At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic financial oversight and support sustainable growth for an arts charity.
- Company: Join a dynamic arts charity celebrating 50 years of creativity and community engagement.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a real impact in the arts sector.
- Other info: Hybrid role with support for new trustees; diverse applicants encouraged.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey in the arts while enhancing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or business management; passion for arts and social impact.
We are seeking a Treasurer to provide strategic financial oversight at a pivotal moment in IOU’s development. This key governance role will work with the Chair, CEO, and Finance Manager to ensure the organisation is positioned for sustainable growth.
As Treasurer, you will help IOU strengthen long‑term sustainability and navigate a significant period of organisational transformation and growth. IOU is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is evolving into a new model focused on artist development, creative technology, interdisciplinary practice, engineering, participation, and community engagement. We also manage a mixed‑income model that includes IOU Hostel Ltd, a trading subsidiary that supports earned income generation, artist residencies, and wider organisational resilience.
Key responsibilities
- Financial planning and reporting
- Reserves and cash‑flow management
- Governance and financial controls
- Oversight of the trading subsidiary
- Long‑term sustainability and investment planning
- Chair the Finance Committee and ensure clear, accessible reporting for trustees
What we are looking for
- Professional experience in finance, accounting, business management, or financial leadership.
- Understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, cash‑flow, creative tax credits, reserves, and risk.
- Strategic planning skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non‑financial audiences.
- Experience working with charities, social enterprises, cultural organisations, or trading subsidiaries.
- Experience with mixed‑income models, social enterprise, hospitality, or commercial trading is beneficial.
- The ability to collaborate, challenge constructively, and support governance with a strong sense of social impact and creative resilience.
Our commitment to diversity
We are committed to improving representation within our governance and leadership. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds and those with lived experience under‑represented in the cultural sector.
Hybrid role
Work will be conducted in a hybrid manner, with some responsibilities performed remotely and others in person as required. Previous trustee experience is not essential; we will provide support and induction for a successful candidate who is enthusiastic and eager to contribute their skills.
Treasurer to help arts charity to expand - Volunteer in Halifax employer: IOU Creation Centre
IOU is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the arts sector while playing a vital role in its strategic financial oversight. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on community engagement, employees can expect a supportive work culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration. As we approach our 50th anniversary, this is an exciting time to join us in shaping the future of artist development and creative technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Treasurer to help arts charity to expand - Volunteer in Halifax
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and charity sectors, attend events, and connect with potential collaborators. You never know who might have a lead on a treasurer role or can introduce you to someone who does.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to chat with organisations, make sure to express why you're excited about their mission. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on financial concepts relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help the organisation navigate its growth and sustainability challenges. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re all about making connections and helping you find the right fit. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer to help arts charity to expand - Volunteer in Halifax
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Arts:When writing your application, let your love for the arts shine through! We want to see how your financial expertise can contribute to our mission. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting creative initiatives.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to financial matters. Make sure your application is easy to read and gets straight to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to break down your skills and experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the Treasurer role. Highlight your understanding of financial reporting and governance in the context of arts charities like IOU.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at IOU Creation Centre
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Treasurer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts like budgeting, cash-flow management, and reserves. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles or how you would approach them in this position.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with IOU’s goals and values, especially their focus on artist development and community engagement. This will help you articulate how your skills can contribute to their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Expect questions about governance and financial controls. Think about your past experiences in similar roles and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've ensured transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with the Chair, CEO, and Finance Manager. Highlight your teamwork skills and provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve common goals, especially in a charity or social enterprise context.