Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Interests
Languages
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Simon Murtagh

Dublin

Summary

  • Proficient operations professional with extensive experience overseeing business operations. Highly skilled at leading employees while promoting and encouraging growth.
  • Exceptional leader experienced in creating and integrating business plans, strategies and procedures. Dedicated to setting goals focused on performance and growth.
  • Professional with many years leading financial planning and oversight in harmony with executives. Seasoned expert with well-rounded background effectively guiding various financial projects and processes. Demonstrated strengths in forecasting, reporting, and special project activities to support executive decision-making.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience

Work History

Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer

Skillnet Ireland Ltd
03.2022 - Current
  • I am the Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer for Skillnet Ireland, a business support agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led workforce development
  • Key responsibilities:
  • Support the Board and the Chief Executive in the implementation of the strategic objectives of Skillnet Ireland
  • Set a new vision for the operational agenda for Skillnet Ireland and Skillnet Ireland funded initiatives
  • Lead an engagement with our industry partners and other Skillnet Ireland stakeholders to enhance operational processes and systems, anticipating future service demands and changing business needs
  • Oversee the appropriate organisational structures, procedures and controls for the delivery of operational requirements, including the preparation and maintenance of an annual operating plan
  • Responsible for the design and implementation of suitable operational processes to manage key projects throughout the annual cycle
  • Lead the human resource strategy, employee relations, employee engagement and the HR policies for the agency
  • Work with the leadership and management teams to advise, coach and guide on culture and people
  • In coordination with the Leadership Team, oversee, report and provide mitigation strategies for all operational risks
  • Oversight and management of all corporate resources and facilities, including preparation and maintenance of the operating and ICT budgets, and providing day-to-day leadership to the operations and HR team
  • Lead on the digital transformation strategy for the agency
  • Develop new management information systems, monitoring and analysing the activity/progress of Skillnet funded groups and initiatives
  • Maintain and enhance the existing support systems and applications, leading the relationship with our service partners
  • In collaboration with the Leadership Team, lead on the delivery of KPIs & other metrics for
  • Skillnet funded groups & initiatives
  • Monitor the delivery of KPIs for operational services, promoting a culture of high performance & operational effectiveness across the organisation
  • Provide executive oversight and support to the Office of the Financial Controller.

Chief Operations Officer

Mental Health Commission
Dublin, Ireland
03.2019 - 03.2022
  • Led Corporate Services division, enhancing support for four operational units: Inspectorate, Tribunals, Standards & Quality Assurance, and Decision Support Service.
  • Managed resources and budgets effectively to meet MHC targets while ensuring value for money.
  • Acted as Chief Risk Officer and Secretary to Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, providing oversight and strategic guidance.
  • Ensured compliance with Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies (2016) in collaboration with Board Secretary.
  • Identified and resolved corporate governance issues alongside Chief Executive and Senior Management Team.
  • Developed and implemented combined Annual Business Plan to align operational plans and budgets with service delivery.
  • Motivated and developed Corporate Services division staff to enhance organizational capabilities.
  • Participated in special projects, fostering collaborative efforts with Senior Management Team.

Head of Operations

National Screening Service (HSE)
Dublin, Ireland
12.2014 - 03.2019
  • Chaired NSS Senior Management Team, overseeing strategic direction and operational efficiency.
  • Directed a large team across functional and operational departments, enhancing collaboration.
  • Guided national screening programme development through active participation in Executive Management Teams.
  • Delivered four national screening programmes, serving nearly 2 million eligible individuals and managing a budget of approximately £85 million.
  • Secured funding for Acute Hospital Division in accordance with reimbursement agreements.
  • Managed corporate services, including IT, Finance, HR, and Risk Management departments.
  • Conducted annual service planning and estimates for all four national screening programmes.
  • Oversaw contract management and support for third-party contractors to ensure compliance.

Finance Business Partner

HSE
Dublin, Ireland
12.2013 - 12.2014
  • Developed Finance Operating Model for HSE within Finance Reform Programme.
  • Advised National Director on financial strategies for Primary Care Division.
  • Provided strategic financial insights as member of Primary Care Senior Management Team.
  • Produced comprehensive financial reports to improve performance visibility across all ISA’s/CHO’s.
  • Created 2015 National Primary Care Division Budget totaling 3.3 billion.
  • Conducted root cause analysis for ISA’s, identifying under-performance and recommending corrective actions.
  • Participated in monthly performance meetings with ISA Managers and Head of Operations.
  • Executed project assignments from Chief Financial Officer.

