Finance & Audit sub-committee member

The Organisation

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting approx. 45,000 people in Ireland. Established in 1966, Epilepsy Ireland (www.epilepsy.ie) is the national organisation supporting and representing people with epilepsy and their families. Our vision is to achieve a society where no person’s life is limited by epilepsy.

The Role

Epilepsy Ireland is seeking applications for membership of our Finance & Audit sub-committee.

The Finance and Audit sub-committee is an established sub-committee of the Board of Epilepsy Ireland and is comprised of both board and independent members.

The role of the sub-committee is to assist, support and advise the Board in the management and monitoring of the organisation’s finances, business activities and strategic direction.

Its responsibilities include:

• Examining and reviewing the annual budget and recommending its adoption to the Board. 
• Reviewing financial performance (management accounts, balance sheet, forecasts) throughout the year against budget and, where appropriate, recommending corrective action to the Board.
• Ensuring effective internal systems, financial controls and procedures.
• Overseeing the annual audit process, ensuring compliance with all statutory accounting requirements and current best practice for the sector.
• Monitoring the organisation's income streams and sustainability and contributing to fundraising strategies.
• Advising the board on matters of risk and risk management.
• Providing guidance and direction to the Board on strategic, financial and business matters, including through periodic strategic planning processes.
• Recommending to the Board an appropriate investment policy, and regularly reviewing the suitability and performance of investment decisions.
• Monitoring the organisation’s reserves and their designations and advising the board as required.
• Any other matters referred to the sub-committee by the board.

The role offers the right candidate an opportunity to make a tangible difference in promoting good financial governance and business practice within Epilepsy Ireland and ultimately helping to improve the lives of those served by the organisation.

The sub-committee meets seven times per annum and a schedule is agreed at the beginning of each year. Meetings are online and take place in late afternoon/ early evening, typically lasting approx. 90 minutes. As well as sub-committee members, they are also attended by the CEO and Finance Manager. There are up to 7 members on the committee, appointed for a three-year term.

Epilepsy Ireland now welcomes applications from suitably qualified volunteers who are committed to the ethos, goals, and values of the organisation.

Skills & Experience Criteria

• Experience in a relevant background such as finance, accounting, compliance, risk management or business management.
• A relevant business, finance, accounting or management qualification.
• A commitment to the vision and mission of Epilepsy Ireland.
• Sound judgement, impartiality and independence.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A willingness to fulfil the duties and standards of conduct required of a committee member of an organisation with charitable status.
• Experience of non-profit organisations, including SORP accounting and charity governance frameworks is desirable but not essential.

Term of Appointment:

• For an initial 3-year period