Volunteer Treasurer

Role Summary – Treasurer

Working alongside the role of Chair is the specialist role of Treasurer who is nominated and elected by the Trustee Board to lead on the financial matters for the board. While financial matters are the responsibility of all trustees, the role of Treasurer is usually held by a Trustee who has specific financial qualifications and experience.

The Treasurer is therefore able to act as a lead for financial matters within the board and provide the rest of the board with reassurances that come from a closer and more detailed understanding of the financial management of Next Chapter.

In addition to participating in the governance of the charity through Trustee discussions and decisions, the Treasurer usually takes the lead at board level on:

• Making sure the charity keeps proper accounts
• Reviewing the charity’s financial performance
• Ensuring the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place
• Liaising with our Finance Manager and additionally during our audit process, the Charity’s independent auditor
• Working with our Finance Manager in relation to reporting financial matter to the board
• Attending Trustee meetings to present financial reports with our Director of Finance
• Provide advice to the Trustees on the financial performance of the charity particularly financial trends and variances from budget
• Provide financial advice on any plans and projects which are being considered
• Work with the CEO, finance director and board of trustees to collate the annual budget each year, including annual staff pay award
• Work as a member of the committee (made up of members of the board of trustees) which deals with the annual salary review of the CEO

Qualities of a Treasurer

• commitment to the charity
• leadership ability
• integrity and strategic vision with appropriate levels of risk tolerance
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Treasurer and trustee
• ability to take decisions for the good of the charity
• good, independent judgement
• good communication skills
• tact and diplomacy
• willingness to speak one’s mind and listen to the views of others
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee

Desirable experience

• qualifications in and prior experience of financial management/accountancy
• prior experience of committee/trustee work
• knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the charity
• a wider involvement with the voluntary sector

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