for FOIs and other ad hoc exercises.
• Reviewing and ensuring effective staffing structures are in place with the appropriate levels of skills and expertise.
• Deputising for the Head of Finance & Corporate Performance as required.
• Manage and support staff to deliver high‑quality work, ensuring clear objectives and effective workload prioritisation.
• Lead on staff development through coaching, feedback, and identifying training needs to build team capability.
• Create a positive, collaborative team culture that encourages learning, engagement, and continuous improvement.

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 [email protected]  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent) with at least 3 years post-qualification experience.
• Have at least 3 years’ post-qualification practical experience in each of the following areas. Full details, including specific dates, must be provided:
  1. The preparation of Management Accounts and/ or Financial Accounts in a complex* public, private or voluntary sector organisation for the senior management team.
  2. Providing technical advice in line with relevant accounting/ audit standards and legislative requirements.
  3. Meeting and reporting on challenging financial or other performance objectives and targets.
  4. Evidence of having effectively analysed financial management information for senior management and other stakeholders.

  *Complex is defined as working with a range of interest    groups inside and/or outside the organisation.

• Evidence of experience of building positive and effective working relationships across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent technical skills including experience of implementing and adhering to International Financial Reporting Standards.
• Extensive financial experience, including forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and use of complex functions.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including competent use of PowerPoint for creating clear and engaging presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new systems, processes, and technologies, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong time‑management and organisational abilities to meet competing deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently using initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team to achieve shared objectives.
• Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for SC clearance, if not already cleared.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of government finance and reporting, and the requirements of Managing Public Money.
• Experience of public procurement.

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.