Head of Finance

Dublin Bus (Bus Átha Cliath); Dublin; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dublin Bus is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead the financial function under the CFO and drive long-term financial sustainability for Ireland’s public transport organisation.

You will oversee DAC governance, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, and systems while delivering strategic financial insight for the business and regulatory compliance across all reporting obligations.

Qualifications

• Qualified accounting professional with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Significant senior-level finance leadership experience in complex organisations.
• Strong understanding of governance, regulatory frameworks and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial governance and management of DAC.
• Partner with CFO to develop and execute Finance strategy.
• Support Executive Team and Board in financial reporting obligations.
• Provide strategic financial insight on major business initiatives.
• Develop and enhance investment reporting, capital planning and project finance.
• Oversee payroll, procurement, and finance operations.
• Drive procurement governance and value-for-money outcomes.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial governance

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Excel

Communication

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

Are you a strategic finance leader with the vision to shape the future of public transport in Ireland? Dublin Bus is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Finance to play a critical leadership role within the Finance function, supporting the Chief Financial Officer and helping drive the organisation's long-term financial sustainability and growth.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Head of Finance will lead the financial management of Dublin Bus's Direct Award Contract (DAC), while overseeing key finance functions including management accounting, financial accounting, financial reporting, payroll, procurement, governance, and business controls.

This is a high-impact executive leadership opportunity for a qualified finance professional who thrives in a complex, stakeholder-rich environment and is passionate about delivering excellence in financial management, governance, and strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance Leadership

• Lead the financial governance and management of the Direct Award Contract (DAC).
• Partner with the CFO in developing and executing the Finance strategy, ensuring alignment with Dublin Bus's corporate objectives.
• Support the Executive Team and Board in meeting all financial and statutory reporting obligations.
• Provide strategic financial insight and guidance on major business initiatives and commercial decisions.
• Develop and enhance financial investment reporting, capital planning, project finance, and asset finance capabilities.

Financial Operations & Governance

• Lead and manage Management Accounting and Financial Accounting teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, external audit compliance, and robust internal controls.
• Maintain best-in-class financial governance and risk management standards.
• Drive compliance with all regulatory, corporate governance, and financial reporting requirements.
• Support continuous improvement across payroll, accounts payable, financial reporting, and finance operations.
• Lead the Procurement function in partnership with the Chief Procurement Officer.
• Ensure procurement resources, systems, and processes effectively support organisational objectives.
• Promote best practice procurement governance and value-for-money outcomes.

Transformation & Systems Development

• Shape and deliver the Finance Reporting and Financial Systems strategy.
• Lead the implementation and optimisation of key finance technologies, including SAP S/4HANA and payroll system enhancements.
• Drive the development of CSRD and sustainability-related financial reporting capabilities.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through innovation, process improvement, and technology adoption.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Dublin Bus at CIÉ Group financial forums and external stakeholder meetings.
• Build strong relationships with senior leadership, government agencies, regulators, and external partners.
• Collaborate closely with Commercial and Operational teams to support business performance and strategic goals.
• Inspire and develop high-performing finance and procurement teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Champion employee engagement and performance management initiatives.
• Lead employee relations matters in line with company policies and values.

About You

You are an accomplished finance executive with a proven track record of leading large finance functions and delivering strategic business outcomes within complex organisations.

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• Significant senior-level finance leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of financial management, accounting standards, governance, and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience managing large-scale financial operations and reporting requirements.
• Advanced analytical, commercial, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong systems experience, including ERP and financial reporting platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience within a public sector, transport, regulated, or large infrastructure organisation.
• Understanding of corporate governance and procurement requirements applicable to semi-state bodies.
• Experience implementing enterprise financial systems, including SAP S/4HANA.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Act as a trusted strategic partner to the CFO and Executive Team.
• Deliver exceptional financial stewardship and governance.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across finance and procurement.
• Support Dublin Bus in achieving its long-term commercial, operational, and sustainability objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing finance function capable of supporting a modern, growing transport organisation.

Why Join Dublin Bus?

This is a unique opportunity to influence the financial future of one of Ireland's most important public transport organisations. You'll join a leadership team committed to innovation, sustainability, and delivering exceptional services to the communities Dublin Bus serves every day.