Head of Finance, Governance and Risk Management in the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) Assistant Director (Professional Accountant Grade I)

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1 Head of Finance, Governance and Risk Management in the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) Assistant Director (Professional Accountant Grade I) Applications are now sought to fill the post of Head of Finance, Governance and Risk Management (Professional Accountant Grade I) at the Residential Tenancies Board. The Office is based in Dublin City Centre. The closing date for receipt of applications is midnight Monday 11th September BACKGROUND The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is a public body set up to support and develop a well-functioning rental housing sector. Our remit extends to both the Approved Housing Body sector and the private rental sector. Our role is to regulate the rental sector; provide information to inform policy; maintain a national register of tenancies; resolve disputes between landlords and tenants and provide information to the public. What do we do? Information, research and education We provide high quality information and assistance to the public, tenants and landlords on their rights and obligations, in terms of both living and providing accommodation in the rental sector. We also provide accurate and authoritative data on the rental sector, such as the Rent Index, which allows us to monitor trends in the rental sector, but also allows individuals to check and compare rents in particular locations. Registrations All private residential landlords and Approved Housing Bodies, who are not-for-profit housing providers, often referred to as Housing Associations, must register their tenancies. A public register of tenancies enables us to collect important data on the sector. It is also a key part of regulating and supporting the sector and ensuring that landlords and tenants are aware of their rights and responsibilities. Dispute resolution Since 2004, we have replaced the courts in dealing with the majority of disputes between landlords and tenants through our Dispute Resolution Service. This service offers a choice of resolution types to parties mediation or adjudication. Staffing and Resources The RTB has, until recently, been self-financing primarily funded from tenancy registration fees. However, in the last two years we have also had to rely on additional financial support from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The RTB are operating on a budget of approximately 16m in The Director of the RTB is the most senior position in the organisation. Reporting to a Board of Directors (the Board) of 12, the Director will be supported by a Senior Management Team of eight, of which the Head of Finance, Governance and Risk Management will be a member. The RTB currently has a sanctioned staffing compliment of 61. Call Centre services, and document management / data entry is outsourced to a third party, private sector company. The RTB is also supported by outsourced legal and ICT services. 1

2 THE ROLE Applications are sought to fill the post of Head of Finance, Governance and Risk Management in the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Reporting to the Director, the successful applicant will be responsible for leading the financial, governance and risk managment functions of the organisation. It is a leadership role with the successful applicant being a member of the senior management team of the RTB. As a member of senior management he/she will be required to actively contribute to the achievement of the RTB s strategic objectives and decision-making within the organisation and to the development and implementation of the RTB s corporate and annual business planning processes. The ideal candidate is one who would relish the challenge of delivering on a demanding and diverse portfolio, championing change and be comfortable working at senior management level. They will be responsible for all aspects of financial control, including statutory and regulatory requirements, financial reporting, and budget development. They would take the lead on risk management as Chief Risk Officer and support the framework of Corporate Governance within the organisation. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Financial Management Lead and manage a budget of approximately 16m per annum ensuring that the allocation of available funds is consistent with corporate strategy and the operations of the RTB. Ensure the sustainability of the organisations financial resources while continuously supporting improvement in service delivery at reduced cost. Develop and maintain a financial reporting framework and produce financial reports and analysis that support the RTB in its policy and decision making roles. Monitor and report on revenue and expenditure against budgets and forecasts, and undertake comprehensive short and long term financial planning. Create and support a culture in which non financial managers take responsibility for effective management of devolved resources. Develop and implement financial policies and procedures that ensure compliance with relevant financial standards and public sector policy, and satisfy the reporting requirements of the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. Assume a lead role in the development and implemention of Financial Management systems that ensure that the strategic and business needs of the RTB are continually met. Provide expert advice to the organisation in determining projections in income and in identifying opportunities for cost savings. Ensure that systems and procedures are in place so that the processing of all financial transactions are accurate, timely and efficient and in line with public accounting procedures. Ensure timely and accurate completion of the annual operational budget and 5-year financial plan Ensure the Board complies with public procurement requirements, and that the procurement processes are efficient and effective in delivering value for money. 2

