Head of Finance & Operations

St. James's Hospital Foundation

Location: Dublin

Reporting to: Foundation Director

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Four-Day Working Week with Hybrid Working Arrangements

About St. James's Hospital Foundation

St. James's Hospital Foundation exists to support excellence in patient care, research, education, and innovation at St. James's Hospital. The Foundation plays a vital role in securing philanthropic support and ensuring that donor funding is managed responsibly and effectively in furtherance of its charitable objectives.

The Role

St. James's Hospital Foundation is seeking to appoint an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance & Operations to join its senior leadership team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the Foundation's finance function and overseeing the effective day-to-day business operations of the organisation. Working closely with the Foundation Director, the Head of Finance & Operations will provide financial leadership, operational oversight, and support in ensuring the Foundation meets its governance and regulatory obligations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated finance professional seeking a senior leadership role within a respected charitable organisation while benefiting from a strong work-life balance through a four-day working week.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead and manage the Foundation's finance function.
• Develop and oversee annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Provide strategic financial advice and insights to the Foundation Director and Board.
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Support organisational planning through effective financial modelling and forecasting.
• Ensure prudent management of cash flow, reserves, and investments.

Financial Reporting and Control

• Oversee the preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Lead the annual budgeting process.
• Manage the preparation of annual statutory accounts and coordinate the annual audit process.
• Ensure robust financial controls, policies and procedures are maintained.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting, taxation and charity reporting requirements and manage relationships with key stakeholders and professional advisers.  

Operations Management & Governance Support

• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the Foundation.
• Support the Foundation Director in maintaining effective governance arrangements across the Foundation.
• Prepare financial reports and support documentation for Board and Committee meetings.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with hospital stakeholders, trustees, donors, auditors, banking partners, and other key stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Minimum five years' experience in a senior finance management or leadership role.
• Strong experience in financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and audit management.
• Proven ability to lead and develop staff.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within the charity, healthcare, or not-for-profit sector.
• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees, or senior leadership teams.
• Experience managing operational or administrative functions in addition to finance.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong integrity and professional judgement.
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach to leadership.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.
• A commitment to the mission and values of St. James's Hospital Foundation.
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset.

What We Offer

• A senior leadership role within a respected charitable organisation.
• A four-day working week.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to contribute meaningfully to healthcare philanthropy and patient outcomes.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits package.

To apply, candidates should submit a curriculum vitae and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role to Keith Robinson at keith@tvhrob.ie