Financial Controller

About Re-turn

Ireland has one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world, and we want to keep it that way.

Appointed by the Irish government, but operating as a standalone company, Re-turn is a not-for-profit organisation established to run Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), a simple solution to achieving higher collection rates for drinks containers. DRS schemes operate successfully in more than 40 countries, with the average collection rate of established EU schemes now over 90%. As well as higher recycling rates DRS schemes reduce litter, prevent waste, lower emissions and relieve pressure on natural resources.

The Irish scheme went live on 1 February 2024 and has already collected over 2.5 billion drinks containers across the country. This means high quality material can be reprocessed and used to make new products – supporting a truly circular economy.

We’re a small but growing team and we’ve got off to a great start, but there’s still plenty to do to ensure Ireland’s scheme runs as efficiently as possible and achieves its high recycling ambitions.

Role Summary

We’re hiring a financial controller to support the Finance function of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. This includes delivery of accurate financial reporting, execution of strong financial controls, and ownership of core finance processes across the organisation and a strong emphasis on Transformation projects.

You will also support cross-functional departmental activities, including finance transformation initiatives, systems improvements, and audit readiness across the organisation.

This role requires demonstrable capability in financial reporting, month-end close, balance sheet control, audit management, and process improvement, alongside strong stakeholder engagement skills.

There is also a strong people management element as there will be 3 direct reports covering Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Financial Accountant.

What You’ll Achieve:

• Deliver accurate and timely monthly management accounts
• Adhere to daily Accounts Payable and Accounts receivable process
• Manage Tax Compliance
• Ensure integrity and completeness of financial data and reporting
• Maintain high-quality balance sheet reconciliations and controls
• Support successful completion of audits with minimal findings
• Contribute to continuous improvement of finance processes and systems
• Strengthen financial governance and compliance across the organisation

What you’ll do

• Own and deliver the month-end close process
• Prepare monthly management accounts and perform variance analysis
• Maintain full responsibility for balance sheet reconciliations and issue resolution
• Prepare and review journals, including accruals and prepayments
• Oversee the daily processing of Accounts Payable & Accounts receivable
• Manage all payment runs including staff expenses and payroll (production is outsourced)
• Support statutory reporting (IFRS / local GAAP) and audit processes
• Act as a key contact for auditors and respond to audit queries
• Maintain and improve financial systems and processes
• Identify and implement process improvements and controls enhancements
• Support finance transformation and cross-functional projects
• Provide oversight, coaching, and support to 3 junior finance team members
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders

Who you are

• A qualified finance professional with strong technical accounting expertise
• Experienced in delivering accurate financial reporting in a fast-paced environment
• Detail-oriented with a strong analytical mindset
• A proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement approach
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management skills
• Capable of managing multiple priorities and meeting tight deadlines

Essential

• ACA / ACCA / CIMA qualification
  • Strong experience in financial accounting and reporting
  • Proven experience managing month-end close and balance sheet reconciliations
  • Knowledge of IFRS or local GAAP and statutory reporting requirements
  • Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups, formulas)
  • Experience working with auditors and supporting audit processes

Desirable

• 3–7 years post-qualified experience
• Experience in finance transformation or systems implementation projects
• Exposure to tax compliance and regulatory requirements
• Experience mentoring or overseeing junior team members
• Continuous improvement or process optimisation experience

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About our benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits packaging which includes:

• 23 days’ holiday plus 2 company days (Good Friday & Christmas Eve) plus 10 bank holidays
• Hybrid working: we operate a hybrid working arrangement with 2 days home working permitted per week (1 to be a Friday)
• Flexible working: 37 hour week with core times Monday to Thursday 08:45 to 15:45 & Friday 08:45 to 12:45
• Company Pension Contribution of 5%, increasing with service
• Company Health Insurance Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Income Protection
• Life assurance
• Parking on site
• Subsidised Canteen
• Gym Membership Subsidy
• Leap Card Subsidy