Trustee/Treasurer

Honorary Treasurer / Trustee

The Suffolk Punch Trust

Sink Farm, St Davids Lane, Hollesley, Woodbridge, IP12 3JR

Job Title:                            Honorary Treasurer / Trustee

Salary:                                 Voluntary

Location:                            The Suffolk Punch Trust Visitor Centre and Stud Hollesley

Reporting to:                    Board of Trustees

Responsible for:               Accounts clerk / PA to the board

Job Description

The treasurer is a key operational role within any charity, the successful applicant will be required to provide guidance and reassurance on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting, control systems, solvency, investments, etc. Ensuring continued robust financial control into the future. We will also be looking to install a new EPOS system this year; the new treasurer will be closely involved with this project.

The role of the treasurer can be summarised as follows: to monitor the financial administration of the charity and report to the board of trustees at regular intervals on its state of financial health, in line with best practice, and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibilities and duties of the treasurer include:

• overseeing and presenting budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the board of trustees;
• leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements;
• leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐management and investment policies;
• liaising with the accounts clerk and PA to the board regarding financial activities of the organisation;
• including but not limited to payroll and HR protocols;
• sitting on the Operational Executive Committee, to make decisions in line with standing orders and terms of reference, and reporting back to the board of trustees;
• monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity;
• overseeing the implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems;
• advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan;
• overseeing the charity’s financial risk‐management process;
• acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques and important applications to funders;
• board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the Auditors’ Management Letter and the related board representations.
• Acting as the main contact for outside organisations such as ENTRUST, HMRC and the Charities commission.

Key Competencies

We are seeking a qualified accountant with relevant experience in a senior role, within industry or practice, with the strategic drive to take the Trust into the future; maintaining robust financial controls. Experience of charities would be beneficial but is not essential. Our current treasurer will stay in post for a handover period to provide a smooth transition.

Time Commitments

• OpExec meetings are held every six weeks
• Trustee board meetings are held quarterly
• As treasurer the successful applicant will be expected to dedicate an estimated 8 hours per week to trust matters.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to make a real difference to an important local heritage breed. ‘The Suffolk Punch Trust’ will provide the right candidate with a role which rewards challenge with an immense sense of pride in a local icon.

The Suffolk Punch Trust is a charity dedicated to help protect the critically endangered Suffolk Punch through its established breeding programme, raising public awareness and training a new generation of professionals to work with these iconic heavy horses. With the historic Hollesley Bay Colony Stud, we inherited a rich legacy of equine and agricultural history that deserves to be saved for future generations to enjoy.

Situated in Hollesley, near Woodbridge, the trust has famous neighbours in Sutton Hoo and Rendlesham Forest. The Trust is home to the historic Colony Stud, which continues to breed award winning horses, a heritage garden and a heritage museum, which houses many interesting exhibits. Our objectives as a trust are to promote the breeding of Suffolk Punch horses and to engage the public through education.

The Trust and Visitor Centre are only open to the public from March to October. The Trust opens only for special events during the closed season; during which the vast majority of maintenance tasks are performed.

Why Volunteer At The Suffolk Punch Trust?

The Suffolk Punch Trust is a leader in its field, The Suffolk Punch Horse is now rarer than the giant panda, be part of a team who are dedicated to saving this historic heavy horse. Work in beautiful countryside, surrounded by nature and nationally important habitats. The Colony stud relies on the funds donated by generous donors and the income generated by the Visitor Centre, the survival of this breed rests in the hand of the amazing team who strive to make the public aware of their plight.

We welcome individuals who come with a desire to work as part of a team, respecting the views of others, while bringing their own ideas to the table.

To apply please email your CV and covering letter to: Louise.banks@suffolkpunchtrust.org