Charity Treasurer & Finance Governance Lead

Deaf Unity is a deaf-led charity that works to empower deaf individuals. We equip deaf students, jobseekers and professionals with the knowledge, confidence and community to succeed in education and employment. Working closely with our deaf community, we identify the barriers and inequities that deaf people meet as they move from school into education and employment; seek work; and strive to build successful careers. We work with them and with universities, employers and voluntary sector partners to overcome these barriers through carefully tailored, impactful interventions. Our vision is of a world where every deaf person has an equal chance to study and work, achieve their professional ambitions and contribute their full potential to society.

Purpose of the role

To oversee Deaf Unity’s financial operations, ensuring that the charity remains financially viable and complies with Charity Commission regulations and strong accounting practices at all times. The Treasurer will ensure that proper financial records are kept and that the Board of Trustees understands the financial position at all times.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee the charity’s financial position
• Present budgets, management accounts and financial statements to the Board
• Help trustees understand financial information and advise on financial implications of the charity’s strategic plans
• Support budgeting and financial planning, including developing and implementing financial policies (e.g. reserves and investment policies)
• Ensure proper financial controls are in place and that proper accounting records are kept
• Oversee the preparation of annual accounts
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission and HMRC regulations (e.g. Gift Aid)

You will work closely with the CEO, Chair, trustees and staff who are managing day‑to‑day finance and banking and will be required to attend quarterly meetings of the Finance and Risk sub‑group of the Board, in addition to the full Board meeting.

What is a trustee?

All trustees share responsibility for running the charity. This includes:

• Attending board meetings, usually 4 times per year.
• Helping make strategic decisions
• Acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries

Trustee responsibilities are set out by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Skills we are looking for

Essential skills:

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (e.g. use of XERO, SAGE accounting packages)
• Experience of financial reporting, budgeting and risk management
• An understanding of (or willingness to learn about) charity accounting
• Ability to explain financial information clearly
• Good judgement and decision‑making skills
• Interest in supporting deaf communities

Desirable:

• Professional accounting qualification
• Previous experience as a trustee or treasurer
• Knowledge of, or interest in, the deaf community.
• BSL skills

What you will gain

• Experience of charity governance
• Board‑level leadership experience
• Opportunity to support Deaf communities
• Networking and professional development