Head of Finance

National Cancer Screening Service
Dublin, Ireland
03.2008 - 12.2013
  • Led integration of two major clinical specialties in BowelScreen Programme: Histopathology and CT Colonography.
  • Provided strategic financial advice as Executive Management Team member overseeing four national screening programmes, including BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen since late 2012.
  • Deputised for Head of Screening during absences, ensuring continuity in leadership.
  • Managed a budget of approximately €80 million, optimizing resource allocation across projects.
  • Designed funding models aligning financial support with Health Service priority of Money Follows the Patient.
  • Developed a devolved budget framework to enhance financial management efficiency.
  • Monitored budgets within approved limits, recommending corrective actions as necessary.
  • Produced monthly management accounts by screening programme and local area to aid decision-making.

Financial Controller

Meenagh Plant Hire
07.2007 - 02.2008
  • Responsible for all accounting systems & processes including debtors, creditors, cash, taxation and all associated reconciliations & controls
  • Produced monthly management accounts, analysis and reports in accordance with reporting deadlines
  • Super user of the Sage financial system
  • Developed a detailed reporting suite focusing on revenues & costs that contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of company performance
  • Prepared, monitored and controlled annual budgets
  • Conducted monthly reviews to monitor company financial performance
  • Complied with Revenue & Statutory regulations that ensured all returns were completed and lodged on time
  • Ensured all company accounts were maintained to audit standard
  • Acted as company liaison with external auditors
  • Ensured a strong control environment was in place incorporating financial controls & procedures, documentation, risk management etc
  • Contributed to the strategic & general management of the company
  • Improved accounting processes, procedures, systems & controls
  • Managed accounts staff to ensure timely & accurate processing of tasks
  • Drove cost awareness & cost management
  • Managed 3 office staff

Director of Finance

Children’s University Hospital
Dublin, Ireland
09.2003 - 04.2007
  • Executed daily operations as member of Internal Executive for hospital management.
  • Served as Executive Director and Board of Management member.
  • Chaired key hospital committees and working groups addressing strategic issues.
  • Deputized for CEO during absence, ensuring continuity in leadership.
  • Managed revenue budget of €65 million, optimizing resource allocation.
  • Led team of 24 members, fostering professional development and low turnover.
  • Negotiated yearly financial allocations with HSE to secure funding support.
  • Achieved financial break-even for four consecutive years through strategic planning.

Financial Controller

SerCom Solutions Limited, DCC Plc
05.2002 - 05.2003
  • Ensured the accuracy, reliability and timeliness of financial information to senior management
  • Reporting to DCC within strict deadlines
  • Operations management including liaising with the Business Process Improvement team to design and manage a new suite of weekly financial accounting and management information systems within the SAP system
  • Working Capital management
  • Led a team of 10 people in the Finance department, ensuring high motivation and commitment in supporting the company’s profit objectives
  • Cost reduction programs to reduce non-inventory spend
  • Foreign Exchange risk management
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Investment appraisal
  • Budgeting/3 year planning
  • Financial input into new business quotes - (RFQ’s)

Financial Planning and Reporting Manager

Celestica Ireland Limited
07.1999 - 03.2002
  • Operations Management:
  • Responsible for advising non-financial, decision-making managers in the customer teams as to how their business was performing
  • I discharged this by analysing and presenting each of the managers with key operational and financial metrics at various levels
  • I identified key problem areas and set courses of action needed to continually drive improved performance
  • Worked with a range of people from cross-functional areas to devise action plans to implement improvements and initiatives site wide and to try and add value back into the business
  • Managed a team of three business analysts who conducted root cause analyses of all adverse metrics and issues and who worked within the Customer teams on a daily basis to provide support to the business managers
  • Financial Management:
  • Chaired a monthly financial management review with senior management to present and support the results of the site
  • Continually questioned the value of reports and where appropriate developed new ones or automated existing processes to improve the information flow and decision-making process
  • Led the yearly budgeting process
  • Provided regular forecast updates to senior management in Ireland and to European HQ
  • Achievements:
  • Designed a management reporting system which gave results by customer, which was presented to and agreed with senior management and the various business managers
  • This encompassed budget and actual results and key performance indicators
  • I used advanced modelling techniques and adjusted our computer system to deliver figures on a timely basis with the minimum of manual input
  • Developed KPI’s to deliver financial information to non-financial managers
  • Continuously achieved cost reduction site-wide to enhance profitability
  • Deputised for the Finance Director for a year when he was acting General Manager
  • Part of the Integration team that acquired Motorola in 2001.

