Treasurer

Role Title:                 Treasurer

Direct Report:         Chair of Trustees, works closely with the Director of Finance and Operations and supports the Board of Trustees.

Background:          Finance, Strategy and Governance, Risk.

Role Summary

• Monitor the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board regarding the management of the organisation’s financial resources. As a member of the Audit and Risk Committee, oversee the charity’s financial and risk-management processes and monitor the report of the Finance Director report to the Board of Trustees. As a member of the Remuneration Committee, take part in meetings (generally annually) to agree pay scales for all staff and salary for the CEO. Act as a counter signatory for banks, Charitable Trust’s and other parties (rarely required). Liaise with external auditors, signing off annual accounts and ensuring any compliance issues are addressed. Providing financial and accounting advice to the Director of Finance and Operations, as well as to the Board of Trustees.

Main Responsibilities of the Treasurer

In relation to Finance - 

Budgeting and strategic financial planning

• Ensure all strategic plans are financially appraised and annual and three-year rolling budgets are aligned to both short-term and long-term objectives. Oversee the Director’s planning/budgeting processes and constructively challenge where required. Suggest alternative scenarios while evaluating strategic plans as a part of the risk management process and as a part of performance and reporting scenarios. Ensuring transparency and accountability in reporting as per SORP guidelines.

Management Reporting

• Ensure a high standard of management accounting is maintained in order to safeguard resources and achieve objectives. Liaise with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure management accounts are produced regularly.

Statutory Financial Reporting

• Board level liaison with external auditors on specific issues in the auditing process and related board representations. Guide and advise fellow trustees to formally approve the annual report and audited accounts, being the ultimate signatory on behalf of the Board. Explain technicalities of accounts in plain language which is fully understood by the trustees.

Reserves Policy

• Work with Director of Finance and Operations to manage and abide by the reserves policy and safeguard the organisation’s finances. Monitor the regular reporting of free reserves and advise in line with changing circumstances.

In relation to Governance

• Lead the Board’s duty to ensure proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are controlled, invested and economically spent in line with governance, legal and regulatory requirements. Attend meetings and engage as a member of Audit and Risk Committee. Attend the Remuneration Committee and make recommendations in this regard to the Board of Trustees. Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans and oversee the charity’s financial risk-management process. Lead in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified accountant with demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity accounts and finance practices. Knowledge of charity SORP. Ability to balance strategic financial planning with regulatory detail. Competent use of IT skills (including Excel). Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders. Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship. Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets at least four times a year and the Treasurer is expected to be available to review budgets and annual accounts at appropriate times of the year. You will be a member of the Audit and Risk sub-committee which will meet four to six times in a year and of the Remunerations Committee which will meet once per year (normally all by video call). You may be asked for advice or input to decisions between meetings. You may be asked to authorise financial transactions on rare occurrences when the Finance Director or CEO are not available.

Location

• Board meetings are held in London (generally once per year) or by video conference, with an annual visit to office premises in Winchester.