Charity Treasurer: Strategic Finance Leader on the Board

As a small charity, there will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their duties and responsibilities as Trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board Member
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion
• A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission
• Willingness to lead according to our values
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Terms of office

Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for a maximum of up to 2 further years to a maximum of 5 years (this can be adjusted if required to ensure that not all Trustee members are ending their terms at the same time). This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Committee membership

Occasional support of operational working groups and/or support to the executive team as needed.

Treasurer role

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Girlguiding North East England’s financial affairs, ensuring that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Region Manager or designated staff member.
• Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring investments and assets are held in accordance with agreed policies.
• Work with the Region Manager or designated staff member to appoint the Independent Examiner.
• Oversee the development and implementation of systems for appraising, mitigating and reporting corporate risk.
• Work with the Region Manager or designated staff member to ensure that annual accounts are prepared in accordance with the Charity SORP.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial responsibilities and liaising with the Region Manager or designated staff member to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for

• A finance professional who would likely hold the ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification.
• A knowledge of charity finance and reporting is an advantage.
• Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting and setting budgets.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Trustees.

Minimum Time Commitment

• Attending 4 Board meetings per year
• Attending and chairing 4 Finance Committee meetings per year
• Attending annual strategy meetings/training sessions as required

All usually held in the evening or at weekends.

Application Process

If you are interested in this role, and believe you have the skills to support Girlguiding North East England, please send a letter of application to recruitment@girlguidingnortheast.org.uk. You should include information about yourself and how your experience and qualifications meet the requirements of the role of Treasurer. It doesn't have to be a long application, but it does need to include enough detail to convince our Trustees you are the right person for the role.

Closing date

The closing date for applications is: Monday 27 July after which Trustees will contact you as soon as possible. We aim to have made the appointment by the end of August 2026.