Treasurer, Inishturk Development Company

The Inishturk Development Company (Inishturk Community Club CLG) is seeking a new Treasurer to join the board of Trustees. It's an exciting time to join us, as we move forward with healthy finances, a clear long-term vision, a strong foundation of community support, and a growing network of partners.

Our community-led 2050 Vision, 2030 Action Plan, information pack for prospective Treasurers and Financial Statements are available by contacting chairperson@inishturkisland.com. 

About Inishturk

Inishturk is a small island with a big heart, located 14.5km off the coast of County Mayo along the Wild Atlantic Way. It is home to a resilient and creative community, rich in heritage and deeply connected to the land and sea. With a permanent population of under 60 people, the island combines traditional practices with innovative ideas to ensure a sustainable future.

About Inishturk Community Club CLG

Inishturk Community Club CLG is the island's development organisation, founded in 1991 and operating as a not-for-profit charitable company. It manages essential services and infrastructure on the island, including:

• The only pub and restaurant
• The community shop
• Self-catering holiday cottages
• Community events, programming and facilities

As a registered charity and CLG (Company Limited by Guarantee), we comply with the Charities Governance Code. Our work is supported by partnerships with:

• South West Mayo Development Company (SWMDC)
• Mayo County Council
• SEAI
• The Department of Rural and Community Development
• The Western Development Commission
• Irish Islands Federation (Comhdháil na nOileán)

We work closely with local residents, diaspora, statutory bodies and development agencies to ensure the island thrives socially, economically, and environmentally.

Vision and Strategy

In 2025, following deep community consultation, we published our 2050 Vision: to become a thriving, sustainable island community known for resilience, hospitality, heritage, and innovation.

To support this, we drafted a 2030 Action Plan (for adoption at our upcoming AGM) with clear, achievable steps across five priority areas:
1. Sustainable Housing and Infrastructure
2. Net Zero and Climate Resilience
3. Community Facilities and Services
4. Island Enterprise and Tourism
5. Culture, Heritage and Biodiversity

Our upcoming flagship projects include the development of a Multipurpose Community Hub (a dynamic space for creativity, collaboration, services, and sustainability) and a major Harbour Upgrade to ensure safer, more resilient access for our island community and visitors alike.

Governance and Operations

The organisation is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors made up of people passionate about the future of the island. It includes people who were born on the island, and people who came to be part of the extended community later in life through visiting the island. We are very open to people with no existing connection to the island but with relevant professional experience and an interest in non-profit governance joining our board.

There are currently seven board members, Fionn Kidney (Chair and acting Treasurer), Trish Colton (Secretary), Aidan O’Toole (Chair Capital Projects Working Group), Aoife O’Toole (Chair of Net Zero Working Group), Jack Heanue, Genevieve King, Micheal O’Toole and Rachel Heanue. The Board meets quarterly and oversees the strategic direction, legal compliance and organisational sustainability of the charity. The current Chairperson is due to step down in May 2025, having completed their three-year term.

The Development Manager hosts an informal company update in the months without a formal board meeting to keep the board connected and abreast of developments. Sub-groups or committees may be formed to lead specific areas of work (e.g., finance, fundraising, capital projects).

Our Team

The organisation is supported by a small, dedicated staff team based on the island, who manage day-to-day operations, project delivery, communications, and community engagement. Together, they bring a deep commitment to Inishturk’s future, combining long-standing local knowledge with professional expertise across key areas.

This core team is supplemented during the summer season with a small number of part-time staff, who support the increased tourism volume and trade.

The Community Club also benefits from the support of two Rural Social Scheme participants and one Community Employment participant, who contribute significantly to the maintenance and daily operations of the island. Their work includes church and graveyard upkeep, community pitch maintenance, deliveries and rubbish collection, and general building maintenance—all vital to the functioning and appearance of the island.

