Accountant

Organisation: Northside Community Enterprises CLG

Location: Cork City, On Site

Reports to: Financial Controller

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, Monday to Friday

Salary: Negotiable, DOE

Role Purpose

The Charity Accountant will play a key role in ensuring the charity’s financial health, transparency, and compliance. This role has responsibility across several core finance functions, including management accounts, budgeting, payroll, VAT returns, systems implementation, and internal auditing. The postholder will support senior management and trustees by providing accurate financial information and robust financial controls, helping the charity to use its resources effectively in pursuit of its charitable objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Produce and Present financial reports for senior management, trustees, and funders as required.
• Attendance at board & committee meetings as required.
• Support the preparation of year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, charity SORP, and statutory requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with budget holders.
• Prepare rolling forecasts and cash flow projections.
• Monitor budget performance and provide clear explanations of variances.
• Support managers with financial planning and cost control.

Payroll & Staff Costs

• Manage and process the payroll accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with payroll submissions to Revenue
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries from staff.
• Liaise with external payroll providers where applicable.

VAT & Tax Compliance

• Prepare, review, and submit accurate VAT returns in line with Revenue deadlines.
• Ensure correct VAT treatment across income streams, grants, and expenditures.
• Maintain VAT records and reconciliations to support audits and inspections.
• Liaise with Revenue and external advisors on VAT-related matters where required.
• Monitor changes in VAT legislation and assess impact on the organisation.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Implement, maintain, and improve financial systems and processes to ensure efficiency and strong controls.
• Support the development of reporting tools and dashboards.
• Identify opportunities to automate or streamline finance processes.
• Provide training and guidance to staff on financial systems and procedures.

Internal Controls & Audit

• Develop and maintain effective internal financial controls.
• Carry out internal audits and reviews to assess financial risk and compliance.
• Document policies and procedures and ensure they are kept up to date.
• Support risk management and governance processes, working closely with trustees and senior staff.

General & Strategic Support

• Provide financial advice and guidance to project managers and non-finance colleagues.
• Support funding applications with financial information and budgets.
• Contribute to strategic planning and long-term financial sustainability.
• Undertake other finance-related duties appropriate to the role.

Person Specification

Essential

• Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience preparing management accounts and budgets.
• Strong understanding of internal controls and audit processes.
• Experience implementing or improving financial systems.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Knowledge of charity accounting and the Charity SORP.
• Payroll experience, including statutory compliance.
• Experience managing VAT in a charity or partially exempt organisation.
• Experience working with finance systems such as Sage, or similar.
• Experience supporting trustees or board-level reporting.

Values & Approach

• Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
• High standards of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
• Collaborative and supportive working style.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach to problem solving.

To apply please email your CV to Karen at [email protected] before 5pm on 20.02.2026

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