At a Glance
- Tasks: Guide a community financial institution and ensure its financial strength and sustainability.
- Company: A values-driven credit union focused on community transformation through financial wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable board-level experience and contribute to ethical finance.
- Other info: Join a passionate team and help shape the future of local financial services.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial inclusion and protect vulnerable members in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, accountancy, or banking; commitment to ethical finance.
Remuneration: Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Location: Board meetings held monthly on 3rd Thursday of each month between 6pm and 8pm in Wigan, Leyland or Warrington.
Time Commitment: Approx. 12 days per month.
Formed in 2002, this Credit Union gives people across the Wigan borough an easy way to save, borrow and plan for tomorrow with an ethical and local partner. Over the last twenty years, they have expanded to serve 10,000 members in Wigan, Leigh, Chorley, South Ribble, Warrington and Skelmersdale - including more than 1100 junior members in local primary schools. They are a member-owned savings and loans co-operative with £12 million in assets and a proud history dating back to 1989. Their purpose is simple but powerful: community transformation through financial wellbeing.
They help people:
- Access affordable credit and move away from payday lenders and loan sharks
- Build savings and financial resilience
Role: Help Shape the Financial Future of Your Community. They are seeking a Volunteer Director (Finance) to join their Board and play a key role in guiding a growing, values-driven financial co-operative serving communities across Wigan, South Ribble, Warrington and Chorley. As a Board Director, you will provide strategic oversight and independent challenge, ensuring they remain financially strong, well governed, and sustainable as they grow. This is a governance and strategic role, not an operational one.
You will work collaboratively with fellow volunteer directors and their executive team to ensure the organisation delivers both financial resilience and social impact. Specific areas of focus for this role are:
- Provide strategic oversight of financial performance, capital strength and sustainability
- Provide guidance to budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning processes
- Support sound governance and regulatory compliance
- Support the execution of the Investment policy
- Offer independent judgement on financial matters
About You: They are particularly interested in candidates with experience in:
- Accountancy, audit, financial management or banking
- Working within regulated financial services, mutuals, charities or co-operatives
You will also bring:
- Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge
- Strategic thinking and the ability to see the bigger picture
- Commitment to ethical finance and community development
- Alignment with co-operative values and democratic member control
Prior board experience is welcome but not essential. You must live or work within the Unify Credit Union common bond.
Why Join? This is more than a board role; it is a chance to help lead a community financial institution at a pivotal point in its development. By joining us, you will:
- Directly influence financial inclusion across your local area
- Help protect vulnerable members from high-cost and predatory lending
- Contribute to a regulated financial institution with real social purpose
- Gain valuable board-level and strategic governance experience
- Work alongside a committed, purpose-driven team
Most importantly, you will help ensure that local people have access to fair, affordable financial services that strengthen families and communities. If you are motivated by ethical finance, community impact, and strong governance - they would be delighted to hear from you.
Volunteer Non-Executive Finance Director employer: Profile 29
Join a dedicated team at Unify Credit Union, where your role as a Volunteer Non-Executive Finance Director will empower you to make a tangible difference in the financial wellbeing of local communities across Wigan, South Ribble, Warrington, and Chorley. With a strong commitment to ethical finance and community transformation, you'll collaborate with like-minded individuals, gain invaluable governance experience, and play a crucial part in ensuring fair access to financial services for all members. This is not just a board position; it's an opportunity to lead with purpose and impact lives positively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Non-Executive Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events related to finance or co-operatives. This not only boosts your visibility but also shows your commitment to ethical finance and community development, which is right up the alley for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of financial governance and strategic oversight. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the values of the organisation and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Non-Executive Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community Impact:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for ethical finance and community development shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission to transform lives through financial wellbeing.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have in accountancy, financial management, or working within regulated financial services. We’re looking for candidates who can bring strategic oversight and sound judgement to the table.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations for applying.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community.
How to prepare for a job interview at Profile 29
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Volunteer Non-Executive Finance Director role, it's crucial to brush up on your financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss financial performance metrics, budgeting processes, and long-term planning strategies. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's financial statements and be ready to offer insights or suggestions.
✨Align with Their Values
This role is all about community transformation through financial wellbeing. Make sure you understand the co-operative values and ethical finance principles that drive the organisation. During the interview, share examples of how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
The board is looking for someone who can provide strategic oversight. Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic roles and how you've approached challenges in the past. Think about how you can help shape the financial future of the community and be ready to present your ideas clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Ask about their current financial challenges, future goals, and how they measure success. This not only demonstrates your engagement but also helps you assess if this is the right fit for you.
