🌟 JOB ALERT 🌟
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated professional to join EIL/AFS Ireland as Director of Finance And Operations
**Interviews will commence immediately**.
ABOUT EIL/AFS IRELAND
EIL/AFS Ireland is one of Ireland’s leading educational charities, with over 40 years’ experience creating life-changing international learning opportunities for young people, families, schools and communities. Working with trusted partners in more than 60 countries, we support 2,000 programme participants each year and have an annual income of €6 million.
Following the launch of our ambitious five-year organisational strategy in 2025, we are entering an exciting period of growth and development. We are currently recruiting for an experienced and strategic Director of Finance And Operations to join our senior leadership team and help shape the organisation’s next chapter.
Learn more about who we are and what we do HERE.
This function is central to our continued success. We are proud to have:
- Unqualified annual SORP accounts with no auditor recommendations.
- 2026 finalist nominations in Charities Institute Ireland awards: Finance Team of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year and People’s Choice.
- Strong financial controls, governance and reporting processes to support sustainable organisational growth.
- A collaborative, values-led culture focused on Diversity, Curiosity, Collaboration and Integrity.
Responsibilities
This is a broad and influential leadership role, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight. This role is a key member of a small, collaborative senior leadership team, with responsibility for leading all corporate and enabling functions across the organisation.
As a trusted member of the senior leadership team, the postholder will work closely with the CEO and Board. The successful candidate will lead and develop the organisation’s corporate and enabling functions, ensuring EIL/AFS Ireland has the financial, people, systems and governance infrastructure required to deliver its strategy effectively and sustainably.
The role has responsibility across:
- Finance and financial performance – financial management, budgeting and forecasting, management reporting, audit, cash flow, tax, controls, compliance and funding.
- Governance, risk and compliance – Board reporting, statutory returns, risk management, policies, regulatory compliance and organisational resilience.
- HR and people – strategic oversight of HR, employee lifecycle, policies, employee relations, workforce planning and organisational development.
- ICT and digital – technology strategy, IT providers, information security, systems, data protection, business continuity and digital improvement.
- Administration, facilities and procurement – property, facilities, insurance, suppliers, contracts, procurement, health and safety and operational infrastructure.
- Strategic operations – organisational planning, KPIs, resource allocation, continuous improvement, change management and cross-functional working.
The Director of Finance And Operations will provide trusted financial and organisational advice to the CEO and Board, translating complex information into clear insights and practical recommendations that support effective decision-making.
Qualifications
You will be a qualified ACA, ACCA or equivalent finance professional with significant post-qualification experience and a strong track record in senior finance, operations or organisational leadership.
You will bring:
- Strong financial management, governance, risk and compliance expertise.
- Significant experience in budgeting, forecasting, audit, financial controls and management reporting.
- Experience operating at senior management or executive level and working with Boards.
- The ability to lead across multiple corporate functions, including finance, HR, ICT and operations.
- Strong leadership, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience of leading change, continuous improvement and organisational development.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving capabilities.
- A collaborative, solutions-focused approach and the ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery.
- High levels of integrity, accountability and attention to detail.
- A genuine commitment to EIL / AFS Ireland’s mission and values.
- Experience within a charity, not-for-profit or similarly regulated environment would be advantageous.
Why join us?
This is an opportunity to join an organisation with a strong national and international reputation, a clear strategic vision and a proven commitment to high standards of financial management and governance. You will play a key role in supporting an organisation that makes a tangible difference through international education, youth development and intercultural learning, while working alongside committed colleagues, volunteers, partners and stakeholders in Ireland and around the world.
The role also offers opportunities to represent EIL/AFS Ireland internationally through partner meetings, conferences, workshops and training. If you are an accomplished finance leader looking for a broad strategic role where your expertise can directly support organisational impact and growth, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What we offer
- Make a meaningful impact through international education and intercultural learning.
- A varied and rewarding role within one of Ireland’s leading educational charities.
- Full-time employment with a hybrid working model and flexible working arrangements, subject to organisational policy and operational requirements.
- Opportunities for national and international travel, representation and professional development through our international networks, conferences, workshops and training.
- A competitive benefits package, including pension contribution, 22 days’ annual leave, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), company phone and opportunities for career development and growth.
- A collaborative, supportive and values-driven working environment that encourages continuous learning, innovation and professional development.
- Salary: €70,000+, depending on experience.
Right to Work:Â Applicants must have a current and valid legal right to work in Ireland for the duration of the employment. Please note that we are unable to provide employment permit or visa sponsorship for this position.
How to apply
Interviews will commence immediately.
Please apply with your CV and cover letter, including your salary expectations, to [email protected].
Please use “Director of Finance And Operations – [Your Name]” as the email subject line.