Senior Financial Accountant

Siemens Limited
01.1996 - 06.1999
  • Upgraded the financial systems and controls which enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the Finance Department and the flow of information to the sales divisions for decision making purposes
  • Designed a new and comprehensive reporting process which improved the quality and timeliness of financial information to the sales divisions and to senior management
  • Staff management and motivating/mentoring a diverse range of people

Audit Senior

O’Connor, Leddy and Holmes
09.1991 - 12.1995
  • Grade/ Level (if applicable), Lead audit roles with various SME’s and large blue-chip organisations
  • Preparing draft accounts for sign-off by Audit Partners
  • Preparing tax returns

Education

Diploma - Forensic Accounting and Investigation

Chartered Accountants Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
12-2023

Certificate - Sustainability Strategy, Risk And Reporting

Chartered Accountants Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
12-2023

Cyber Security And Data Incident Management With Chartered - Cyber Security

Chartered Accountants Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
06-2020

MBA - Business Administration

Open University
Dublin, Ireland
10-2003

Chartered Accountancy - Accounting

Chartered Accountants Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
09-1995

B.A. - Accounting and Finance

Dublin City University
Dublin, Ireland
10-1991

Skills

  • SAP and Agresso expertise
  • Hyperion and Sage proficiency
  • MS Dynamics and advanced Excel skills
  • Financial analysis and reporting
  • Budget management and oversight
  • Risk assessment and compliance
  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Performance metrics development
  • Human resource management strategies
  • Stakeholder engagement and communication
  • Team leadership and collaboration
  • Digital transformation initiatives
  • Public accounting practices

Affiliations

I am currently an external member of the Sunbeam House Services Audit and Risk Committee and in the past was a member of the Audit and Risk Committee of the National Cancer Registry of Ireland.

I am a regular whole blood donor.

References

Referees: Available on request

Interests

I enjoy golf, swimming, keeping fit and current affairs.

Languages

  • I also have a working knowledge of the German language

    • Languages

    English
    First Language
    German
    Intermediate (B1)
    B1

    References

    References available upon request.

    Timeline

    Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer

    Skillnet Ireland Ltd
    03.2022 - Current

    Chief Operations Officer

    Mental Health Commission
    03.2019 - 03.2022

    Head of Operations

    National Screening Service (HSE)
    12.2014 - 03.2019

    Finance Business Partner

    HSE
    12.2013 - 12.2014

    Head of Finance

    National Cancer Screening Service
    03.2008 - 12.2013

    Financial Controller

    Meenagh Plant Hire
    07.2007 - 02.2008

    Director of Finance

    Children’s University Hospital
    09.2003 - 04.2007

    Financial Controller

    SerCom Solutions Limited, DCC Plc
    05.2002 - 05.2003

    Financial Planning and Reporting Manager

    Celestica Ireland Limited
    07.1999 - 03.2002

    Senior Financial Accountant

    Siemens Limited
    01.1996 - 06.1999

    Audit Senior

    O’Connor, Leddy and Holmes
    09.1991 - 12.1995

    Diploma - Forensic Accounting and Investigation

    Chartered Accountants Ireland

    Certificate - Sustainability Strategy, Risk And Reporting

    Chartered Accountants Ireland

    Cyber Security And Data Incident Management With Chartered - Cyber Security

    Chartered Accountants Ireland

    MBA - Business Administration

    Open University

    Chartered Accountancy - Accounting

    Chartered Accountants Ireland

    B.A. - Accounting and Finance

    Dublin City University

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