Finance Board Member

The Organisation:

Camphill Community Trust is a compassionate and dedicated charity established in July 2005, committed to serving the community. The Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees and supported by a part-time secretary, ensuring transparency and accountability through its operations.

The inspiration behind CCT’s formation stemmed from a deep sense of responsibility toward the well-being of Camphill coworkers in their later years, who had no pension provisions in place. Recognising the unique needs of these dedicated individuals, the Trust’s Deed was revised in 2015 to ensure that its beneficiaries are coworkers who have a substantial connection with the Camphill movement.

CCT is a discretionary trust committed to aiding those who have devoted significant, unsalaried service to the Camphill community in the Republic of Ireland. Whether through illness, old age, infirmity, poverty, or other challenging circumstances, the Trust provides vital support, including care, nursing, accommodation, medical treatment, and financial help in the form of loans and donations.

Through its thoughtful and caring approach, Camphill Community Trust embodies the spirit of solidarity and compassion, helping ensure that those who have given so much to their community can receive the care and support they need when they need it most.

The Role:

Camphill Community Trust is seeking a Finance Board Member, ideally a qualified accountant, to join their Board. The right candidate will bring strong financial expertise and a collaborative approach, contributing effectively as part of the board. They will play a key role in supporting the Trust’s mission, participating in strategic discussions, and fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. If you have a passion for community impact and excel in team-oriented environments, they encourage you to become a valued member of their Board.

General duties of a Charity Trustee

• Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Acting in the best interest of the charity
• Acting with Reasonable Care and Skill
• Managing the assets of the charity

Role requirements and key responsibilities of the Finance Board Member include:

1. Finance Expertise: The Finance Board Member should ideally be a qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial oversight and governance. Proficiency in treasury management would be an asset. Most importantly, the member should be a team player, collaborating effectively with board members and the wider organisation to achieve successful outcomes.
2. Financial Oversight: Provide high-level oversight of financial statements, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s objectives and compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Work in partnership with the Secretary to review and monitor financial operations and budgets, offering guidance and strategic input where necessary.
3. Audit and Compliance: Oversee the audit process and ensure the organisation remains compliant with all financial regulations and governance requirements. Provide guidance to ensure adherence to best practices and standards in financial compliance.
4. Strategic Planning: Offer strategic oversight and input into the development of financial plans and strategies that align with and support the organisation’s long-term goals and sustainability.
5. Financial Reporting: Oversee the organisation’s financial reporting to ensure it adheres to clear, accurate, and transparent standards. Evaluate reports at a governance level to confirm they effectively communicate financial health and performance to stakeholders and align with the objectives of annual reporting.
6. Understanding of Not-for-Profits and Their Roles: Demonstrate a strong understanding of the roles and responsibilities of not-for-profit boards. While relevant experience is advantageous, the emphasis is on providing effective oversight to ensure that the board fulfils its governance and fiduciary duties.

Skills and Experience Required:

Financial Expertise

• Qualified accountant with significant experience in financial management; experience in treasury operations would be highly advantageous but not a prerequisite.
• Oversight of financial operations, budgeting, and financial planning

Communication Skills

• Strong ability to engage effectively with board members through clear, collaborative communication that fosters productive discussions and decision-making.

Commitment to Mission

• Passion for supporting individuals associated with the Camphill movement in the Republic of Ireland, particularly those in need due to sickness, old age, infirmity, or poverty
• Deep commitment to Camphill Community Trust’s mission of providing care, nursing, accommodation, medical, and other support to those who have given significant unsalaried service to the movement

Compliance and Governance

• Strong understanding of and adherence to governance standards, such as the Charities Regulator's Governance Code.

Team Player and Time Availability

• Collaborative approach and availability to participate actively in meetings contribute to the organisation’s success.

Board Meetings:
The Finance Trustee will attend bi-monthly Board meetings, which typically occur online in the evenings (6 pm) and last approximately one hour. The November meeting is a hybrid session taking place at noon in Dublin. Additional responsibilities may include reviewing financial documents, supporting the annual audit process, and consulting with the Secretary and Chair as needed.