Financial Accountant

We are recruiting a Financial Accountant 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 Finance Manager, the successful candidate will be a driven, collaborative colleague, with good attention to detail, have experience of working to tight deadlines and 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

• Providing high quality financial information within agreed timescales.
• Managing and maintaining the general ledger and financial statements.
• Managing accruals, prepayments and accounting adjustments.
• Managing the year end accounts production, including account code reconciliations and production of the financial statements for management review within agreed timescales.
• Ensuring all technical aspects of the accounts production process are consistent with HM Treasury guidance and specifically the requirements of the Financial Reporting Manual (FReM).
• Providing technical accounting advice under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and guidance relating to new and existing activities.
• Where appropriate, collaborating closely with Sponsor Branch Finance colleagues on technical issues and accountancy issues.
• Engaging with the external and internal auditors to ensure the audit processes run efficiently.
• Ensuring audit recommendations are implemented on a timely basis.
• Reviewing monthly management accounts and preparing relevant finance report sections.
• Assisting in completion of multi-year budget exercises, including measuring and identifying savings as required.
• Supporting and providing advice and guidance on in-year monitoring of expenditure, and the preparation of Estimates.
• Providing financial information for interim and year end resource and Annual Managed Expenditure (AME).
• Managing payroll processes and monthly monitoring of salary forecasts.
• Developing and implementing of financial systems.
• Reviewing business cases and investment appraisals for financial affordability.
• Providing financial input for FOIs and other ad hoc exercises.
• Leading, managing and motivating staff within the team.
• Fostering an environment and culture that delivers excellence in all activities.
• Providing effective performance management of direct reports including setting and monitoring objectives, identifying training and performance needs/issues.
• Maintaining an up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of current public expenditure planning monitoring, control and accountability systems.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships across the Commission.
• Deputising for the Finance Manager 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

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
• Have at least two years' post‑qualification experience gained within the last ten years in a finance environment.
• Proven experience in leading and managing staff to achieve high‑quality outcomes.
• Excellent technical skills including experience of implementing and adhering to International Financial Reporting Standards. 
• Extensive financial experience, including journals and accruals, 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.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a government department or public sector entity and an understanding of government finance and Managing Public Money.

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.