Treasurer

Greenslate Community Farm is looking for a Treasurer to fill an external vacancy on the Board of Directors.

Background

Formerly a disused council-run education farm, Greenslate Community Farm comprises 30 acres of farmland and mixed woodland. The main purpose of the farm is to help the community foster resilience to global uncertainty and to try to educate about a more ethical and environmentally conscious way of living.

The farm is run as a community benefit society by a Board of Directors elected annually by the membership, and is supported by a dedicated and growing team of volunteers.

Used as a local community resource, the farm is home to a number of rescue animals, provides volunteering opportunities, training, education and therapeutic activities, as well as supplying naturally grown food to the local community.

The farm operates a care service for adults with learning disabilities, runs a shop and cafe, offers private allotments, and provides a hub for ideas sharing and development of community enterprises.

Role

We are looking for a qualified accountant who has, or wants to gain, board-level experience in a charitable, community-based organisation. This position is offered on a voluntary basis for an initial term of one year, however longer-term involvement would be encouraged. 

The farm is fully operational again since re-opening after Covid, some meetings/work will take place in person at the farm whereas other calls/meetings remain virtual. There is wide flexibility in how you can perform the role and contribute to the success of the farm. 

Duties

Once a month the Board meets virtually to steer the strategic direction of the farm, review and take decisions on key issues, and ensure a strong governance framework is in place.

In addition, once a month, the Board meets virtually with the Management team to review operational performance and discuss future plans.

As Treasurer, your main responsibilities will be:

• Provide financially focussed support and guidance to the Board to ensure that the farm remains a going concern and delivers on its community, not for profit objectives
• Work closely with our dedicated and passionate management team to ensure sound use of the farm's financial assets
• Participate in applying for grant funding (supported by a number of volunteers), be responsible for determining the correct accounting treatment for grants awarded, and completing reports to our funders
• Work with our experienced Bookkeeper to ensure financial processes run smoothly, e.g. approving payroll and invoice payment runs, reviewing VAT submissions and monthly reporting, etc.
• Manage the relationship with our external accountants to ensure that the financial accounts are produced in a timely manner

We would love to hear from anyone who is interested in hearing more about the role, or applying for it. Our two incumbent ACA qualified Treasurers will be happy to discuss the role in more detail; they will also be available following the appointment to ensure a detailed and well-supported handover. Please get in touch with us by emailing Board@greenslatefarm.org.uk with some details about yourself and a copy of your CV.