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Roots to Work is a project of Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming.

Treasurer Trustee

Paradise Cooperative
Remote working, and/or occasional in-person meetings in Wandsworth, London

Posted: 28 Oct 2024

Deadline: 4 Nov 2024

Compensation: Volunteer

Ethnicity Confident scheme Disability Confident scheme

Unpaid Volunteer Part-time Flexible hours Remote working

Job description

Paradise Co-operative exists to enrich the lives of local people. Together we learn through nature and work with the land.

We seek to appoint an additional trustee to the charity’s board to lead on financial matters. The role is unpaid and voluntary with an expected effort commitment of 1-2 hours per week.

What are we looking for?

• a finance professional ideally with a qualification in accounting, audit or finance. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• a strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.

• clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

• willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.

Responsibilities specific to the Finance Trustee role:

• ensuring the charity keeps proper accounts.

• reviewing the charity’s financial performance.

• overseeing the financial performance and budgets being presented to the board.

• drawing up or reviewing policies for finance and investment.

• ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place.

• liaising with the charity’s independent examiner.

Additionally, the treasurer will work closely with the director of operations to ensure the day-to-day finances are being run effectively, which includes:

• employee and contractor salaries are paid promptly, including obligations to HMRC and pension providers.

• invoices are being raised and paid for services offered by the charity.

• annual submission of reports and accounts to the Charity Commission.

• expenditure of the operational team is within agreed limits.

• strengthening of financial processes to ensure effective oversight and governance by the trustee board.

Wider responsibilities of the role shared with the other trustees on the board:

• support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities

• approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation

• oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress

• ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively

• review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements

• provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs

• keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment

• contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s governance

• attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions

• use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests

• contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities: We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal Skills and Qualities: please see the attached job description for the full list. 

Application information

To apply

Please send a brief note explaining your interest and suitability for this role with a CV to finance@paradisecooperative.org by Monday 4th November 2024. Interviews will be held during November 2024.

Paradise Co-operative is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse community for all team members and volunteers. Please let us know if you require any adjustments in applying for this role or require the job advert in larger font or alternative formats.

Please mention Roots to Work when applying for these jobs