Director of Finance

Cumann Lúthchleas Gael is Ireland’s leading sporting and cultural organisation with membership approaching one million people and in excess of 500,000 playing participants at all levels. Inspired by its amateur status and supported by the voluntary efforts of all its members, the GAA devotes its entire resources to the development of Gaelic Games and Culture nationally and in local communities.

Home of the GAA, Croke Park Stadium is Ireland’s foremost sporting and entertainment venue. Over 1,500,000 visitors are welcomed annually to national and international events and the Croke Park campus also features Croke Park Meetings & Events and GAA Museum & Tours.

Role/Purpose: The purpose of the role is to provide strategic leadership to the Finance Department in managing the Association’s financial and accounting policies, systems and processes, tax and regulatory requirements, payroll systems and processes. The role will also provide strategic leadership to the Insurance and Ticketing teams. The Director of Finance will have responsibility for the financial management and governance of all companies within the GAA, Croke Park and their subsidiaries. The Director of Finance will be a member of the Association’s Board of Directors and will also contribute to strategic and operational planning.

Reports/Accountable to: Árd Stiúrthóir

Principle Accountabilities:
Finance
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive financial strategy for the Association that will ensure the optimal use of the Association’s resources and support the delivery of its short-term and long-term goals as outlined in its strategic plan.
• Deliver cost-effective and efficient accounting, financial and reporting systems, policies and processes that meet the current and future requirements of the Association whilst ensuring the highest levels of governance are in place.
• Develop a culture of continuous improvement within the Finance Department and ancillary teams, and optimise their contribution in the most cost-effective way to the Association and its members.
• Strategic management of key relationships with external parties including auditors, the Office of the Revenue Commissioner, legal partners and other strategic third-party providers.
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance for all accounting and financial reporting functions.
• Oversee cost and general accounting, accounts receivable/collection and payroll and risk management.
• Provide ongoing direction and guidance to the members of the Finance Department team, with responsibility for the management and development of same.

Leadership
• Provide proactive support to the Ard Stúirthóir of the Association in the area of financial planning and expenditure focusing on the long term strategic development and positioning of the Association.
• Mentor and support all of the Job Holders direct reports by proactively managing their performance and ensuring that a robust review and meeting cycle is in place.
• Provide financial, budget and other reports to internal and external stakeholders and volunteer committees as appropriate.
• Contribute to all areas of the Association’s future development by participating as an active member of both Coiste Bainistí and the Executive Team within Croke Park.
Insurance
• Assist the Insurance Manager in developing the most appropriate strategy to meet the requirements of both the Players and the Association by constantly reviewing options and potential modifications to the existing insurance schemes.
• Work with the Insurance Manger in refining the current system in order to optimise the service provided to units and members of the Association whilst minimising the overall cost of the scheme.

Ticketing
• Provide strategic leadership to the Ticketing team in assisting them to achieve their objective in delivering an outstanding service to all of its customers.
• Define the appropriate pricing parameters for all Central Council fixtures on an annual basis and collaborate with the Stadium and Commercial Director in the Marketing and communications of these to Patrons.
• Working with the Ticketing Manager and his team to develop a long-term plan to transition the technology platform to ensure that the ticketing function becomes the leader amongst its peer group in embracing technological opportunities.
• To assist the Ticketing Manager in identifying and concluding new strategic partnerships as required to meet the growing needs of the Association.

The role holder will also undertake any other such projects or responsibilities as may reasonably be deemed appropriate by his/her Manager.

Essential Criteria:
• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CMA) or third level degree in business or a related field.

• Senior management experience.

• Previous experience of managing the finance function within a company/organisation.

• A proven track record of leadership, decision making and strategic planning.

• Strong analytical, reporting and decision-making skills and experience.

• Extensive experience of managing people and resources with a demonstrable ability to clearly present goals and direction.

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills;

• Demonstrably strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders;

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a demonstrably strong ability to work effectively as part of a team;

• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities;

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the GAA and Croke Park and their respective structures.

• Proven problem-solving skills with a demonstrable ability to act on own initiative;

• Demonstrable ability to deliver results in high pressure situations and cope with strict deadlines.

• Excellent administrative and IT skills and systems experience.

Desirable Criteria:
• An in-depth knowledge of, and interest in, the GAA and its various activities and initiatives.

Candidates interested in the above role can apply by submitting an up to date cover letter and Curriculum Vitae to humanresources@gaa.ie by 3pm on Monday, 23rd April 2018.
The GAA is an equal opportunities employer.