Financial Position

Inishturk Community Club CLG is a non-profit organisation and verified Social Enterprise. We generate income through our bar, restaurant, community shop, and self-catering accommodation, with every euro reinvested to enhance services for our island community and create a better experience for visitors. Our year-round operations are supported by funding from Pobal through both the Community Development Programme and the Community Services Programme. At the end of 2024, Inishturk Community Club CLG was in a healthy financial position, with steady growth across key income streams including the bar, shop, and Craggy cottages. Continued support through grant funding also contributed to overall stability. The organisation finished the year with a positive surplus while keeping increases in expenses well managed. Assets grew over the period, liabilities reduced slightly, and the club’s reserves remained strong. This reflects careful financial management and supports the long term sustainability of our community focused work.

Treasurer – Role Specification

• Type: Voluntary
• Term: 3 years (renewable)
• Location: Hybrid (online meetings + occasional in-person attendance)

As Treasurer, you will lead the financial oversight of the organisation, ensuring sound financial governance, clarity in reporting, and alignment with the strategic direction of the charity. Working closely with the Board, the CEO/Manager, and the Finance Manager, you will help maintain the organisation’s financial sustainability and compliance with the Charities SORP and legal obligations in Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance and Financial Oversight

• Ensure the charity meets all legal financial obligations under the Companies Act, Charities Act, and Revenue regulations
• Uphold and support the implementation of the Charities SORP and the Charities Governance Code
• Support and advise fellow Board members on their fiduciary duties and responsibilities around financial governance
• Ensure proper oversight of the charity’s reserves policy, financial risk, and capital planning

2. Budgeting, Planning and Reporting

• Work with staff to review and approve annual budgets, ensuring they align with the charity’s strategic goals and available funding
• Oversee quarterly management accounts, ensuring they are clear, timely, and support decision-making by the Board
• Guide the presentation of income and expenditure, cash flow, balance sheet, and project/category-level reporting
• Support the finance team to ensure clarity in internal and external financial reporting
• Ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place around financial procedures, procurement, payroll, and grant reporting

3. Audit and Compliance

• Assist the Finance Manager as necessary with input that can support preparation and review of the annual financial statements
• Liaise with the external auditor or independent examiner as required
• Present the audited accounts to the Board and at the Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• Ensure compliance with reporting obligations to the Charities Regulator, CRO, and Revenue (if applicable)

4. Strategic and Development Support

• Provide financial insight into strategic funding proposals, capital projects, and long-term planning
• Help develop and monitor multi-year financial projections, including capital and operational scenarios
• Support the implementation of tools or systems that enhance financial literacy and internal reporting across the organisation

Time Commitment

• 6–8 hours per month (average)
• Quarterly Board meetings (online or hybrid)
• Attendance at the AGM (in-person or online)
• Monthly check-in with the Manager or Finance Officer (30–60 mins)
• Ad hoc support during budgeting, audit, or capital planning phases
• Optional attendance at fundraising or strategy events

Support and Induction

• Structured handover and support from the outgoing Treasurer (where applicable)
• Full access to recent financial reports, policies, and systems
• Induction to the organisation’s governance and reporting structures
• Optional access to training, resources, or peer support via The Wheel, Carmichael, or Charities Institute Ireland

What You Will Gain

This role is an opportunity to:

• Bring your expertise into a purpose-led voluntary role
• Play a leading role in shaping the future of a remarkable island community
• Contribute to a national model for sustainable, community-led development
• Be part of a committed, values-driven team
• Support the delivery of real and lasting social, environmental and economic impact

Examples of recent achievements:

• Development of a shared 2050 Vision and practical 2030 Action Plan
• Securing support from partners across local government, enterprise and the diaspora
• Delivery of successful events and pilot projects including sustainability audits, digital skills workshops and creative residencies

Testimonials

"I’ve seen few communities as dedicated and resilient as Inishturk. Their plans are not just ambitious – they’re grounded in deep care for people and place. It’s inspiring to be involved."
– Partner organisation

"The Community Club is the backbone of the island. Everything that happens here – housing, services, celebrations – happens through them."
– Local resident

How to Apply

To express your interest, please email chairperson@inishturkisland.com with:

• A short cover letter outlining your interest and experience
• Your CV or a brief professional summary

Deadline for expressions of interest: 5 May 2025
AGM (new Treasurer appointment): 31 May 2025