Do you have a background in finance, accounting or bookkeeping? We are looking for an amazing volunteer to join our Board of Directors as Treasurer. You could make a fantastic difference to our small, national charity by sharing your skills.
Role Title: Honorary Treasurer
Direct Report: Works closely with the Bookkeeper, CEO, Chair and the board of trustees.
Background: Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.
To begin: Ideally, December 2019
1.0 Role Summary
Monitor the financial standing of the charity and reports to the Board and CEO regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and support the overarching strategic management of the organisation’s financial resources. Manage payroll for staff team (currently 5 members) Oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the board of trustees at regular intervals. In collaboration with the bookkeeper, liaising with external auditors on financial issues and ensuring that the organisation’s finances are responsibly managed for the benefit of the charity’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
2.0 Main Responsibilities of the Treasurer
In relation to Finance
Budgeting and strategic financial planning
Help to ensure all strategic plans are financially appraised and budgets are aligned to both short-term and long-term objectives each year. Oversee planning/budgeting processes in participation with the Board and constructively challenge where required.Input upon development of strategic plans
Payroll
Coordinate monthly payments including dissemination of payslips
Management Reporting
Ensure a high standard of management accounting is maintained in order to safeguard assets. Prepare and produce management accounts on a monthly basis.
Statutory Financial Reporting
Board level liaison with external auditors on specific issues in the auditing process and related board representations. In collaboration with the bookkeeper CEO and Chair, guide and advise fellow trustees to formally approve the annual report and audited accounts. Explain technicalities of accounts in plain language which is fully understood by the trustees.
Reserves Policy
Develop reserves policy and safeguard the organisation’s finances. Keep the board informed of free reserves position regularly and advise to cope with changing circumstances.
In relation to Governance
Support the Board’s duty to ensure proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are controlled, and economically spent in line with governance, legal and regulatory requirements. Involvement in whole board-level meetings as well as relevant sub-committees.In collaboration with the CEO and other board members, advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans and overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process. Support in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and other relevant policies.
3.0 Person Specification
Essential
Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information. Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
Desirable
Experience of Sage accountancy software. Knowledge of charity accounting and reporting requirements (SORP: training will be sought if required). Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge. Demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices. Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies. Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, understanding of HR issues, experience of Trusts or other grant giving bodies particularly fundraising and legal knowledge.A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.
4.0 Time Commitment
The Board meets at least 3 times a year in person (typically in central London: travel expenses covered), with additional interim remote meetings.You will be a member of a sub-committee which liaise by email and remote meetings approximately 4 times per year, or as required. Approximately 15 hours per month time commitment. Honorary treasurer will stand for election to Board of Directors at charity AGM. Periods of election to the board last 3 years and a person may serve up to three consecutive terms before a break of at least one year is required. The number of years committed to the role is variable, though we would request an intention to serve for at least one term (three years).
5.0 Location
To be conducted at own home, with computer provided by the charity. Board meetings typically held in London. Charity office in Great Dunmow, Essex.
To find out more or apply, please contact our Chair Kirsten Johnson (kirsten@fragilex.org.uk).