About the organisation
Creekside Education Trust (CET) is a vibrant local charity working to connect people and wildlife and we recognise and value our place in a wider community seeking to combat global environmental threats.
We are based on a small site on the banks of Deptford Creek in South East London and offer a unique opportunity to safely access and explore the river bed at low tide. The site is managed for wildlife and over 300 species of wildflowers have been recorded. The purpose built Creekside Discovery Centre opened in 2002 and is equipped with offices, a classroom and full facilities.
CET was set up in 1999 in response to a wave of development that was sweeping the area and our charitable purpose is ‘to promote the conservation and protection of the physical and natural environment in the Deptford Creek and river Thames area’ and ‘to advance public education in environmental matters’.
We have a fantastic team of passionate, knowledgeable staff and volunteers who manage a full programme of conservation and education work and run exciting and varied activities and events throughout the year.
About the role
The overall role of a treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation's affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. Responsibilities are as follows:
Working with the Manager, and in liaison with the book-keeper and the Independent Examiner, to ensure the production of key financial documentation including the annual budget, the annual statutory accounts and monthly management accounts.
Ensuring that the accounts are disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, including the Charity Commission.
Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
Ensuring that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs, including that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy, and contributing to the fund-raising strategy of CET.
To be a bank signatory for CET and authorise online payments.
Ensuring that equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured.
Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and supporting the board to fulfil these.
Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity.
Liaising with staff and volunteers about financial matters.
Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way
Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans.
Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required.
Our ideal candidate
In addition to the general requirements of Trustees, the Treasurer will need:
Work experience in the field of finance, ideally a financial qualification.
An understanding of budgets and of management and statutory accounts.
A knowledge of charity-specific financial matters such as restricted funding – or the ability and willingness to learn about such matters.
The ability to explain financial matters to people who don’t have specialist financial knowledge.
The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the Board.
What’s in it for you
Our Trustees tell us that they love making a real difference through applying their skills and networks to support and develop our work. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to a growing charity at a time of change and development.
You don’t need to have previous experience as a trustee to apply. We have a trustee induction pack with all the key documentation you need and you’ll also meet with staff and trustees to help develop your understanding of our charity and the role of a trustee. We will also provide access to training and a trustee buddy to support you.
You will have the opportunity to apply your skills and experience, as well as develop new skills and knowledge of the charity sector through participating in the work of our Board. We currently meet monthly (mixture of onsite meetings and virtual), with additional meetings such as strategy away days. However we can be flexible about the scheduling of Board meeting dates to ensure that those with personal and work commitments are able to attend. You would also be expected to represent Creekside at various events and meetings with key stakeholders on an occasional basis.
Trustee positions are unpaid, but we don’t expect trustees to be out of pocket for carrying out their role, so reasonable expenses can be claimed back.
Apply for the role
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