Honorary Treasurer

Being a Treasurer for a charity can bring numerous benefits some of which are developing your skills in financial management, exposure to professional networking opportunities and gaining better understanding of Charity governance.

What will you be doing?

A fantastic opportunity to be a Treasurer at The Institute of Group Analysis, a charitable organisation which provide training and membership organisation for Group Analysis in the UK.

The treasurer helps the Board to hold in mind the financial aspects of IGA governance and strategy as well as contributing to all Board decision making. They work closely with the Chair and Board officers as well as the Finance and Business Manager, being the link between for the Board and finance and business management. The role does not involve any book keeping or accounting as this comes under the Finance and Business Manager's remit.

The Treasurer is required to attend regular meetings with both Board members and staff.  In addition to the regular contact with Board Chair and officers, the Treasurer is supported by the IGA auditors, Sayer and Vincent, who provide guidance on all aspects of the treasurer role in a charity, including the published guidebook for charity treasurers.

MAIN DUTIES OF HONORARY TREASURER

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Honorary Treasurer will:

1. Chair the Finance Committee Meetings which include allocation and resourcing of bursaries and Legacy funds.
2. Discuss reports summarised and presented by the Finance and Business manager.
3. Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
4. Oversee budgets, accounts and financial statements which are prepared and presented by the Finance and Business manager in conjunction with the Chair.
5. Maintain an overview, together with the Finance and Business Manager, of the charity’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability.  Ensure that the financial resources of the IGA meet its present and future needs.
6. Review Terms of Reference for the Finance Committee every three years ensuring with the Finance and Business Manager, that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by the Charity Commission.
7. Offer strategic financial direction that is aligned with the IGA’s organisation strategy.
8. Advise on the financial implications of the IGA’s strategic plan.
9. Support the presentation of the accounts by the Finance and Business Manager at the AGM and draw attention to important points.
10. To participate in Board Officer meetings as required.

What are we looking for?

PERSON SPECIFICATION

1. Some experience of charity finance, bursary or Legacy funds.
2. The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
3. A preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board.
4. A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
5. Understanding of the management and legal requirements of a UK registered charity.
6. A team approach to working with the Board Chair, the Vice-Chair of the Board and the Board of Trustees.
7. Desirable but not essential: Finance qualifications and experience.

TERM OF OFFICE

The Honorary Treasurer will normally hold office for a term of three years, with the option of standing for a further two years.  A term should not exceed a total of five years in office.

The Honorary Treasurer is accountable to the Board of Trustees.

You will be joining a dedicated Board of Trustees. The time commitment for the role is variable but much of it can be undertaken electronically or by phone. 

Location: Hampstead, in North London

What difference will you make?

The volunteer/Honorary treasurer will be making an important impact to the organisation by:

- Ensuring that the IGA operates within the financial guidelines set out in current legislation, by the Charity Commission, the charity’s constitution and by the IGA Board

- Advising the IGA Board on financial performance targets and policies and ensure measurement against targets and application of financial policies;

- On behalf of the IGA Board will ensure that the IGA’s financial obligations are met;

- By regularly reviewing and advising the IGA Board on the appropriate regulatory framework within which the IGA must function, including ensuring adequate financial controls;

- By advising the IGA Board on the financial implications and financial operational risks arising from any strategic and policy decisions.

Time Commitment

6 Board meetings and 5 Finance Committee Meetings a year plus the AGM, and an Annual Away Day

Before you apply

Applicants will be expected to prepare a brief statement of no more than one side of A4 setting out why they wish to be considered for the role to include: 1) Brief biographical information – professional background and work experience. 2) Relevant skills and experiences. 3) What the nominee hopes to achieve if elected.