Spirasi – Head of Finance (Interim)
17.5 Hours a week (PT, hybrid working)
Join Spirasi: A Place of Healing, Hope, and Impact
Spirasi began its journey as a warm and welcoming haven for vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees at 213 North Circular Road, offering basic English classes to help them navigate a new chapter of life. Over time, we recognised the immense challenges faced by individuals recovering from severe trauma. This insight led us to expand our mission —transforming into Ireland’s national centre for the rehabilitation of survivors of torture, cruel, inhumane, or degrading treatment.
At Spirasi, we are dedicated to healing survivors of torture and empowering them to rebuild their lives. Through our therapeutic, rehabilitative, and educational services — delivered from our national centre in Dublin, remotely, and regionally — we provide holistic support that helps individuals restore a positive sense of self and become active contributors to a better Ireland.
Our Impact
Since our founding, Spirasi has made a tangible difference:
• Over 7,000 survivors of torture have accessed our rehabilitation services.
• More than 2,500 English language students have graduated, gaining confidence and skills to integrate and thrive.
Our work is driven by the belief that every person deserves dignity, healing, and a chance to rebuild. Our team of 40 staff shares this commitment, making Spirasi a truly meaningful place to work.
Why Work With Us?
At Spirasi, you’ll join a passionate and skilled team dedicated to creating lasting change. You’ll contribute to a mission that transforms lives and helps shape a more inclusive, compassionate Ireland.
We are looking to recruit an interim Head of Finance on a part-time basis.
Any offer of employment will be conditional on references and Garda vetting. All candidates must be eligible to live and work in Ireland at the time of application.
Please send a CV and a brief letter of motivation (no more than 2 pages) – both of which should show how your skills and experience match the requirements of the post – via email to recruitment@spirasi.ie with ‘Head of Finance (Interim) and your name’ in the subject of the email.
Enquiries: Gráinne O’Rourke, phone: 01-8389664, Email recruitment@spirasi.ie
Closing Date: March 7th2025
Interview Date: W/C March 17
Start Date: ASAP- pending Garda Vetting and pre-employment checks
Remuneration: €35-40Kcommensurate with experience
Contract: Fixed term 1-year contract, part-time
Job Description
Title:
Head of Finance (Interim)
Reports to:
o CEO
Level of Authority and Relationship to other roles:
o Works closely with others on the Management and Finance Team
o Manages the Finance Function
Work Schedule:
17.5 hours a week
Contract Type:
Fixed Term, 1 year contract
Rate of Pay:
€35-40K per annum commensurate with experience
Location:
213 North Circular Road, Dublin 7 (we operate a hybrid working policy)*
About the Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Head of Finance is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and financial reporting of Spirasi, ensuring financial compliance across the organisation, maintaining a solid internal control framework, and implementing continuous improvements in processes, systems and reporting.
The Head of Finance leads and manages the finance team to ensure all finance, accounting and reporting activities are implemented and carried out effectively and efficiently and that the team is providing the necessary support to the wider organisation.
Duties and Responsibilities (include, but not limited to)
· Managing and leading the finance team to deliver all operational finance requirements of the organisation including:
- Delivering clear and accurate management quarterly accounts including comparison to budget and rolling forecasts.
- Monitoring the charity’s reserves position relative to its policy and ensuring that funds are properly accounted for between restricted, designated and unrestricted funds.
- Preparation of year end statutory accounts compliant with the Charities SORP.
- Co-ordinating with the external auditors to conclude the annual audit in a timely and efficient manner.
- Completing timely and accurate reconciliations, payments and payroll cycles.
- Providing financial analysis, planning and advice to guide decision making.
• Leading the annual budget process and rolling forecasts including cashflow forecasting.
• Ensuring financial compliance with all internal and external requirements, in particular ensuring that the organisation’s financial practices are in line with statutory and fiscal regulations.
• Managing the ongoing development, implementation and monitoring of financial policies and procedures, striving to deliver continuous improvement.
• Key executive supporting the work of the Audit & Finance sub-committee of the board. Attend all committee meetings.
• Other duties that may arise from time to time appropriate to the role.
Person Specification
Essential:
• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CPA) with at least 10 years financial experience and at least 5 years at senior level
• Experience in leading, developing and motivating a team
• Excellent operational experience across the full finance function (AP, AR, Banking, Payroll, Financial Reporting etc.)
• Strategic minded with strong analytical skills, experienced in the provision of quality management information and business planning
• Excellent organisational and collaborative leadership skills, combined with outstanding communication and people management skills
• Experience of continuous improvement of financial systems and processes
• Experience of working with external auditors, compliance and regulatory oversight
• 'Can-do’ mindset and outstanding problem-solving ability
• Ability to build and maintain relationships
• Committed to excellence and have a strong attention to detail
• A team player and self-motivated problem solver
• Able to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
• Demonstrate the highest levels of integrity
- Candidates must have the right to work in Ireland at the time of the application and for the duration of the contract of employment.
- A working knowledge of the Irish international protection system, as well as the social welfare, legal and education system.
- Able to speak and write English to IELTS Level 8 (Expert User).
- Proficient in IT (using client management systems, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email).
- Experience of working effectively as part of multi-disciplinary team and independently.
Desirable:
• Previous experience in a charity or not for profit organisation
Health & Safety
- Adhere to safety, health and welfare at policies and procedures and all relevant legislation.
The above is a guide to the nature of the work required, it is not exhaustive.
Benefits:
• Salary between €35-40K, and commensurate with experience
• Generous annual leave entitlements
· EAP Programme 35 Hour per week (full time)
· Company Sick Pay
· Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) with HSF
· Bike to Work Scheme
· Enhanced Annual leave entitlement (closure for Easter and Christmas week)
Spirasi is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and selection decisions are made on merit - in line with the job and skills requirements set for the role.
No late applications will be accepted, and canvassing will lead to disqualification. Any offer will be subject to satisfactory references, Garda Vetting and verification of qualifications.
*For a remote work arrangement to operate effectively, a single, specific workspace must be available and designated in the home or other office.
Spirasi is committed to offering support and making reasonable accommodations to allow full participation in the recruitment process. It is important that you let the Recruitment team know of any requirements you have. We will consider any reasonable adjustments needed.
