At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for a community-focused housing organisation and ensure transparency.
- Company: Join RUSS, a pioneering Community Land Trust in south London.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in finance while making a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to social impact and community control.
- Why this job: Shape the future of affordable housing and support community-led projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or housing management; strong communication skills required.
Join RUSS, a groundbreaking Community Land Trust that delivers mixed tenure, permanently affordable homes in south London. In 2024 we completed 12 Church Grove, the largest community‑led, partially self‑built housing project ever realised in the capital.
The Treasurer is a trustee and volunteer director with overall responsibility for financial stewardship at RUSS. The role supports the organisation as it transitions from delivering its first development into long‑term housing management and future growth. The Treasurer ensures that financial decision‑making underpins affordability, resilience and social mission, while meeting regulatory and governance requirements. This is a hands‑on strategic role in a values‑led, community‑controlled housing organisation.
RUSS is now managing completed homes, service charges and long‑term assets for the first time. The organisation carries social investment debt and must plan clearly for refinancing and future projects. Strong financial leadership is essential to protect residents, affordability and community control. The Treasurer plays a key role in shaping RUSS’s next phase of stability, growth and impact.
Person Specification
- Experience: Professional background in finance, accounting, or housing management.
- Skills: Ability to explain complex financial data to non‑experts; experience with social investment or CLT models is a plus.
- Commitment: Ability to lead a "sprint" during peak periods (e.g., audit season or new project launches).
- Values: Contribute to a collaborative and open culture that upholds RUSS’ guiding principles.
Responsibilities
The Treasurer provides strategic financial leadership to RUSS, ensuring the organization remains solvent, compliant, and transparent. As a volunteer‑led Community Land Trust (CLT), the Treasurer bridges the gap between high‑level board strategy and the practical, granular management of rents and service charges, social investment debt, and community‑led projects like the Ladywell Playtower.
Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer employer: Rural Urban Synthesis Society
RUSS is an exceptional employer for those passionate about community-led housing and social impact, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial stewardship of a pioneering Community Land Trust in south London. With a strong commitment to values-led work culture, RUSS fosters collaboration and transparency, providing volunteers with meaningful roles that directly influence the affordability and resilience of housing projects. As the Treasurer, you will not only gain invaluable experience in financial leadership but also play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable communities.
Contact Detail:
Rural Urban Synthesis Society Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the community land trust sector, attend local events, and connect with others who share your passion for affordable housing. You never know who might have a lead on a volunteer opportunity or can introduce you to someone at RUSS.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with someone from RUSS, be ready to discuss your financial expertise and how it aligns with their mission. Bring examples of how you've explained complex financial data to non-experts – it’ll show you’re the right fit for the Treasurer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the Treasurer position. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay informed about RUSS and the community land trust model. Read up on their projects and values, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. This knowledge will help you stand out in conversations and interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Treasurer for Community Land Trust - Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Community:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for community-led projects shine through. We want to see how your values align with RUSS’s mission of delivering affordable homes and supporting local residents.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any experience you have in finance, accounting, or housing management. We’re looking for someone who can bring their expertise to the table, so don’t hold back on those details!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate a good story, remember to keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex financial concepts, as we want to ensure everyone understands your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with RUSS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rural Urban Synthesis Society
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Treasurer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or financial reports in the past. Be prepared to explain complex financial data in simple terms, as this will show your ability to communicate effectively with non-experts.
✨Understand RUSS’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with RUSS's values and mission. Understand their approach to community-led housing and how financial decisions impact affordability and social responsibility. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their cause.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial challenges, such as managing social investment debt or planning for refinancing. Think of examples from your experience where you've successfully navigated similar situations, and be ready to share your thought process and decision-making strategies.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
RUSS values a collaborative culture, so be sure to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've worked with diverse teams or stakeholders in the past, especially in volunteer settings. Emphasising your commitment to open communication and collaboration will resonate well with the interviewers.
