Skillnet Ireland is a business support agency of the Government of Ireland. Our mandate is to advance the competitiveness of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with more than 57 enterprise bodies, providing talent development, upskilling and innovative business supports to 23,142 businesses and 84,515 workers throughout the country last year. The agency has been recognised as an international best-practice model by the European Commission, the OECD and the ILO, among others.

Our mission is to empower enterprises and individuals across every region and sector to build the skills, confidence, and innovation capacity to drive national competitiveness and to succeed in a changing world. We work in partnership with business, government, and education to deliver upskilling driven by enterprise needs, and aligned with Ireland’s national priorities in digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. Our mission is to create a connected learning ecosystem that accelerates innovation, supports lifelong learning, and supports Ireland’s workforce to be competitive, adaptable, and future-ready.

Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

Skillnet Ireland is a member of the European Pact for Skills. The organisation actively participates in several skills development projects with European partners. These projects are co-funded by the European Union and support the development of digital and sustainability skills in Irish businesses and organisations.

Role Overview

The Finance Specialist reports to the Financial Controller and requires strong organisational skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines through effective communication and collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities: Owning Accounts Payable Duties.

Invoice Processing: Receiving and reviewing supplier invoices, verifying accuracy of the details, ensuring proper authorisation and documentation.
Payment Processing: Preparing and processing grant and non-grant payments to recipients, within agreed payment terms.
Supplier Management: Maintaining vendor records, including contact information, payment terms and banking details. Resolving any vendor inquiries or issues related to payments.
Expense Management: Managing employee expense reports, verifying supporting documentation and processing reimbursements in compliance with company policies.
Purchase Order Management: Matching invoices with purchase orders and receiving documents to ensure accurate and complete payment processing.
Reconciliation: Reconciling supplier statements with accounts payable records, investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed.
Record Keeping: Maintaining organised and up-to-date accounts payable files and documentation for audit and reference purposes.
Compliance: Ensuring compliance with internal controls, company policies and regulatory requirements.
Invoicing: Generating and sending out invoices to grant recipients who are due to return grant funding to Skillnet Ireland.
Billing and Collections: Monitoring recipients' grant accounts to ensure timely payment and following up on overdue payments. Managing the collections process and resolving any payment disputes or issues.
Payment Application: Accurately applying recipients' grant payments to their respective accounts and reconciling discrepancies, if any.
Collaboration: Collaborating with the Business Networks team to resolve issues, improve processes and enhance overall cash flow.
Performing monthly Bank account, Credit Card and Petty Cash reconciliations.
Assist with Internal and External Audit requests annually.
Assist in internal investigations that may arise in a clear and consistent manner.
Take ownership of the Travel Management portal and Mobile phones used by staff.
At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, strong numerical skills and good working knowledge of the Sage 50 system.
Professional qualification desirable but not essential.
Excellent knowledge of payment formatting and processing.
Excellent time and priority management skills and the ability to handle competing priorities.
Self-motivated and able to use own initiative.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Positive in outlook, thrives in a dynamic environment and able to respond quickly to change and emerging trends.

Key Responsibilities - Other Key Tasks

Performing monthly Bank account, Credit Card and Petty Cash reconciliations.
Assist with Internal and External Audit requests annually.
Assist in internal investigations that may arise in a clear and consistent manner.
Take ownership of the Travel Management portal and mobile phones used by staff.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

At least 5 years of experience in a similar role, strong numerical skills and good working knowledge of the Sage 50 system.
Professional qualification desirable but not essential.
Excellent knowledge of payment formatting and processing.
Excellent time and priority management skills and the ability to handle competing priorities.
Self-motivated and able to use own initiative.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Positive in outlook, thrives in a dynamic environment and able to respond quickly to change and emerging trends.

Application Details

Interested candidates should send a comprehensive CV and cover letter which outlines why they should be considered for this position. Applications can only be made using the Skillnet Ireland Careers page.

Closing Date: 1.00 pm, Monday 02 November 2026.

An attractive and competitive package will be offered to the successful candidate.  This is a permanent position, subject to a standard probationary period, with the place of work based in Sandyford, Dublin 18.

Skillnet Ireland operates a hybrid working model for roles that meet business and suitability criteria. Skillnet Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion as we recognise the benefits it can bring to our workforce, our partners and external stakeholders.   

If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Further information on Skillnet Ireland is available at www.skillnetireland.ie

Finance Specialist

Benefits

Job Description