Board Member and Chair of Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

Saint John of God Housing Association; Ireland; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A registered charity in Ireland seeks a qualified accountant to serve as Chair of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. The role involves strategic leadership, financial oversight, and ensuring compliance with governance standards. The successful candidate will have significant experience in financial management, a strong understanding of governance best practices, and a commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.

Qualifications

• Substantial expertise in financial management and audit within the not-for-profit or social housing sector.
• Proven ability to lead and facilitate committee meetings effectively.
• Strong understanding of governance and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Board in ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Report to the Board on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee's work.
• Provide leadership and direction in financial oversight and risk management.

Skills

Financial & Audit Expertise

Leadership & Facilitation

Governance & Compliance

Strategic Thinking

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Board Experience

Empathy & Integrity

Education

Qualified accountant (CAI, ACCA, CPA Ireland, CIMA, CIPFA)

Job description

The Organisation:

Saint John of God Housing Association CLG (SJOGHA) is an Approved Housing Body (AHB), a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. SJOGHA has 186 houses and apartments, providing over 400 units of accommodation, primarily for people with intellectual disabilities, but also for people with mental health challenges and older persons. The Association’s mission is to positively impact the lives of vulnerable adults and communities by providing high-quality homes, supporting independence, and creating opportunities.

SJOGHA is an equal opportunities organisation, committed to diversity and inclusion.

The Role:

The appointee will join the Board of Directors of SJOGHA and serve as Chair of its Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. This dual role is pivotal in providing strategic leadership, robust financial oversight, and effective risk management to support the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate fully as a Board member, contributing to the strategic priorities, governance, and overall performance of the Association.
• Uphold SJOGHA’s mission, values, and commitment to public benefit.
• Lead and facilitate effective meetings of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring clear agendas and productive discussions.
• Provide leadership and direction to the committee in financial oversight, audit (internal and external), investment, and risk management.
• Support the development and implementation of financial and risk management strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Assist the Board in ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements, particularly the Standards for AHBs issued by the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) and the Charities Regulator’s Charities Governance Code.
• Oversee the integrity of financial reporting, internal controls, and risk management frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Board, the CEO, and the Head of Finance to address financial sustainability, funding challenges, and operational risks.
• Promote transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance within the committee and across the organisation.
• Report to the Board on the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee’s work, key risks, and financial matters.

Skills and Experience Required

• Financial & Audit Expertise: Qualified accountant (CAI, ACCA, CPA Ireland, CIMA, CIPFA) with substantial expertise in financial management, audit, and risk oversight, ideally within the not-for-profit or social housing sector.
• Leadership & Facilitation: Proven ability to lead and facilitate committee meetings, driving effective decision making and follow‑up.
• Governance & Compliance: Strong understanding of governance, regulatory requirements, and best practice in financial oversight.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and provide guidance on financial and risk matters critical to organisational stability.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication skills; able to engage effectively with committee members, Board, CEO, and external stakeholders.
• Board Experience: Previous experience in a board role, whether in an executive or advisory capacity, is highly desirable.
• Empathy & Integrity: Commitment to SJOGHA’s mission and values, with a high level of integrity and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable groups.

Charities Regulator’s Summary of the Legal Duties of a Charity Trustee

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity.
• Act with reasonable care and skill.
• Manage the charity’s resources responsibly.
• Be accountable and comply with the law.

Time Commitment/Meetings

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets approximately six times per year, usually online for 1.5 hours in the late afternoon or evening.

Board meetings are held six times per year, typically in person or hybrid at Saint John of God, Hospitaller House, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin.

Committee Terms of Reference will be made available to individuals who are invited forward to discuss their interest further.