Interim Financial / Accounting Manager (Contract – 4–6 Months)

Location: Limerick, Ireland (Onsite)

Reports to: U.S.-Based Divisional Controller

Main Purpose of the Position

An established and growing international organisation with expanding European operations is seeking an experienced Interim Financial / Accounting Manager to lead a finance clean-up and stabilization project during a key growth phase.

This is a hands-on, decision-making role focused on reviewing, validating, and strengthening accounting processes, financial records, and reporting structures within the Irish entity. The successful candidate will assess historical financial data (including balance sheets, inventory, and general ledger accounts), implement robust accounting processes aligned with US GAAP and local statutory requirements, and establish a clear and sustainable finance framework.

This transformation-focused contract (4–6 months) is designed to leave the Irish finance function structured, compliant, and scalable in preparation for continued expansion and a future permanent appointment.

The role reports directly to a U.S.-based Divisional Controller and will play a critical leadership role in establishing clarity, control, and accountability within the Irish operation.

Key Accountabilities & Responsibilities:

1. Financial Clean-Up & Validation

• Review and reconcile historical balance sheets and general ledger accounts.
• Validate inventory balances and costing methodologies.
• Assess and clean up legacy accounting entries and inconsistencies.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Review revenue recognition practices, particularly for large lump-sum revenue transactions.

2. Process Development & Controls

• Design and implement clear, practical accounting processes for the Irish entity.
• Establish structured month-end close procedures and reporting timelines.
• Define and document internal controls aligned with US GAAP and corporate policies.
• Create sustainable processes to enable a smooth transition to a permanent finance lead.
• Determine and formalize currency usage and foreign exchange management processes.

3. Governance & Decision-Making Structure

• Clarify financial decision-making authority within the Irish entity.
• Establish governance around finance approvals and accountability.
• Act as the key on-site financial decision-maker during the contract period.
• Partner with U.S. divisional leadership to align local operations with global finance standards.

4. Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with US GAAP and local statutory requirements.
• Support PLC-level reporting requirements where applicable.
• Prepare accurate financial reporting for submission to U.S.-based leadership.
• Assist with audit preparation if required during the contract period.

5. Systems & ERP

• Review and assess the current ERP system.
• Evaluate system usage and data integrity.
• Recommend improvements to enhance financial reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

6. Strategic Support

• Provide financial insight to support European growth plans.
• Stabilize the finance function to support scaling operations.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• Strong background in financial clean-up, transformation, or stabilization projects.
• Experience working in U.S.-owned or global organisations.
• Knowledge of US GAAP; experience in PLC reporting environments desirable.
• Experience with inventory validation and revenue recognition (large contract/lump-sum revenue preferred).
• ERP experience (mid-market systems such as Compass, QuickBooks, or similar).
• Strong decision-making capability and ability to operate autonomously.
• Ability to build structure in ambiguous or evolving environments.
• Excellent stakeholder communication skills, particularly with U.S.-based leadership.
• Professional accounting qualification preferred (ACA, ACCA, CPA or equivalent).

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable operating in a clean-up and transformation environment.
• High integrity and accountability.
• Structured thinker with strong process orientation.
• Confident and pragmatic decision-maker.
• Change-oriented and solution-focused.