Director of Finance & Business Operations at Tyndall National Institute

Director of Finance & Business Operations at Tyndall National Institute
Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term
Reporting to: Tyndall CEO


Tyndall is a critical national research resource and key national research infrastructure at University College Cork (UCC), and was established in 2004 as a strategic partnership between the Irish Government and UCC. The Institute is a powerhouse of research and innovation and a leading European research and technology organisation. Tyndall provides a national focal point for excellence in deep-tech research, development and graduate training at the convergence of nanotechnology, microelectronics, photonics, electronics and software. It is recognised as an international research leader in semiconductors, particularly as applied to the fields of Agritech & Food Security, Health & Life Sciences, Information & Communications, and Energy and Climate Mitigation.

The Institute’s key objective is to have a significant impact on economic development and societal challenges in Ireland. Central to Tyndall’s mission is delivering economic impact through research excellence. It works with industry and academia to transform research into products in its core application areas of electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-food and the environment. With an annual turnover of more than €50m, the Institute has a community of over 600 researchers, engineers, support staff, postgraduate students, interns and industry researchers-in-residence.

We are currently in expansion mode and expect to double both our physical footprint and headcount within the next 5 years. Tyndall now has a requirement for an established finance professional and strategic leader to help realise this ambition.

Reporting to the Tyndall CEO, the Director of Finance & Business Operations will support the strategic development of Tyndall National Institute and will be responsible for the leadership and direction of the critical services provided by the Tyndall Finance, Legal and Quality Management teams. The role will also act as Secretary to the Tyndall Board, managing this important secretariat support function. The postholder will be a core member of the Tyndall executive leadership team with a dotted reporting line to the UCC Chief Financial & Operating Officer, on matters related to alignment with UCC Group financial reporting, planning and compliance.

Duties and responsibilities

• Strategically direct the operation and development of all aspects of Financial, Legal/Contracts and quality management services at Tyndall, ensuring appropriate systems are in place to support and efficiently manage the substantial number of ongoing research projects and programmes.
• Assist the CEO in the strategic planning process and strategy implementation, including strategic ad hoc projects.
• Lead the development and execution of Tyndall’s financial strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives, applying critical foresight on all matters.
• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, long range planning, forecasting and reporting. Ensure the integrity of financial information and compliance as applicable, under generally accepted accounting principles (‘GAAP’).
• Lead the development and streamlining of Tyndall’s financial operations, ensuring customer service focus and operational efficiency. As appropriate, ensure alignment with UCC’s finance and digital transformation programmes.
• Identify and execute on opportunities for cost efficiencies, ensuring value for money.
• Identify and assess financial risks and develop strategies to mitigate.
• Proactively plan and efficiently manage all significant capital budgets, aligning with other Tyndall priorities & UCC Group Capital Development programme as appropriate.
• Lead, manage and mentor the team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Ensure the team is equipped with the necessary skills and resources to perform effectively.
• Develop and maintain strong relations with officials within key funding agencies and related offices.
• Provide expert guidance and direction on all contractual matters, as one of the primary authorised signatories for legal matters.
• Work closely with, and provide high quality financial management guidance to, senior management, providing financial insights and recommendations that drive decision-making across functions.
• As Board Secretary, work closely with the Tyndall Board Chair and CEO in ensuring the efficient operation and administration of the Board in all respects.
• Liaise and build relationships with relevant Government department officials on all matters regarding Tyndall funding and its establishment agreement.
• Prepare and present timely financial reports and business plans to management and the Board, highlighting KPIs and appropriate financial analyses and trends. Align financial planning and reporting processes with UCC group reporting timelines.
• Maintain strong relations with all key University offices.
• Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• A professional accountancy qualification.
• Substantial successful leadership experience in a similarly demanding finance director role, with a clear record of delivery.
• Strong track record of achievement in career to date.
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous improvement in the pursuit of excellence.
• Results-focussed with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent relationship building and senior board-level influencing skills.
• Exceptional financial planning and project management skills and experience.
• Experience of effective management of large-scale capital project budgets.
• A demonstrable ability to lead, motivate and manage an experienced team.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal abilities

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge/experience of national and international public funding environments, structures and procedures.
• Experience of operating within the Higher Education sector or the public sector with an understanding of the related wider issues and challenges.
• Experience of working with government agencies and officials at a senior level.
• Company secretarial experience an advantage.

Conditions of employment
Salary scale (new entrants):  Senior Admin II Salary €124,604– €146,339 (Scale B) per annum. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Professor William Scanlon.
Closing date of applications is 10th December, 2024

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up to date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.