Treasurer & Board Director

Business to Arts is on a mission to connect the corporate and cultural sectors through purposeful partnerships, increasing private sector investment in the arts, and creating innovative partnerships that enrich communities and drive positive societal impact.

As long-term Board members’ terms come to an end, we are seeking passionate individuals to join our dynamic Board of Directors to deliver upon our strategic priorities and achieve our vision of an Ireland where business and the arts work in partnership to inspire and shape the world around us.

Specifically, we are looking for a Finance-Focused Treasurer and Volunteer Board Director. 

The role in brief
This is a governance role, not an executive finance position. We are looking for someone with substantial practical financial leadership experience who can provide independent oversight, challenge and strategic advice, while being willing to contribute practical expertise on specific issues where useful.

Your Impact

As Treasurer, you will play a central role in strengthening BtoA’s financial governance and long-term sustainability. You will work closely with the CEO, the Governance, Finance & Audit Committee, external accountants and auditors, helping the Board interpret financial information, assess risk and make well-informed decisions.

Key benefits of Board membership

This board is a unique cross-section of the corporate and cultural worlds, and benefits include networking opportunities, a sense of purpose and social impact, professional development, and unique experiences through exclusive behind-the-scenes access and arts activity. 

Read more about how our current board feels here.

Key Responsibilities (for this role in a CLG)

1. Financial Oversight and Reporting:
   • Review management accounts, forecasts and cash flow, providing constructive challenge and assurance to the Board.
   • Help ensure the Board receives accurate, timely and meaningful financial information.
   • Monitor the organisation’s financial sustainability, reserves and key financial risks.
2. Governance, Finance & Audit Committee
   • Play a leading role on the Governance, Finance & Audit Committee and contribute actively to its work programme.
   • Work with management to ensure Committee papers provide clear financial analysis and appropriate information for oversight and decision-making.
   • Support the Committee in monitoring financial performance, risk management, internal controls and compliance.
3. Budgeting, Strategy & Financial Planning
   • Review and challenge the annual budget, forecasts and longer-term financial plans.
   • Provide practical financial insight to support strategic decision-making and scenario planning.
   • Advise the Board on significant financial risks, opportunities and funding considerations.
4. Audit, Risk & Compliance:
   • Support the appointment of external auditors and act as a key Board liaison throughout the annual audit process.
   • Review the annual financial statements and support their consideration and approval by the Board.
   • Seek assurance that appropriate financial controls, risk management processes and statutory compliance arrangements are operating effectively.
   • Review significant audit findings or recommendations and monitor management’s response where appropriate.
5. Collaborative Leadership:
   • Act as a trusted sounding board to the CEO on significant financial matters.
   • Help build financial confidence across the Board by explaining financial issues clearly and constructively.
   • Bring practical expertise to specific financial projects, controls or governance improvements where this can add value, without replacing the role of management or professional advisers.

Experience we are looking for

We are seeking someone with substantial practical financial leadership experience, together with sound judgement, a collaborative approach and an interest in good governance.

Relevant experience might have been gained as a:

• Finance Director, CFO or Financial Controller
• Head of Finance or senior finance manager
• Audit or assurance professional
• Banking, corporate finance or investment professional
• Senior finance leader in the private, public or charitable sector

A professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CPA, CIMA or equivalent) would be advantageous but is not essential where comparable practical experience can be demonstrated. Previous Board experience is welcome, but strong practical financial expertise and sound judgement are more important. 

Skills & Attributes

• Strong practical understanding of budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, audit and financial controls.
• Ability to interpret financial information and identify the issues that matter most for Board oversight.
• Confidence to ask constructive questions, test assumptions and provide balanced challenge.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• High standards of integrity, judgement and discretion.
• Collaborative, pragmatic and willing to contribute beyond Board meetings where their expertise can add value.

Commitment

The role typically requires around eight hours per month, although this will vary at key points in the financial year. The commitment includes:

• Board meetings
• Governance, Finance & Audit Committee meetings
• Preparation and review of Board and Committee papers
• Participation in the annual budget, audit and financial planning cycle
• Occasional ad hoc advice on significant financial or governance matters

If you're ready to make a meaningful contribution to the intersection of arts and business and play a vital role in shaping Ireland's cultural landscape, we want to hear from you. 

Board recruitment process

To apply, please submit an expression of interest letter outlining your qualifications and motivation for serving as a trustee, along with your resume/CV to recruitment@businesstoarts.ie. 

BtoA welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds who can demonstrate the professional experience and judgement required for the role.

About Business to Arts 

Business to Arts is a 38-year-old registered charity that connects the corporate and cultural sectors through purposeful partnerships. Our mission is to encourage investment in the arts for the benefit of wider society.

For more than three decades, Business to Arts has served as a vital link between the business community and the arts world in Ireland, making us a trusted and indispensable partner to countless organisations and individuals. We provide exceptional opportunities to engage with creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity, driving positive social impact by supporting the growth and sustainability of the arts sector. We also work with artists and arts organisations providing a range of training opportunities and coaching to help diversify income streams, grow audiences, and improve strategic planning. 

Some of our flagship success stories include the Business to Arts Awards, an annual showcase of leading corporate and cultural partnerships in Ireland, now in its 34th year; our donor-advised Arts Funds including the €1.1m Bank of Ireland Begin Together Arts Fund supporting 100+ arts projects across the island of Ireland since 2020; our multiple curatorial and commissioning projects including Accenture’s Women on Walls, a major EDI art initiative; and the  Fundraising Fellowship, Ireland our arts fundraising capacity-building programme, enabling €15+m in fundraising for participating organisations since 2016. 

Our corporate network ranges across the business sectors from local family-run companies, SMEs, semi-state companies to FDIs and corporate foundations. Our arts member base extends from individual artists to the National Cultural Institutions, and includes all art forms. A list of our 260+ members can be found here.