Treasurer

The Organisation:

Tolka River Project is a community based rehabilitation programme that delivers evidence based treatments through a warm and friendly environment for our clients.

Our programme is focused on clients having the opportunity to focus on their chosen recovery path. We use evidence based treatment interventions to guide this process. The programme is 12 months in duration and we also provide an Aftercare programme based on SMART Recovery.

The Project opened in July 2008 with the support from Coolmine Therapeutic Community, Fingal County Council and the Blanchardstown Local Drugs Task Force in addition to other local services.  The project is primarily funded by the HSE and Department of Social Protection as well as ad hoc donations and fundraising events. 

Website:               Tolka River Project

Directors:  Gael Le Roux (Chair); Maria O’Reilly (Secretary): Gary Keogh (Acting Treasurer)

Board Members:  Anita Harris, Clodagh Ni Ghallachoir, Paul Gibney, Sipihwe Moyo.

The Role:

Tolka River Project is seeking a new board director who will act as Treasurer, who will replace the outgoing Treasurer who has completed his term of office.  This is a voluntary trustee role responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring compliance with the Charities Regulator, and providing strategic financial guidance. This board director will also be appointed to the Finance Committee.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Oversight & Reporting:
  • Oversee the effective financial management of the organisation.
  • Present financial reports (management accounts, cash flow) to the board.
  • Supported by executive, prepare annual accounts for audit and presentation at the AGM.
• Compliance & Governance:
  • Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Companies Act 2014, and the Charities Governance Code.
  • Ensure proper books of account are maintained.
  • Maintain compliance with Charities SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) requirements.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Lead the development of the annual budget and financial forecasts.
  • Advise the board on the financial implications of strategic plans.
  • Manage financial risk and develop financial policies (e.g. reserves policy).
• Operational Support:
  • Work closely with the CEO and finance staff.
  • Liaise with external auditors.
  • Oversee bank accounts, payments, and online authorisation.  Act as one of the organisation’s signatories.

Key Qualifications & Skills:

• Financial Expertise: Strong accounting, finance, or bookkeeping background, preferably a qualified accountant.
• Board/Charity Experience: Experience working with boards or in the non-profit sector would be desirable.
• Governance Knowledge: Understanding of Irish charity regulations, GDPR, and financial compliance.
• Communication Skills: Ability to interpret and present financial information clearly to non-financial board members. 

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Board Member:

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity.
• Act with reasonable care and skill.
• Manage the assets of your charity.

Board Meetings:

There are six board meetings a year, plus the AGM which takes place the same day as the May board meeting.  Board meetings are held at 9.30am for 90 minutes on a Friday.  In person attendance at our premises in Dublin 15 is preferable, with hybrid by exception.

Committees:

The Treasurer is expected to attend the Finance Committee meetings, which are mainly held online. 

Additional Time Commitment:

• Weekly/Monthly: 1-2 hours per week or approximately 4-5 hours per month.
• Audit: During audit time, typically January to March, some more time will be required to cover obligations between HSE and DSP accounts (Typically 2-3 weeks)