Finance Committee Member

Finance Committee Member

HEAnet is seeking a highly skilled and experienced senior finance professional to join as an independent external member of its Finance Sub-Committee.

HEAnet is Ireland’s National Education and Research Network

We deliver high-speed internet connectivity and ICT shared services to all levels of the Irish education sector.

Encompassing approximately 210,000 students & staff (third-level) and approximately 900,000 students & staff (first and second-level), HEAnet connects these Irish learners and researchers to the Internet, online educational resources, and to fellow national educational and research networks in Europe, the USA and the rest of the world.  

HEAnet has been in operation since 1983 as a collaborative endeavour between its member institutions.

Further information is available at www.heanet.ie 

About the HEAnet Group Finance Sub-Committee

The Board of HEAnet CLG has established a Group Finance Sub-Committee as a Committee of the Boards of HEAnet CLG and its subsidiary, EduCampus Services DAC to support the Boards in ensuring appropriate financial oversight. 

Duties of the Committee

The duties of the Committee include the following:

• To report at meetings of the Boards on the general financial affairs and position of each Company.
• To review the long-term financial commitments of HEAnet and EduCampus and report back to their respective Boards.
• To consider the financial implications and risks of major funded project activity and to report back to the Boards.
• To consider financial policy and procedures and report back to the Boards for approval.
• To review the draft Annual Report & Financial Statements following statutory audit and to consider the External Auditor’s report and conclusions prior to submission to the Boards for approval.
• To consider three-year budget profiles (including the levels of reserves to be maintained) and make recommendations to the Boards for approval.
• To provide recommendations as requested by the Boards regarding the level and model of client contribution adopted by HEAnet and EduCampus.
• To act as a source of advice and consultation on financial matters for the Chief Executive Officers of both Companies.
• To carry out any other specific tasks which the Boards may delegate.

Essential Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities:

• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in a finance role, e.g. as an accountant, auditor or Finance Manager/Director in the private, non-profit or public sector 
• Strong financial and business acumen and the ability to understand complex financial issues and risk
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Strong interpersonal skills

Desirable Experience, Skills and Personal Qualities:

• Board level experience in the non-profit sector
• Experience in the Education and Training Sector and / or the IT sector
• Knowledge and experience of the Charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) / HE SORP
• Knowledge of the 2014 Companies Act
• Knowledge of the 2009 Charities Act

Time Commitment and Location:

Approximately 3-5 hours per quarter with additional time required to read papers and prepare in advance of each meeting.

Meetings take place on a quarterly basis at HEAnet Offices although online attendance is available.

In addition to meetings of the Committee, members are encouraged to attend Director Development Training sessions held twice yearly, as well as induction on appointment to the Committee.