Macroom Credit Union Limited

Macroom Credit Union is a progressive, member-focused, community Credit Union whose primary aim is to provide financial services that meet the needs of our growing membership.The credit union is inviting applications for the role of Finance Officer, on a full-term, permanent basis.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a progressive and successful community Credit Union.

Contract Status: Full Time, Permanent Contract (32.75 hours per week)
Reporting to: CEO

Position Summary

The Finance Officer will be accountable to the CEO / Board of Directors of the credit union for the control of all areas of financial management.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Finance Officer’s key areas of responsibility include overall management of the credit union’s finance and investment function, ensuring the credit union’s ICT strategy is aligned with the credit union’s strategic plan, and, as part of the management team, performing a key role in the development and continued growth of the credit union.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

The Finance Officer has direct responsibility for the following:

Finance and Investments

• Managing the finance function.
• Ensuring fully documented internal control procedures are in place.
• Assisting the Investment Committee in the management of the Investment Portfolio.
• Ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements regarding investments.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of the departmental accounting systems, policies and procedures.

Information Technology

• Aligning ICT strategy with the Credit Union’s strategic plan

• Liaising with the credit union’s computer system suppliers in relation to system requirements and issues.

Management Team

• Working as part of the management team to develop the credit union going forward.
• Participating in credit union policy review process, where appropriate.
• Contributing to the preparation of the Strategic plan and financial projections.

Main Duties: More specifically, the Finance Officer has responsibility for:

Preparation of Financial Reports:

1.     Preparation of Monthly Management accounts for board meetings and year end accounts for board and external auditors
2.     The reconciliation of monthly bank statements.
3.     Overseeing preparation of financial/management accounts on an ongoing basis to ensure accurate recording and timely balancing of the audit process.
4.     Liaising with both Internal and External Auditors in providing explanation and information as requested to ensure timely completion of the audit process.
5.     Timely completion of quarterly and annual returns to the Registrar of Credit Unions, along with other reports and / or returns as requested by management.
6.     Liaising with Revenue and completion of necessary returns (Payroll related returns but also need to file DIRT Returns on a quarterly and annual basis)

Computer System:

7.     Taking the lead on projects to improve and develop ICT efficiencies, including All Progress Releases and Capabilities, in line with the credit union’s strategic plan

• Assisting management and other staff assigned to this function in taking the steps necessary to ensure the effective running of the credit union’s computer system.

Management Information Reports:

8.     Ensuring the running of all month and year end programs, and, where appropriate, presentation of subsequently produced reports to management.
9.     Retention of records falling within the areas of responsibility in compliance with current legislation, which may be amended and updated from time to time.

Salaries:

10.   Responsibility for the payment of staff wages and salaries on agreed schedule.
11.   Ensuring that staff records are kept up to date and that adherence to schedules in making returns to the relevant bodies is maintained.

Returned Cheques:

12.   Notification to members and the adjustment of their accounts in the event of returned cheques.
13.   Initiation of follow-up action with members where required.
14.   Maintenance of the Returned Cheque register.
15.   Regular communications and reports to management.

General:

16.   Supporting the management team in the implementation of board policies and directives.
17.   Approving purchase of stationery supplies to ensure prudent but adequate levels of stationary stock.
18.   Maintaining a detailed fixed asset register which includes IT assets.
19.   Attending training programmes and workshops as required by the credit union.
20.   Being aware of and complying with all Health & Safety regulations as directed by the credit union.
21.   Attending and contributing to meetings of such committees as may be directed by the CEO and the board of directors
22.   To undertake such other reasonable and lawful duties as may be directed from time to time by the CEO.

Compliance:  In carrying out their duties on behalf of the credit union, the Finance Officer shall at all times act in conformance with current financial regulations and requirements, including ensuring full compliance with the Standard Rules of Credit Union (ROI), the Credit Union Act 1997 (as amended) and applicable regulation thereunder, applicable Regulatory Requirements as may be specified by the Regulator from time to time, the Consumer Credit Directive and all other relevant legislation and regulation.

Further Information:

Macroom Credit Union Limited will ensure that the Finance Officer:

• Has the necessary authority and resources to manage the finance and investments function (as outlined in this job description) within the credit union;
• Is provided with written documentation outlining their role and function including any role or function that may be prescribed by regulation or legislation.
• Has a clearly established performance appraisal with pre-agreed measurable objectives linked to the strategic objectives outlined by the board of Macroom Credit Union Limited
• Has access to:
• trained staff with agreed competencies required for their role
• external assistance if required
• training and development opportunities

The Person:

The successful candidate will have:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CGMA, ATI) along with current membership of a professional accounting body in Ireland (essential)
• Strong organisational and time-management skills; including adaptability, with the ability to manage concurrent projects effectively;
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly with regard to all financial and investment reports and records, ensuring the credit union is meeting all ongoing compliance and regulatory requirements;
• Strong analytical skills and strategic thinking
• Strong decision-making skills, the ability to consider different perspectives, alternative outcomes and/or varying strategies which help make sound decisions on the job.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both spoken and written); the ability to work effectively with and build strong relationships with all internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to lead and establish documented standards for the finance function;
• Excellent report-writing skills
• Good presentation skills
• Strong IT skills
• An understanding of the credit union sector in Ireland (desirable).
• Be willing to undertake training to achieve ‘minimum competence’ requirements, as set by the Central Bank of Ireland for the credit union sector, which may be amended from time to time.

How to Apply:

• Applicants should clearly state the reference number for the position i.e.: MCUFO2024

• Applications should include a cover letter and CV and can be sent by email to the following address:
• Closing Date for Applications: 5pm, Friday, 31st May 2024 at 5pm
• To access the credit union privacy notice, please visit our website.

Canvassing will disqualify
Macroom Credit Union Limited is an equal opportunities employer.