Board Director with Financial Management Experience

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland is a registered charity and a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG) with a head office based in Dublin. The organisation aims to increase awareness of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland and to support people with Dyspraxia/DCD and their families through our clinical programmes, education and training activities, and national information and support helpline.  Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland has a strong partnership development ethos; we work closely with a number of Universities and schools in Ireland and the UK to build research and best practice. We are proud of our strong membership base and our volunteers who are committed to supporting the goals and vision of the organisation. Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland operates in an inclusive and transparent manner with a strong focus on good governance. This includes meeting the requirements of the Charities Governance Code and all relevant legislation.

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland are in the process of implementing our strategic plan 2021 – 2024 https://www.dyspraxia.ie/Strategic-Plan  and are a partner organisation with the HSE as outlined in the HSE National Service Plan 2024. As we expand our services we are now seeking to appoint a Board Director with strong financial/accounting experience. The Board Director (Finance) will work closely with the Board Treasurer and the CEO in leading the financial oversight of the organisation. The Board Director (Finance) is also a key member of the Finance sub-committee and the Risk and Compliance sub-committee.

The Board Director (Finance) will have joint oversight of the financial management of Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland, ensuring that the organisation is working within regulatory and legal frameworks and to an agreed financial plan.

As a Board member, the Board Director (Finance) shares responsibility and decision-making with other members of the Board and it will therefore be an important part of the role to ensure that other Board members understand financial information that is being presented and the implications of this information in the absence of the Board Treasurer at Board Meetings.

The Board Director (Finance) will have an appreciation of the role of a charity trustee/director and a commitment to establishing and maintaining the highest levels of corporate governance. Knowledge of the Not-For-Profit sector is helpful but not essential. 

General Trustee duties of a Charity Trustee

• Comply with the Charity’s governing document

• Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit

• Acting in the best interest of the charity

• Act with Reasonable Care and Skill

• Manage the assets of the charity

Specific SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE for the role of Board Director (Finance)

The Board Director (Finance) role is suitable for an accountant, Chief Financial Officer or Financial Controller who has some experience and who would like to work towards developing the skills that would enable them to become a Board Treasurer. Please note that this is a voluntary position.

The successful Candidate will need to demonstrate a mix of the following skills and experience:

Essential

• Capability and willingness to engage in the practical operational aspects of the organisation’s finances, including influencing direction
• Strategic planning, critical thinking and influencing skills
• Sound understanding of accounting processing including payroll, superannuation, VAT (all of which are managed by an external accountant)
• Strong level spreadsheet knowledge

Preferred

• Prior experience on a non-profit board or regular provision of reports to a non-profit Board
• Experience of current financial governance relevant to voluntary and community organisations
• Chartered Accountant or CPA or recent membership of either body

Finance Meetings

• Meet monthly with the Board Treasurer and the CEO to review the monthly financial reports
• Attend Board meetings, usually the first Tuesday of each second month, from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm via video conferencing
• Attend finance and risk and audit sub-committee meetings, usually one week before the Board meeting from 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Board Meetings

Typically, there are six (6) board meetings and approximately three to four (3 to 4) of each sub-committee meetings per year.  Board meetings are currently held via teleconference with the option to meet in person in Dublin 2-3 times per year. Sub-committee meetings may be arranged via video call or in person as appropriate.

Board Directors are not remunerated, but reasonable travel and subsistence allowances are paid.  Openness and transparency are key requirements so all potential conflicts of interest must be declared on application.

This role is in a voluntary capacity and carries an all of Ireland remit.

Equal Opportunities 

Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and all volunteer recruitment decisions will be based on merit, suitability for the role and experience. We welcome diversity within our organisation and ensure that recruitment decisions are not influenced by race, religion, gender, disability, age or ethnicity.   

Our Commitment to you 

• Provide induction and training to support you in your new role. 
• A collaborative work environment with talented people who are committed to achieving the best outcomes for our members and clients.
• Professional development opportunities to help you attain your goals and objectives as a Dyspraxia/DCD Ireland volunteer. 
• Recognise and respect your value within our organisation. 
• Recognise that you are a volunteer and have other commitments. 
• Listen to your concerns if things are not going well. 

Application Process

If you feel you could make a difference to the lives of the many people we support while building your skills and being part of a dynamic and engaged board of management then we would love to hear from you.  

If you have any further queries about this role please contact the Dyspraxia/DCD Chairperson, Sheelagh Carroll via email sheelaghc21@gmail.com and she will contact you to discuss

To apply for this role please submit your CV to Sheelagh Carroll sheelaghc21@gmail.com and you will be contacted in the strictest confidentiality by the Chairperson.