Treasurer(Trustee)CitizensAdvice Fareham

We’re seeking a new Treasurer for is a strategic leadership position focusing on scrutiny, guidance, and strategic advice to the Board. The day-to-day bookkeeping and preparation of management accounts are managed by employed staff.

What difference will you make?

The impact of a Treasurer (Trustee) would be substantial, primarily ensuring the charity's long-term health and stability to continue the Charity's mission to provide free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice to everyone in the community, empowering them with the knowledge they need to find a way forward, whatever problems they face.

What are we looking for?

Essential Skills And Experience

• Financial Expertise A professional qualification in accountancy or finance, or demonstrably equivalent experience in a senior financial management or leadership role.
• Governance Mindset Ability to understand and accept the legal responsibilities and liabilities associated with being a charity Trustee and Director.
• Financial Communication Excellent ability to interpret complex financial data and explain it clearly and concisely to non-financial experts (Trustees and volunteers).
• Analytical Skills The skill to analyze strategic proposals, assess financial risk, and examine financial consequences objectively.
• Commitment A strong commitment to the aims, principles, and policies of the Citizens Advice service.
  
  

Desirable Attributes

• Previous experience or knowledge of UK charity finance (including SORP and compliance).
• Experience in strategic financial planning or oversight for a complex organization.
• Knowledge of pensions and/or fundraising strategy.
• Willingness to act as a point of consultation for the Chief Officer or paid finance staff on complex financial matters.
  
  

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer is a key member of the Board of Trustees, sharing collective legal responsibility for the charity's governance and strategic direction. The core function of the Treasurer is to provide high-level financial oversight, ensuring the long-term sustainability and legal compliance of Citizens Advice Fareham.

The key responsibilities are

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Advising the Board Guide and advise the Board of Trustees on their financial duties, responsibilities, and liabilities.
• Budget Oversight Work with the Chief Officer (and/or paid finance staff) to review, challenge, and recommend the annual budget and future financial forecasts to the Board for approval.
• Strategic Planning Provide expert counsel on the financial implications of strategic plans, fundraising strategies, and key organisational assumptions.
• Reserves Policy Ensure the charity maintains an appropriate reserves policy and that the Board adheres to it.
  
  

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Monitoring Regularly review management accounts and financial reports prepared by staff, monitoring income, expenditure, and variances against the agreed-upon budget.
• Reporting Present accessible and understandable reports at least quarterly to the Board, ensuring all trustees clearly grasp the charity's financial position and any potential implications.
• Controls Understand the charity’s accounting procedures and internal financial controls to assure the Board that the financial integrity of the organisation is sound and resources are safeguarded.
  
  

Compliance and Statutory Duties

• Annual Accounts Oversee the preparation of annual accounts in compliance with the SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting for Charities).
• Examination Make arrangements for the annual accounts to be audited or independently examined as required by the Charity Commission.
• Submission Ensure annual accounts and returns are submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House within the required legal deadlines.
• AGM Presentation Present the annual accounts clearly and coherently at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to volunteers, staff, and stakeholders.