3 2. Governance To maintain and improve a strong internal control environment, through ensuring the proper operation, control and execution of the RTB s processes and procedures in relation to all financial transactions and identifying improvements as necessary. Ensure that the RTB is in compliance with obligations under law in the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies, Ethics in Public Office legislation and other relevant public sector policies, regulations and accounting standards. Advising the Director, Chairperson and Board on corporate governance matters ensuring high standards exist in the discharge of the RTB s functions. Responsible for developing and implementing policies and systems to sustain good governance. Board Secretary with responsibility for the organisations corporate governance, act as advisor to Chairperson and Board and will ultimately be responsible for Board Development, be the conduit for communications with the Board, relevant disclosures and reports. Work with the Chairperson to manage agendas and ensure high quality up to date information is provided to the Board. As Board Secretary, the post holder will be expected to have a holistic view of governance framework and will be responsible for the framework and supporting policies in place. 3. Risk Monitor and develop the system for assessing and quantifying the risks (operational, reputational and strategic) arising in the organisation and work closely with the Management team to develop methodologies for addressing, managing and controlling identified risks. Advising the Director, Chairperson and Board on risk management matters ensuring high standards exist in the discharge of the RTB s functions. Responsible for developing and implementing policies and systems to sustain good governance. As RTB s Chief Risk Officer, the post holder will be responsible for identifying and managing organisational risk as well as ensuring compliance in procurement and contract management procedures. Responsible for developing and implementing policies and systems to ensure robust risk management systems are in place. To risk assess major new projects in terms of potential impacts or business change. REQUIREMENTS Essential Qualifications and Experience Membership of a recognised or prescribed accountancy body such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent, Relevant post qualification experience in a senior role and has demonstrated strong business analytical skills, initiative and strategic thinking to identify and resolve potential risks and issues in their previous roles. 3

4 Essential Skills and Experience Have a proved track record in managing finances. Sound knowledge and experience of governance Good knowledge of risk management policies and process and experience of their application. Have knowledge and experience in managing large budgets for operations and project management, with a continuous focus on value for money. Have a record of achievement in their career to date, demonstrating significant management skills including the ability to provide effective leadership and direction. Have knowledge and experience in managing procurement processes, including appraisal and evaluation techniques, contract negotiation and award, and subsequent management through to implementation. Experience of managing relationships at senior management and Board level with authority and credibility. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience of managing conflicting demands and responding to tight deadlines where tasks can be unpredicted and unpredictable. Experience in communicating complex financial information to senior management and have experience working with financial management systems. A thorough knowledge of best practice in finance policy and procedures, government codes of practice, taxation legislation and procurement. Health Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. Key Competencies Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development Management and Delivery of Results Analysis and Decision Making Interpersonal and Communication Skills Leadership Desirable Criteria An understanding of the Government s strategic direction and policies relating to housing. Note: The functions and responsibilities assigned to this position are based on the current stated role and may be changed from time to time. The person appointed requires the flexibility to fulfill other roles and responsibilities at a similar level within the RTB. 4

5 PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE Tenure The appointment is on a permanent full-time basis subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period. Salary Scale The salary scale for the position (rates effective from 1 April 2017) ia as follows: Professional Accountant Grade I (PPC) Salary Scale 66,777-68,684-70,707-72,725-74,740-77,138 - LSI 1 79,841 - LSI 2 82,538 This rate applies to new entrants and will also apply where the appointee is an existing civil or public servant appointed on or after 6th April 1995 and is required to make a personal pension contribution. Professional Accountant Grade I Non-Personal Pension Contribution Salary Scale 65,124-66,110-67,292-70,141-72,230-74,662 LSI 1 77,248 LSI 2 78,519 This rate will apply where the appointee is a civil or public servant recruited before 6th April 1995 and who is not required to make a Personal Pension Contribution. Long service increments may be payable after 3 (LSI 1) and 6 (LSI 2) years satisfactory service at the maximum of the scale. Important Note Entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Subject to satisfactory performance increments may be payable in line with current Government policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if, immediately before appointment, you are a currently serving civil/public servant. Annual Leave In addition to the usual public holidays annual leave for this position is 30 working days. The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be a comprehensive list of terms and conditions of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate. APPLICATION PROCEDURE How to Apply Applications should be submitted via to recruitment@rtb.ie Each candidate should submit a short covering letter outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position highlighting the relevant key competencies along with an up to date CV (click here to see sample CV layout). Closing date Deadline for application: Monday 11 September 2017 at midnight. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. 5

