Head of Finance & Company Secretary July 2025

Job title:

Head of Finance & Company Secretary July 2025

Company

HFA

Job description

Applications are now sought to fill the post of Head of Finance & Company Secretary on a permanent basis at the Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA). The HFA’s Office is in Dublin City Centre.The closing date for receipt of applications is 3pm on 23rd of July 2025.About the Housing Finance Agency (HFA)The Housing Finance Agency plc (HFA) provides loan finance to Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and Higher Education Institutions to facilitate the delivery of social and affordable housing. The HFA is a key stakeholder in Ireland’s national housing strategy, supporting the implementation of government policy.The RoleReporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for leading the HFA’s financial strategy, maintaining robust financial controls and fulfilling the statutory and governance responsibilities of the Company Secretary. This position is critical to the strategic and operational success of the HFA, overseeing robust financial stewardship, effective financial management and strong corporate governance, supporting the Agency’s mission to provide innovative and sustainable funding solutions for social and affordable housing in Ireland.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESFinancial Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to the strategic direction and operational effectiveness of the Agency.

• Develop and lead the HFA’s financial strategy in alignment with organisational goals, contributing to the development and implementation of strategic plans.

• Oversee preparation of annual budgets, management accounts, statutory financial statements and financial analysis, in compliance with public sector financial policies and accounting standards.

• Ensure strong internal controls, risk management and financial governance across all finance operations.

• Liaise with internal and external auditors and ensure implementation of audit recommendations.

• Provide timely and accurate financial reports, forecasts and management information as well as financial guidance to the CEO, the senior leadership team, the HFA Board and external stakeholders.

• Lead and manage the Finance Team, driving a high-performance culture and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

• Represent the HFA at external forums and contribute to policy development in the housing finance sector

• Member of HFA Management Committee which assesses credit applications up to €5 million.

Company Secretarial & Governance

• Act as Company Secretary to the Board and its committees, ensuring full compliance with legal, regulatory and governance requirements.

• Ensure compliance with the Companies Act 2014 and other relevant legislation and standards.

• Manage all company secretarial functions, including the preparation and distribution of agendas, paper and minutes for Board and committee, with the support of the Assistant Company Secretary.

• Provide guidance to the Board and senior management on corporate governance best practices, statutory obligations and Board procedures.

• Support the Chairperson and CEO in ensuring effective governance practices and Board performance.

• Oversee the maintenance of statutory registers and timely filing of returns with the Companies Registration Office.

• Liaise with government departments, regulators, and external stakeholders as required.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA/QUALIFICATIONSEssential Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA) with significant post-qualification experience (minimum 10 years).

• Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, within the financial services sector.

• Proven experience in financial leadership roles, with responsibility for financial planning, finance strategy and corporate governance.

• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to operational delivery.

• Demonstrated experience in company secretarial or corporate governance roles, preferably within the public sector or financial services.

• Strong understanding of risk management and compliance frameworks.

Desirable Experience

• Corporate Finance qualification.

• Understanding of Irish company law, public sector financial frameworks and regulatory compliance Familiarity with public sector financial regulations in Ireland.

• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.

• Knowledge of the Irish housing finance landscape and social housing policy.

• Experience managing relationships with lenders, investors and public sector stakeholders.

COMPETENCIESThe ideal candidate shall demonstrate the ability to deliver on the following competencies:

• Leadership and Strategic Direction: Leads the team by setting high standards, developing team capability and promoting learning, fostering open communication, shaping strategy and implementing change and anticipating and responding to sectoral developments.

• Judgement and Decision Making: Focuses on core issues, solving problems and identifying solutions; makes timely decisions based on analysis, financial acumen and understanding of impacts and strives to balance sectoral, political and citizen considerations.

• Management and Delivery of Results: Takes responsibility for delivering results, balances strategy and operations, manages multiple tasks while optimising resources, reviews projects to ensure effectiveness and maintains focus on business priorities.

• Building Relationships and Communication: Communicates clearly and listens actively, resolves conflicts in a constructive manner, navigates political processes, persuades and builds consensus, engages with colleagues and stakeholders, builds networks and voices opinions when necessary.

• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development: Maintains relevant skills and expertise, stays updated on policies, trends and governance developments and focuses on self-development through feedback and growth opportunities.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICETenureThe appointment is on a permanent contract subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period.Hours of WorkOperating on a 35-hour week with core hours between 08.00am – 6.30pm. The HFA currently operates a flexible work model, with staff currently required to work a minimum of two days per week in the office in Dublin 2.Salary ScaleThe Principal Officer Standard salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 March 2025) is as follows:PRINCIPAL (PPC)€104,971.00 €109,426.00 €113,845.00 €118,298.00 €122,054.00 €125,951.00¹ €129,841.00²This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution.Principal Non-Personal Pension Contribution Salary Scale€99,723.00 €103,948.00 €108,149.00 €112,386.00 €115,953.00 €119,655.00¹ €123,349.00²This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution.Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale.Important NoteN.B. Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if, immediately before appointment, you are a currently serving civil/public servant.Annual LeaveIn addition to the usual Irish public holidays annual leave for this position is 30 working days, based on a five-day week.The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.How to ApplyApplications should be submitted via HIREHIVE LINK onlyEach candidate should submit a short covering letter outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position along with an up-to-date CV.If applicable, please contact our HR Manager, Katherina Sage if you require a job description in an accessible format. In addition, candidates called for interviews and/or aptitude tests may request reasonable accommodations.Please note: all job offers are subject to satisfactory references and a pre-employment medical.The Housing Finance Agency PLC is an equal opportunities employer.

Expected salary

Location

Dublin

Job date

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 23:44:21 GMT

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