Finance Trustee

The Ireland Canada University Foundation is seeking to appoint a new Finance Trustee to join its Board of Trustees.

ICUF is a charitable foundation dedicated to strengthening academic, cultural and educational links between Ireland and Canada. The Foundation is entering an important period of growth, with expanded programme activity, strong government and institutional relationships, and an engaged Board across Ireland and Canada.

ICUF is a key part of the growing Ireland–Canada network in Ireland. The Foundation has close working relationships with the Canadian Embassy in Dublin and the Irish Embassy in Ottawa, and is building relationships with businesses, corporations and other partners active in this space. This role may therefore be especially attractive to someone who would like to deepen their engagement with the Ireland–Canada community while contributing their financial and governance expertise to a mission-driven organisation.

ICUF is financially well managed, with robust systems and controls in place. The day-to-day finance function is supported by a qualified accountant working part-time as Finance Manager. The Finance Trustee will therefore provide strategic oversight, guidance and assurance to the Board, rather than operational bookkeeping support.

General duties of a Charity Trustee

The Finance Trustee will share responsibility with the Board for:

• Complying with the charity’s governing document;
• Ensuring the charity is carrying out its charitable purpose for the public benefit;
• Acting in the best interests of the charity;
• Acting with reasonable care and skill;
• Managing the charity’s assets responsibly;
• Supporting good governance, transparency and accountability.

The Role

ICUF is seeking an individual with strong financial management, accountancy or senior finance experience. Ideally, the successful candidate will be a qualified accountant — ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent — with relevant senior management, governance or board-level experience.

Experience of charity governance, public funding, philanthropy or international partnerships would be particularly welcome.

Key Responsibilities

The Finance Trustee will work closely with the Board, Executive Director and Finance Manager. Responsibilities will include:

• Providing financial oversight and advice to the Board;
• Reviewing budgets, management accounts, cash flow and financial reports;
• Advising on the financial implications of major proposals and strategic decisions;
• Supporting the preparation and review of annual accounts and audit processes;
• Helping to ensure appropriate financial policies, procedures and internal controls are in place;
• Supporting oversight of financial compliance and risk management;
• Serving on the Finance Committee or equivalent Board finance structure;
• Acting as an authorised signatory for the charity, where required.

Board Meetings

The Board meets every six weeks, with 8 Board meetings per year. Meetings are usually held online to accommodate Board members in Ireland and Canada, and generally last 30–45 minutes.

At least one Board meeting each year is held in person. The Finance Trustee may also attend Finance Committee meetings and occasional meetings with the Executive Director and Finance Manager, particularly around budgeting, reporting and annual accounts.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong financial, accounting or governance experience;
• An understanding of financial controls, reporting and risk management;
• Good judgement and the ability to explain financial matters clearly;
• A collaborative and constructive approach;
• An interest in ICUF’s mission and in Ireland–Canada relations;
• A commitment to good governance and responsible stewardship.

Previous charity trustee experience would be welcome but is not essential.

How to Apply / Express Interest

This is a voluntary, unpaid trustee role.

Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified individuals. Interested candidates should send a short note outlining their interest and relevant experience, together with a CV or brief professional biography, to info@icuf.ie.