Volunteer Honorary Treasurer | Radnorshire Wildlife Trust

Job content

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust (RWT) is looking for someone to join its Board of Trustees in the role of Honorary Treasurer.

What will you be doing?

We are searching for someone with experience of accounting or book-keeping and/or an understanding of charity finances, in particular with organisations whose income is largely from third-party grants.

As a Trust, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joy of wildlife in their daily lives. Now, more than ever, we are keen to work with the next generation to create a wilder future and provide natural solutions to Climate Change. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with the right skills and experience to be at the heart of this change.

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and all walks of life. We are keen to increase the diversity of our Trustees and would particularly welcome applications from candidates whose experiences and knowledge reflect this.

The Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of the Trust, and its members are the Trustees. It is ultimately responsible for ensuring the strategic direction of the Trust and safeguarding its financial position, its brand and reputation. The Board is currently made up of 11 Trustees, including four officers Chair, Vice-Chair, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer.

Honorary Treasurer

As Honorary Treasurer you will be expected to take the lead amongst Trustees for financial issues, ensuring that the financial accounts are accurate, timely, comply with best accountancy practice and reflect the Trust’s true financial position. You will be required to provide the Board of Trustees with clear and accurate financial information at a minimum of six meetings per year. You will chair the Finance Committee of RWT and present the annual Trustees’ Report and Accounts to the AGM, ensuring that they give a true and fair record of the Trust’s financial position.

This is an unpaid, voluntary role. However out of pocket expenses will be paid if requested.

Who Are We?

Radnorshire Wildlife Trust is one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK and one of 5 within Wales. We manage 18 nature reserves in Radnorshire. We also work with other landowners and organisations to protect and connect wildlife sites across the county and inspire local communities and young people where they live.

What are we looking for?

Trustee Personal Specification

Trustees should have an ability to understand the charity, its values, culture and philosophy and a willingness to show commitment and devote necessary time and effort.

Each Trustee should have the ability to help to actively shape the charity’s vision and future and be prepared to take responsibility for the charity’s long-term success or failure.

The new Trustee will be expected to take steps to learn about the charity, their role, legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship, and how the performance of the charity and key individuals are measured.

Trustees should put energy into acting as part of a team and helping to develop it and its shared sense of purpose and group decision-making.

Each Trustee must have the capacity to look at situations dispassionately and analytically, drawing on multiple perspectives and to apply good, independent judgment.

A Trustee must respect the charity’s governance processes and be prepared to challenge any threat to Council’s essential stewardship role arising from either individuals or small groups within Council.

What difference will you make?

The Honorary Treasurer is expected to;

• take the lead amongst Trustees for financial issues;
• ensure that the financial accounts of RWT are accurate, timely, comply to best accountancy practice and reflect the Trust’s true financial position.
  

Key Duties

• To present regular management accounts and financial reports to the Board of Trustees (at least six meetings per year.)
• To advise Trustees on the financial implications of RWT’s activities, and its present and future financial needs.
• To provide financial oversight and advice in relation to RWT’s annual budgets and strategic projections
• To ensure all financial information is provided to Trustees in a way that allows them to make informed collective decisions surrounding financial governance.
• To ensure that RWT’s annual Trustees’ Report & Accounts give a true and fair view record of the Trust’s financial position and to present these to the AGM, responding to any related questions from Trust members.
• To ensure that procedures and policies are in place to maintain RWT’s financial stability and to direct on financial reserves policy and investment policy.
• To take a lead in recommending the appointment of auditors and investment managers.
• To chair the Finance Committee of RWT (at least three meetings per year.)
• To keep Trustees informed about their financial duties and responsibilities including compliance. with relevant legislation and charity commission guidance.
  

Causes

• Animals / wildlife
• Environment
  

Wildlife Trusts support their members with a programme of walks and talks and regular newsletters, through providing nature reserves and lobbying on behalf of conservation.