About the organisation
OCAY has been an independent charity in York since 2002, funded primarily by the National Lottery as well as a number of smaller grants, donations and our own fundraising. We believe that older people have a right to a voice in decisions which affect them, and we aim to help people have their voices heard, through advocacy. In practical terms, that means we support around 500 cases a year – helping people navigate complex systems and bureaucracy like energy providers, benefits or the NHS and them access the services they need. Our dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate volunteers and staff provide prompt, personalised one-to-one support.
OCAY are very proud of what we do:
· 500 people supported in the last year
· Provide assistance with benefits, finance, health, complaints and more
· Help people to navigate bureaucracy, financial hardship and communication barriers
· Empower individuals to have their voices heard and access the right information
This is an exciting opportunity to join a local, well-run and ambitious charity at a pivotal stage in its journey. We’ve recently been awarded Lottery funding for the next 3 years and have exciting plans to accelerate our impact in York. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring strong governance and supporting the leadership team to deliver sustainable impact.
About the role
We are looking for a Treasurer Trustee to oversee the finances at OCAY. OCAY has been awarded Lottery Funding for the next 3 years but has exciting plans for growth and increasing impact, so we need a Treasurer who’s prepared to get stuck in and support the Charity Director and staff team to deliver these ambitions.
We are searching for an experienced finance professional, ideally with Charity Trustee experience to succeed our current treasurer. However, we are also open to appointing a Treasurer Designate, who may be newer to Trusteeship and be keen to learn alongside our current Treasurer before taking sole responsibility as Treasurer.
Treasurer Responsibilities
Statutory Responsibilities
- Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, relevant laws, and regulations (e.g., Charity Commission, Companies House, or equivalent bodies).
- Ensure the charity remains solvent by regularly reviewing financial information and ensuring robust risk management processes are in place.
- Oversee the preparation and approval of annual accounts and financial statements, ensuring they meet statutory requirements.
- Contribute to the development, review, and approval of the charity’s strategy, ensuring it aligns with the charity’s mission and long-term goals.
Financial Oversight
- Prepare budgets, financial reports, and forecasts in collaboration with the Charity Director and present at bi-monthly board meetings, providing oversight of the charity’s financial health.
- Monitor financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities, and recommending actions to mitigate financial challenges.
Governance and Risk Management
- Oversee the charity’s financial risk management process, ensuring key risks are identified, assessed, and mitigated effectively.
- Liaise with external auditors or independent examiners to ensure accounts are prepared in accordance with Companies House and Charity Commission guidance.
Strategic Contributions
- Collaborate with the board to develop the charity’s long-term strategy, ensuring alignment with its mission and financial sustainability.
- Provide financial insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making, including resource allocation and investment planning.
- Contribute to discussions on scaling operations, diversifying income streams, or exploring new funding opportunities.
Collaboration and Leadership
- Act as an ambassador for the charity, representing its mission and values to external stakeholders, donors, and partners.
- Actively support the CEO and leadership team in implementing the charity’s vision and goals, providing guidance and constructive challenge as needed.
- Support the charity with hands-on tasks beyond board meetings when required, such as leading discussions, scrutinizing board papers, or providing guidance on key initiatives.
Our ideal candidate
Your Ideal Candidate
We are flexible in our approach to appointing this Trustee. If you are an experienced Finance professional, with or without Treasurer expertise, we’d welcome your leadership and experience to join us as Treasurer. If this is the case, we’d be looking for strong governance and leadership skills and, ideally, some experience as a Trustee of a small charity.
Alternatively, we would be happy to appoint a Trustee Designate. This would be a great role for a first time Trustee. The current Treasurer is highly experienced and looking to pass on her knowledge over an extended period if needed. Therefore this would be a great role for someone who wants to learn how to be a Treasurer and grow their leadership experience. If you’re a qualified finance professional who wants to grow your career through volunteering, this might be the perfect role for you!
Essential skills for the role:
- Experience in finance, accounting, or financial management.
- Understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities, including legal and regulatory requirements.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to assess financial risks and opportunities effectively.
- Ability to present non-finance information clearly to non-finance people
- Passion for supporting older people and advocacy
- Desire to learn
What’s in it for you
OCAY is a small but ambitious charity, with a sound financial footing but with a desire to grow our impact. This role would you give the opportunity to not only support the local community in York but also, it could also help you:
· To gain, develop or share your existing experience in leadership and nonprofit governance
· Be part of a financially sustainable charity with funding secured until 2029 and exciting funded projects and partnerships in the pipeline
· Drive forward a highly regarded organisation with an active and visible local presence
Apply for the role
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