Accounts System Analyst, Assistant Principal

This role is responsible for leading the modernisation of the Courts Accounts System (CAS) through the analysis, design and implementation of improved policies and procedures best suited to this fast-paced office.

The Courts Accounts Section of the Courts Funds Office operates as a shared service centre for the processing of all financial transactions for the Combined Court Offices of the Courts Service. In 2022, the total volume of transactions (both receipts and payments) was 503,395 with a monetary value of €90.7m. This role will require the management of the shared service centre, whilst also building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

The Assistant Principal role requires both business and technical skills which will be required to ensure the operational and strategic goals of the department are met.

There are two main financial accounting systems supporting this work; Funds Accounting System (FAS) and Courts Accounting System (CAS). Both systems are based on the Agresso financial package. The primary focus of the successful candidate for this position will be on the Courts Accounting System, however they will also be required to perform duties for the FAS operations.

CAS is a crucial system in supporting the administration of justice as it manages and processes family law maintenance payments, court-imposed fines, court fees, bail, and poor box payments.

• Overseeing the implementation and modernisation of the Agresso system to include but not limited to policies and procedures and project work.
• Understand complex issues quickly, accurately absorbing and evaluating data.
• Present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner.
• Provide oversight of the CAS Help Desk in addition to Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable.
• Publication of the yearly statement of Receipts and Payments for the Courts Accounting Office.
• Assisting with the Comptroller & Auditor General (C&AG) as part of the annual audit.
• Liaising with and supporting provincial Court Offices who use the Courts Accounting System.
• To ensure compliance with requirements defined in legislation regarding the Fines (Payment & Recovery) Act 2014.
• Collecting and analysing data and reporting on key performance indicators.
• Reply to Parliamentary Questions (PQ’s), FOI and general queries requests.
• To contribute to the management of the Courts Funds Office as part of the management team.
• Ensure the control environment for both the Courts Accounting (CAS) and the Funds Accounting (FAS) is operating effectively and efficiently.
• Provide cover for the Funds Accounting operations

Applicants should have at least 5 years’ relevant and recent experience for this role.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in either Accounting/Finance and/or IT
• Fully Qualified or Part Qualified working towards a Professional Qualification. If Part Qualified, it will be conditional that qualification in full is achieved.

Skills and Experience Required

• Experience in team leadership and management experience, with an ability to engender positivity.
• In depth knowledge of Accounting IT systems and a demonstrated capacity in this area.
• Project management experience in the development and deployment of be-spoke software.
• A proven ability in financial management and commercial processes.
• Business analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Broad knowledge of finance/accounting/auditing.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Supervisory management experience and strong people management skills.
• Experience of working in a customer focused operation.
• Excellent analytical skills and a strong focus on organisation outcomes.

The following skills and experience are desirable.

• Experience and knowledge with the Agresso Accounting System.

Please find full information booklet on the role attached below.

Applications by way of applying for the role online at courts.ie/careers with your CV and a one-page cover letter setting out how you meet the required skills and behaviours for the post.