Volunteer Treasurer/Trustee
- Location: home based with some in-person attendance at board meetings.
- Expected hours: variable, around 6 hours per month, flexible working.
- Remuneration: unpaid – expenses incurred in undertaking the role will be reimbursed.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and confident volunteer Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees.
Our accounts are not complex, but we do have multiple income streams. We use software called Xero to record transactions and produce reports.
The successful candidate would need to maintain financial control and ensure we comply with our legal responsibilities as a Registered Charity.
About the charity
Coventry Independent Advice Service is a small charity offering free advice, information and support on welfare benefits, debt and other social welfare matters. We hold the Advice Quality Standard, a national quality mark for organisations providing free, independent advice to members of the public.
About the role
The Treasurer will maintain financial control and ensure we comply with our legal responsibilities as a Registered Charity. The Treasurer will mainly work with the CEO and finance administrator to ensure that there is a transparent and clear financial process.
Time commitment
It is expected that the work will take approximately 4-6 hours per month, with workload typically focusing on preparation for board meetings and our annual general meeting (AGM).
As part of the hours, it is expected that the Treasurer will attend most board meetings (usually 6-8 per year, plus the charity AGM) to keep up to date with developments and update the Board of Trustees on financial matters. This means devoting the necessary time and effort to prepare for meetings where necessary.
Personal criteria
- Good communication skills and experience of team working.
- Empathy and understanding.
- An ability to be objective, honest, non-judgemental and able to deal with issues of a confidential nature.
- A commitment to the aims, policies and procedures of CIAS.
- Financial experience and/or financial qualifications.
- Computer literacy.
Desirable skills/experience
- Financial management expertise and an understanding of charity finance.
- An understanding of charity governance.
- Experience of using Xero accounting software.
Being a Trustee
As Treasurer to the Charity, you will also become a Trustee. Trustees are expected to understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and understand their role as a Trustee.
You cannot become a Trustee if you:
- Are under 18 years of age.
- Are disqualified under Sections 178 and 180 of the Charities Act 2011, because for example, you are an undischarged bankrupt or have an unspent conviction for an offence of dishonesty or deception.
- Have previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by the court or charity commissioners or is under a disqualification order under the Company Directors Disqualification Act.
- Are a paid member of staff.
Key responsibilities
- Keep clear, accurate records of CIAS financial transactions.
- Have an oversight of restricted and unrestricted budgets.
- Be a signatory to the bank account and approve appropriate transactions and expenses.
- Monitor and report on the financial health of the charity and give an annual financial report at the AGM.
- Attend meetings (approximately 6-8 per year, some online and some in person).
- File returns with the Charity Commission and ensure the charity complies with accounting policies and regulations.
- Liaise with our independent financial examiner annual independent examination of the accounts prior to the AGM.
More information
If you are interested in this role, please download the information pack below.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role before applying, please phone 024 76521100 or email info@covadvice.org.uk and we can arrange this for you.
How to apply
Applications should be made using our application form which can be downloaded from the link below. Please return the completed form to info@covadvice.org.uk
