Financial Management Accountant

publicjobs; Galway; On-site; EUR 74,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

Galway County Council is seeking a Financial Management Accountant in Galway to lead the modernisation and management of the finance function within the Finance Department, reporting to the Director of Finance. The successful candidate will drive policy development, implement new procedures and work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high‑quality financial services for the county.

The role combines statutory accounting, revenue and capital budgeting, treasury management, financial

Job description

Job title:

Financial Management Accountant - Galway County Council

Employer:

Galway County Council

Location:

Galway

Closing Date:

3pm, Thursday, 8 October 2026

Salary:

Starting from €82,595

About the Employer:

Galway County Council is responsible for the administrative area of County Galway, excluding Galway City. The Council is responsible for the planning, design and construction of roads, drainage facilities, housing, fire stations, libraries and burial grounds. Galway County Council is the custodian of the environment and through its planning and environment policies seeks to enhance the county while protecting its unique character and atmosphere. It also plays an active role in the development of the county's industrial, economic, business, social, arts, heritage and cultural affairs. In accordance with the Irish system of local government, which encompasses both democratic representation and public administration, Galway County Council as a local authority performs both a representational and operational role. The representational role of Galway County Council is performed directly by the elected members of the Council. In accordance with the Local Government Reform Act 2014, there are thirty nine Councillors who are elected for the five local Electoral Areas.

About the Role:

The Financial Management Accountant is a senior position within the Finance Department reporting to the Director of Finance. The successful candidate will be responsible for modernising and managing change in the finance function. They will be responsible for introduction of new policies and procedures and working with multidisciplinary teams. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic and progressive Local Authority which provides a multiplicity of services to the County.

The Finance Department has responsibility for:

• Financial and management accounting - including the preparation of revenue and capital budgets, and the Annual Financial Statement.
• Management of long and short-term finances, including Treasury Management.
• Development and improvement of financial systems.
• Accounts Payable.
• Payroll.
• Tax Returns.
• Travel & Subsistence.
• Accounts Receivable.
• Fixed Assets.
• Property & Leasing.
• Insurance.
• Procurement.
• Financial Governance & Compliance.
• Financial Reporting.

Local Government is placing a greater emphasis on Strategic Management, accountability, performance management and customer service. As a key member of the finance management team, you will be required to make a valuable contribution to the strategic management of the finance function. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to fully utilise their professional, technical and management skills in an environment that promotes a high-performance culture.

The Financial Management Accountant duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Preparation of the statutory accounts for Galway County Council.
• Assisting with the compilation and preparation of the statutory Local Authority Budget.
• Liaising with internal and external stakeholders including; Auditors, Department of Housing and Local Government, Office of the Revenue Commissioners, National Oversight and Audit Commission, Banks and funding providers.
• Ensuring that the entities under the Chief Executive's control adhere to currently accepted accounting standards and relevant codes of practice.
• Management and control of the day-to-day operations of the Finance Department and its sections.
• Operation and development of the Council's accounts receivable/debt management function including loan administration and the collection of commercial rates, fire service and other charges.
• Monitoring and implementing/improving internal controls and checks to ensure good financial control, safeguarding of assets etc.
• Ensuring the rapid, timely and accurate preparation of financial and management reports through the use of automated systems.
• Monitoring, interpretation and reporting on monthly management accounts for senior management and their sections.
• Preparation, implementation and on-going review of the Local Authority's finance plans including management of capital budgets.
• Financial planning and analysis including ad-hoc financial analysis and modelling.
• Introduction of reporting structures and systems in line with new requirements of legislation/ circulars/ value for money reports.
• Providing financial advice and assistance to internal departments to support the achievement of the Corporate Objectives and support devolved budgeting structures.
• Ensuring the adequacy of financial systems in the Council and, in particular, their support by adequate information systems.
• Implementing changes in existing financial systems as required.
• Promoting and assisting the implementation of good practice in areas to include Risk Management; Procurement; Value for Money; Shared Services; Efficiency and Effectiveness.
• Managing and developing staff in the Finance function to ensure the highest standards of proficiency and work with a variety of non-Finance teams, and to ensure the training and development of employees.
• Operation and development of the Council’s Debtor Management & Credit Control functions.
• Cash flow management, Treasury & Loan reporting and management.
• To implement the agreed strategies to meet and to expand or improve the range, quantity or quality of existing services and to recommend changes in strategies as required.
• Develop and maintain the property interest register.
• Build effective teams, develop motivation and commitment and maintain sound employee relations and morale in accordance with good employment practice and relevant legislation.
• Participate and take part in duties as required as part of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System to promote and ensure the safety, health and welfare of employees within the team.
• Participate and take part in the duties as required as part of the organisational response to Climate Action to promote and ensure capacity building, empowering change and delivering action.
• Other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 3pm on Thursday, 8 October, 2026.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.