Trustee with Finance Experience
Objectives of the Role:
To oversee the financial matters of the DWCR in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements, and report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. To ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.
Principal responsibilities:
- Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the CFO
- Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the DWCR's objects.
- Being instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial, reserves policy and investment policies.
Candidates should have:
- An accountancy qualification or an equivalent level of experience and expertise in accountancy and charity finance.
- Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
- Experience in risk management desirable.
- Charity experience either through an executive or previous Trustee role. Ideally with focus on Financial management.
- Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Good communication and leadership skills, including the ability to explain financial information to all trustees, including those without financial or managerial experience.
- Experience of building relationships with senior stakeholders.
Specific Finance responsibilities:
- Attend the Finance & HR Sub-Committee monthly.
- Liaise with relevant staff and Board members to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
- Regularly support the reporting of the financial position at Board meetings.
- Oversee with the CFO, the production of regular forecasts, an annual budget and a long-term financial plan.
- Oversee with the CFO, the production of annual statutory accounts and review with the auditors.
- Provide advice to the Board on sign-off of annual report and accounts.
- Ensure that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
- Appraise the financial viability of projects, plans, proposals and other initiatives which may have a financial or corporate structure implication as needed
Personal attributes and experience:
- Integrity to lead in line with the mission and values of the DWCR.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to see different perspectives, considering all information in decision-making.
- Commitment to the highest levels of finance and corporate governance.
- Commitment to the charity and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
- Understanding of the charity’s work, impact, and users.
- Good, independent judgment, and strategic vision.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
- Understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees, and Chief Executive.
Additionally, candidates should demonstrate:
- Strategic vision and sound, independent judgment.
- Ability to communicate persuasively and a willingness to speak their mind.
- Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
- Understanding and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion with the ability to bring diverse perspectives to the Board.
- A proven track record of sound judgment and effective decision-making.
- A history of impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences.
Time commitments
- There are 6 board meetings per year, and last for approximately 90min. An online facility to attend meetings is available only in certain circumstances
- There is one in person AGM per year.
- There are additional sub-committee meetings, depending on the business need.
- Estimated monthly time commitment is 5-10 hours, plus board and committee meetings.