Finance Director required by leading US financial services multinational company based in Waterford City.

Reporting to the Managing Director, the Director of Finance & Operational Compliance is

Accountable for delivering financial and operational compliance expertise for the Irish Entity. This role involves all aspects of reporting for the Ireland legal entity, including operational finance, regulatory reporting, corporate governance, tax and treasury management.
The role also steers the strategic development of an R&D incentives program for the company in Ireland and works to establish strategic partnership with universities and government bodies ensuring value delivery, alignment and compliance with relevant government incentives programs.
This position will also partner with the Company leaders to explore new business opportunities that may arise from time to time.

Responsibilities:

Finance:

Oversee all aspects of finance operations, including operating cost management, intercompany transactions, tax reporting, treasury and cashflow management, group reporting and regulatory financial reporting for the Irish Entity.
Provide finance business partnership for all functional areas and business groups located in Ireland to understand, streamline and support their financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting needs.
Manage the local bank relationship to ensure continued alignment with Corporate Treasury policies.
Manage relationship with tax and audit partners to ensure compliance with Irish regulatory and tax reporting requirements,
Lead by example and guide others to develop process and controls that ensure governance and compliance with internal company policy and external regulatory landscape.
Identify and secure funding opportunities for innovation projects, including government grants, research funding, and strategic partnerships.
Collaborate to evaluate and recommend appropriate engagement models with external partners, including joint ventures, research collaborations, and technology licensing agreements.
Foster effective working relationships and collaboration with global teams, including expense management, corporate tax and corporate treasury
Encourage continuous learning, and professional development by coaching and mentoring direct reports.

Compliance

Oversee workings of the Data Protection Office
Oversee operations for all compliance activities for Sun Life Ireland, including compliance with all relevant legislation in Ireland and Europe.
Provide support to Statutory Directors for biannual board meetings and oversee a compliance framework that ensures adherence to corporate governance standards.
Manage relationship with external counsel and company secretary, ensuring engagements are aligned with business needs.
Foster relationships with internal legal, data protection, compliance and privacy teams to align Ireland compliance activities with global standards and best practices.
Provide compliance business partner support for ad hoc projects as required, particularly in the areas of intellectual property management and commercialization.
Encourage continuous learning, and professional development by coaching and mentoring direct report.

Qualifications Required:

Undergraduate degree in business or related field (e.g. finance, accounting, economics) is required.
Relevant accounting qualification strongly preferred e.g. ACA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA
Other finance or compliance qualification such as tax, treasury, data protection beneficial but not required.

Experience:

7+ years’ experience in the financial sector with at least 5+ years in a treasury management role.
Proven experience in finance management, with a strong understanding of finance operations financial reporting, treasury and tax.
Demonstrated experience in developing and managing financial models and budgets.
SAP Experience desired but not essential
Experience leading compliance function, with a deep understanding of the Irish regulatory landscape.
Experience in identifying and securing funding for innovation or research projects.
Strong understanding of legal and contractual considerations related to R&D partnerships.
Familiarity with the Irish innovation ecosystem and relevant stakeholders.
Demonstrated expertise of providing finance partnership on multiple high-profile projects which deliver business value
Demonstrated experience of adapting processes to meet a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.
Experience in managing innovation programs or initiatives.
Knowledge of intellectual property management and commercialization.
Experience working with government agencies and funding programs.

The ideal candidate will also have

Excellent communication, presentation and negotiating skills
Demonstrated expertise of Internal controls within the Treasury function; SOX experience preferred.
Strong understanding of the life insurance / reinsurance industry.
Experience with expense management systems (e.g. Concur) is required.
Ability to successfully lead a multi-functional team.
In this Hybrid role, willingness to work flexible hours from time to time, due to company offices within other time zones.
Able to work in a fast-paced environment, manages competing priorities, and adhere to tight deadlines.
Proven self-starter that excels working independently and within a team.
Ability to build rapport and maintain relationships with internal and external parties.
Problem solving mindset and ability to view multiple perspectives in order to negotiate the best outcome.
Strong attention to detail, with excellent writing skills, and capability to present to a diverse audience.
Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Salary and benefits package on offer for this role is highly competitive

Finance Director

Overview