Financial Controller - Immediate Start

Darwin Hawkins; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Our Client, a PE-backed organisation in Dublin South, seeks a Financial Controller on a 12-month maternity cover. You will lead financial accounting and accounts payable, delivering accurate reporting, robust controls and strategic input to the CFO and senior stakeholders.

The role requires a qualified accountant with extensive post-qualification experience, strong systems knowledge and a hands-on, fast-paced leadership style. Hybrid work is offered.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with 7+ years' post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience leading finance teams and improving processes.
• Strong technical accounting, financial reporting and tax compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee month-end close, management accounts and reporting packs.
• Lead financial accounting and accounts payable teams.
• Maintain robust balance sheet controls and reconciliations.
• Manage statutory reporting, external audit and tax compliance.
• Oversee cash flow forecasting and working capital.
• Drive process improvements and automation in reporting.

Skills

Technical accounting

Financial reporting

Balance sheet controls

ERP systems

Excel advanced

Automation & reporting tools

Commercial partnering

Education

Chartered Accountant (CA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Job Title: Financial Controller – Immediate Start

Sector: PE-Backed Corporate

Location: Dublin South (Hybrid)

Our Client

Our client is a large, well-established, private equity-backed organisation based in South Dublin. The business is undergoing a period of significant growth and investment and is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join its finance leadership team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.

Why should you apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Financial Controller to join a growing, PE-backed organisation with an immediate start available. Reporting directly to the CFO, you will take ownership of the financial accounting function, leading an established finance team while driving improvements across reporting, financial controls and systems.

The role offers excellent exposure to senior leadership, the opportunity to make a real impact on finance operations.

Who should apply?

This role will suit an experienced Financial Controller or Senior Finance Manager who is available at short notice and comfortable operating in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

• Qualified accountant with 7+ years' post-qualification experience.
• Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Senior Finance Manager or similar finance leadership position.
• Strong technical accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance and balance sheet control experience.
• Proven experience managing finance teams and improving financial processes, controls and reporting.
• Strong systems and analytical skills, with advanced Excel and experience using ERP systems. Exposure to automation and reporting tools would be advantageous.
• Proactive, commercially minded and hands‑on, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Role and Reporting Lines

Reporting directly to the CFO, you will lead the financial accounting and accounts payable teams, taking responsibility for the day‑to‑day accounting operations while supporting the continued development of the finance function.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Financial Reporting – Oversee the month‑end close process, management accounts, reporting dashboards and monthly management packs.
• Team Leadership – Manage, mentor and develop the financial accounting and accounts payable teams, ensuring strong performance and accountability.
• Financial Controls – Maintain robust balance sheet controls, reconciliations and financial reporting standards across the business.
• Statutory Reporting & Tax – Manage statutory reporting, external audit requirements and tax compliance obligations.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital – Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, debtors, creditors and working capital performance.
• Process Improvement – Identify and implement opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting efficiency and internal controls.
• Systems & Automation – Drive systems enhancements, automation initiatives and improvements in data quality and financial reporting.
• Business Partnering – Work closely with the CFO and senior stakeholders, providing financial insights and supporting operational and commercial decision-making.