Voluntary Treasurer

Scope 

The primary responsibility of the treasurer is to oversee the management and reporting of the organisation's finances, ensuring they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice. The treasurer also makes sure that the information provided to the board is accurate. Ultimately, while financial management is the primary focus of the treasurer, the entire board shares accountability. 

The treasurer will monitor the financial administration of the charity and must keep the board informed of the organisation’s financial health, in line with good practice, and in compliance with the governing documents and legal requirements. They will also ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.  

WHA  Board 

WHA is a Swiss-registered non-profit association although it operates from its office in London. WHA board members are mostly, and sometimes entirely, based outside of the UK and work closely with our London-based CEO to whom the executive responsibilities of the organisation have been delegated. Board members meet annually, face-to-face when possible, and virtually every quarter. Outside of this, business is conducted via emails and teleconference calls. WHA’s financial statements are prepared according to the Swiss accounting principles, in particular according to the articles 957 to 962 of the Swiss code of obligations.

 Primary responsibilities: 

•  Join the WHA Board immediately upon taking up the role;
• Overseeing the management of WHA’s finances to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of WHA; 
• Providing an objective lens to advise on and support the management team’s view of operations; 
• Ensuring that financial information provided to the WHA Board is accurate and, in a format, easily understandable for individuals with no or limited financial background; 
• Overseeing and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements to the WHA Board;
• Reviewing monthly management accounts;  Support the CEO in managing some aspects of governance of WHA; 
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the organisation’s strategic plans; 
• Overseeing the effective implementation of and monitoring specific financial controls and adherence to systems;  
• Assist the board to better understand their financial and compliance obligations e.g., through training and ongoing board discussion;
• Assist board members to better monitor the financial performance of the organisation and to make well-informed decisions about future income and expenditure;
• Oversee the production of WHA’s annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year. 
• Assist the board to keep a watching brief on the alignment between the Strategic Plan and the Annual Budget for implementation of activities
• Assist the board to closely monitor financial risks as well as legal and regulatory compliance Lead the development of relevant governance policies e.g., financial delegations’ policy, investment policy and fund-raising policy.
• Develop a Treasurer’s Report for inclusion in the Annual Report providing an overview of financial performance and any challenges.
• Set up and chair a finance and audit committee.

 Additional Responsibilities: 

• Upholding WHA’s mission of achieving a world free from viral hepatitis;
• Upholding WHA’s values of Making a difference, Ambition, Integrity and Trust;
• Maintain knowledge of the organisation’s commitment to its goals and objectives;
• Bringing a significant professional experience as a qualified accountant; 
• Working with the CEO to ensure that appropriate financial systems and controls are in place;
• Working with the auditors to ensure that record-keeping and accounts meet the conditions of our regulators and funders;
• Liaise with WHA’s finance manager to ensure that appropriate financial systems and control are in place and working; 
• Ensuring the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives; 
• Ensuring the proper investment of the organisation’s funds; 
• Ensuring the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs. 

Time involved anticipated

• Annual face-to-face board meeting (circumstances permitting) 
• Monthly meeting (or as required) with CEO/president 
• Quarterly virtual board meetings 
• Time needed for considerable amount of work to be undertaken preparing for these meetings.
• Answering any questions raised at AGM related to audit papers.

Person specification 

• Accountancy qualifications and advanced financial management skills.
• Working knowledge of Swiss accounting principles, in particular according to the articles 957 to 962 of the Swiss code of obligations.
• Understand financial accounting for non-profit organisations. 
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraisings finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations. 
• Good financial analysis skills. 
• Timeliness in completing tasks. 
• Ability to communicate clearly with board members with very little financial literacy. 
• Willingness to ask questions. 
• Flexibility.