Financial Accountant

Football Association of Ireland•Dublin, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is seeking a Financial Accountant to support the Financial Controller in maintaining a strong financial control environment and delivering accurate, timely financial information. This role is responsible for supporting the month-end close process, maintaining the integrity of the general ledger, preparing balance sheet reconciliations, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, organizational policies, and financial controls. The Financial Accountant will work closely with the Financial Controller and the wider Finance team to prepare management accounts, financial reporting, and contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes.

Requirements

Part-qualified or newly qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
A degree in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience
Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting processes
A sound understanding of accounting principles, financial controls and reconciliation processes
Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions
Experience using financial accounting systems (e.g. Sage, NetSuite or similar)
Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage competing priorities, work to tight deadlines
Effective communication skills with colleagues across the Association
A proactive approach
Willingness to take ownership
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a membership organisation, not-for-profit, sporting or regulated environment
Experience supporting external audits and statutory compliance
Knowledge of VAT, PAYE and statutory reporting requirements
Experience of process improvement and strengthening financial controls
Experience supporting external audits and year-end financial statement preparation
A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the ability to identify opportunities to improve financial processes and add value to the Finance function.
Resilience and adaptability, with the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
A continuous improvement mindset, with an interest in enhancing financial processes, systems and reporting.
The ability to build strong working relationships across the Finance team and the wider Association, contributing to a collaborative and high-performing culture.
A willingness to develop broader financial management skills, including exposure to budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
A commitment to supporting the Association's vision, values and strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting packs.
Assist with month-end and year-end close processes, including journals, accruals and prepayments.
Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are investigated and resolved promptly.
Analyse financial variances and provide supporting commentary.
Maintain the integrity of the general ledger and control accounts.
Ensure compliance with financial controls, accounting standards and organisational policies.
Manage the VIK schedule and associated general ledger postings.
Review employee expense claims for accuracy, policy compliance and correct accounting treatment.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes and internal controls.
Support and oversee Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable activities as required.
Review supplier and customer balances, resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
Monitor aged debtors and creditors, escalating issues where appropriate.
Support cash flow monitoring and working capital management.
Liaise with external providers to recover eligible VAT on travel expenses.
Support external audit processes by preparing schedules and responding to audit requests.
Assist in ensuring compliance with statutory reporting requirements, including VAT, PAYE and other regulatory obligations.
Support the implementation of accounting policies and reporting standards.
Support budgeting and forecasting processes, including monitoring actual performance against budget.
Act as the Finance lead for League of Ireland club licensing, supporting both domestic and UEFA licensing requirements.
Liaise with budget holders and departments across the Association to ensure accurate financial information and provide support on finance-related queries.
Undertake ad hoc financial analysis and projects as required by the Financial Controller.