Treasurer

South Worcestershire Citizens Advice (SWCA) is an independent charity operating as part of the Citizens Advice Network. We have two main offices, in Malvern and Evesham, and a number of other outreach sites across the district. Every year we help over 6,000 local people resolve their problems by providing free information, advice and support. We keep the service free by raising funds to support the service and via the huge commitment and support of our volunteers.

We are seeking a volunteer Treasurer with senior level financial experience to join our Board of Trustees and oversee financial matters.

What will you do?

• Maintain a good awareness of how SWCA is operating.
• Attend 4-6 Board meetings per year, reading papers in advance.
• Explain, guide and advise the board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the budgets, operational and strategic plans.
• Ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the services’ needs.
• Support the finance team (employees and volunteers) to explain, guide and advise on the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements.
• Present accounts at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in an accessible way for volunteers and staff.
• Ensure that annual accounts are prepared in compliance with the Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and submitted by the deadline to the Charity Commission and Companies House, and make arrangements for them to be audited or independently examined as required.
• Keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Monitor the organisation’s income and expenditure position and, in conjunction with the finance team, present accessible reports to ensure board members understand the accounts and implications.
• Understand the accounting procedures and key internal controls to be able to assure the board that the charity's financial integrity is sound.
• Work with Citizens Advice staff, such as the Chief Officer, Finance Manager and Head of Service to give information and advice on financial matters.
• Take an active part in discussions during board meetings and work with other trustees to set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of SWCA.
• Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
• Ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of SWCA are in order including that full financial records are kept for all transactions, that money is only spent for the purpose given, and that proper financial controls are in place to safeguard the organisation’s resources.
• Monitor the financial position of SWCA ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management.
• Review performance and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.

What do you need to have?

• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as a trustee.
• Have accountancy qualifications or significant accounting experience.
• Preferably have some knowledge or experience of charity finances, fundraising, financial consequences and pension schemes.
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills.
• Have good IT skills.
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations.
• Be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way to board members, staff and volunteers who may not have financial experience.
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection.
• Be willing to undertake training in your role.

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet at least quarterly in the afternoons or evenings and you may need to attend other meetings if you’re involved in specific projects. The time commitment needed is likely to average at 2-3 hours per week across the year and you would need to meet with staff and other volunteers from time to time. This is a voluntary role so is not remunerated but expenses incurred in carrying out the role will be reimbursed.