Volunteer Branch Treasurer

RSPCA SURREY EAST BRANCH TREASURER

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands finance (and is willing to learn charity finance) to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branch’s affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

1. Implement and maintain sound financial systems.

    

   Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch   income and expenditure.

    

   Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.

    

   Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.

    

    Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.

    

    Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.

    

    Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

    

    Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.

    

    When appropriate, make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.

    

    Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.

    

    Liaise with branch trustees and Branch Partnership Managers on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.

    

   Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

    

   Liaise with our provider for payroll and pension to ensure timely payment of wages. Liaison with HMRC on all tax related payments.

    

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

   

  You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

   

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee 

• Ongoing support is provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

   

  The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

   

  The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

   

  A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

   

Practical considerations and commitments

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over. 

   

  You will be expected to attend a Branch Committee meeting every month

   

  Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

   

  Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

   

  Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

   

  References will also be required.

   

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee 

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! For more information and a full role description, please email: contract_us@rspca-surreyeast.org.uk