Hon. Treasurer – Role description

The role of the Honorary Treasurer is to provide effective financial oversight of the charity.

As a Trustee, the Treasureracts with the other Trustees to ensure that the charity fulfils its objects and is run prudently and effectively in accordance with the charity’s governing documents and charity law.

Duties & Responsibilities

Specific duties and responsibilities of the Hon Treasurer role in addition to general Trustee responsibilities include:

  • Advise and guide the Board on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting (internal and external), control systems, solvency, financial risk management and monetary placements / investments.
  • Ensure that the organisation’s funds are spent in accordance with its charitable objects, reporting back regularly to the Board.
  • Ensure compliance with reporting regulations for the Charity Commission.
  • Formally present the financial element of the Trustees’ Annual Report at the AGM.
  • Advise the Trustees on the financial implications of strategic plans and the position of the financial resources of the organisation in meeting its present and future needs, including the level of reserves.
  • Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, including maintaining up-to-date authorised cheque / bank signatory mandates.
  • Ensure financial risk management policy and procedures are in place, implemented and monitored.
  • Advise and guide the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements.
  • Support the Chief Officer in the preparation of annual budget and half year reforecast.
  • Work in close cooperation with, and provide support and advice to, the Finance and Administration Officer to:

-Monitor / control debtor and creditor levels

-Ensure the preparation of annual set of accounts, by Finance & Administration Officer, and their Independent Examination as required by the Charity Commission

-Ensure an inventory of organisational assets is maintained

  • Chair meetings of the Finance Sub-group and Remuneration Sub-group.
  • Hold ex-officio membership of the Executive group (terms of reference currently under revision) alongside the Chair, Vice-Chair and Hon. Secretary.
Time Commitment

All meetings are held at St Nicks Environment Centre, unless a decision has been made to hold them elsewhere.

It is expected that all Trustees will prepare for every meeting in order to provide a valuable contribution. Preparation time varies per individual and is dependent on the agenda, but is likely to needapproximately 3 hoursfor general Board meetings.

When / Day & Time
General Board Meetings / January, March, May, July, September, November / Third Tuesday of the month.
18:30 – 21:00
Executive GroupMeetings / February, April, June, August, October, December / Currently third Wednesday of the month
12.30-14.30, but flexible.
Annual General Meetings / September / To be decided by the Board

In addition:

Public events - St Nicks runs a programme of public events and activities during the year.Trustees are expected to attend at least one of these events.

Strategy days - held with staff, volunteers and some Trustees.

Term of Office

The term of office is up to three years. At the end of the three-year term the Trustee must retire, by rotation, and can apply for a further three-year term by ordinary resolution at the relevant AGM.

Skills and experience

Hon Treasurer should have:

  • Previous experience in a similar role or working experience in a financial management role.
  • Ability to interpret and present sometimes complex financial information effectively to non-financial audience.
  • Ability to analyse proposals and comment on their financial consequences.

Each Trustee should have:

  • A commitment to St Nicks and the principles of sustainable living
  • A willingness and the ability to devote the necessary time and effort
  • Strategic vision
  • Sound independent judgment
  • The ability to think creatively
  • Willingness to speak their mind
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities
  • The ability to work effectively as a member of the team