6 Selection Process The selection process may include: shortlisting of candidates, on the basis of the information contained in their application; a competitive interview; a second competitive interview which may include a presentation. References We would appreciate it if you could start considering names of people who would be suitable referees and that we might consult (2-3 names and contact details). The referees do not have to include your current employer but should be in a position to provide a reference for you. Please be assured that we will only contact referees should you come under consideration after interview stage. Please note, should you be successful in this competition, we will require a reference from your current employer, prior to recommendation for appointment. General Information Candidates should note that canvassing will disqualify. The RTB will not be responsible for any expenses, including travelling expenses that applicants may incur in connection with their application for this post. Should the person recommended for appointment decline, or, having accepted it, relinquish it or if any additional vacancy arises, the RTB may, at its discretion, select and recommend another person for appointment on the results of this selection process. Guidance Note on your Curriculum Vitae Your CV should be no longer than 3-4 pages in length and should clearly state your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date. A sample CV is attached below for reference. The selection process may include shortlisting of candidates on the basis of the information contained in their cover letter and CV. It is therefore in your own interest to ensure your CV clearly and accurately reflects your track record of achievement in the relevant areas as well as your track record in delivering on key strategic projects. Your career history is best presented in reverse chronological order so that the most recent roles appear first. Please ensure you cover the last years work experience or last 3 or 4 roles in some level of detail depending on what you have done. For each position, please ensure you clearly indicate your Management Level and the Number of Staff reporting to you. You are also asked to include an indication of your salary level. Positions held more than 15 years ago require only a summary description. Education Details: Please specify status of award if not complete. Should you come under consideration for appointment, you may be required to provide evidence of any qualifications awarded. At the end you may want to briefly note other achievements that you feel may be relevant to the particular role, e.g. other roles you may hold (Board Member, etc); Key Presentations; Language Skills (including level of fluency); Industry/sectoral recognitions; Publications etc. 6

7 Sample Curriculum Vitae Layout Name: Contact details: ie Address, Telephone (landline & mobile) & address Career History Current Position: Job Title Company Dates: from-to Salary Key Accountabilities Key Achievements Budget Responsibility Number of Staff Previous Position 1: Job Title Company Dates: from-to Salary Key Accountabilities Key Achievements Budget Responsibility Number of Staff Education Details: Institution Award (e.g. BA, MBA etc) Subject Year Awarded.. Other Training: Subject Training Body Year Completed.... Professional Memberships etc: Level of Membership Professional Body / Association. Additional Information:... 7

8 Appendix 3: Assistant Principal Officer Level Competencies Effective Performance Indicators Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development Management & Delivery of Results Analysis & Decision Making Interpersonal & Communication Skills Leadership Has a clear understanding of the roles objectives and targets of self and the team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation Has a breadth and depth of knowledge of Department and Governmental issues and is sensitive to wider political and organisational priorities Is considered an expert by stakeholders in own field/ area Is focused on self development, seeking feedback and opportunities for growth to help carry out the specific requirements of the role Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivers on time and to a high standard Plans and prioritises work in terms of importance, timescales and other resource constraints, re-prioritising in light of changing circumstances Ensures quality and efficient customer service is central to the work of the division Looks critically at issues to see how things can be done better Is open to new ideas initiatives and creative solutions to problems Ensures controls and performance measures are in place to deliver efficient and high value services Effectively manages multiple projects Researches issues thoroughly, consulting appropriately to gather all information needed on an issue Understands complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data (including numerical data) Integrates diverse strands of information, identifying inter-relationships and linkages Makes clear, timely and well grounded decisions on important issues Considers the wider implications of decisions on a range of stakeholders Takes a firm position on issues s/he considers important Presents information in a confident, logical and convincing manner, verbally and in writing Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues Promotes teamwork within the section, but also works effectively on projects across Departments/ Sectors Maintains poise and control when working to influence others Instills a strong focus on Customer Service in his/her area Develops and maintains a network of contacts to facilitate problem solving or information sharing Engages effectively with a range of stakeholders, including members of the public, Public Service Colleagues and the political system Actively contributes to the development of the strategies and policies of the Department/ Organisation Brings a focus and drive to building and sustaining high levels of performance, addressing any performance issues as they arise Leads and maximises the contribution of the team as a whole Considers the effectiveness of outcomes in terms wider than own immediate area Clearly defines objectives/ goals & delegates effectively, encouraging ownership and responsibility for tasks Develops capability of others through feedback, coaching & creating opportunities for skills development Identifies and takes opportunities to exploit new and innovative service delivery channels 8