About the organisation
The purpose of Operation Reach is to promote social mobility by providing young people from less well-off backgrounds with an opportunity to gain life experience through travel and mentoring.
Young people from lower socio-economic groups are still consistently under-represented in the most selective universities and in top professions across all sectors.
Operation Reach takes students on transformational trips, teaching them new life skills, pushing them outside their comfort zones and broadening their horizons. The trips have shown to improve young peoples confidence and increase their chances when applying for higher education and competitive graduate jobs.
About the role
Join our Board of Trustees and lead on oversight of the finances of Operation Reach.
As a trustee you will share responsibility for the governance of the charity and stewardship of its resources, ensuring it is run in accordance with the law and operating in line with its mission.
Supported by another finance volunteer, finance specific tasks will include:
- Managing the bank accounts of the charity, approving ad-hoc payments (approx 1-2 per month) and ensuring income is reconciled at least quarterly
- Performing the book-keeping for the charity, using QuickBooks and ensuring accurate records are maintained
- Maintaining tight controls around restricted funds and associated reporting
- Preparing monthly management accounts and tracking variances to budget
- Drafting the annual financial statements and suppprting the independent examination
- Overseeing filings with Companies House / HMRC as required
- Securing grant funding - completing and tracking applications and ensuring follow-up status reports are completed to deadline
- Supporting the CEO with planning/budgeting processes and constructively challenge where required
- Working closely with other Board members to contribute to strategic decision-making
Our ideal candidate
- Strong grasp of key accounting principles (qualification desirable)
- Experience of filing accounts at Companies House and VAT returns
- Organised
- Clear communicator
- Not afraid to ask questions and seek support
- A passion for adventure, opportunities for young people and social mobility
- Flexibility to attend meetings (30 mins fortnightly from March - June / 30 mins monthly rest of year)
- Knowledge of charity accounting standards (desirable)
- Knowledge of charity law (desirable)
What’s in it for you
A chance to play a critical role in a new charity with big ambitions to “level up” development opportunities for young people.
In managing the finances you will play an instrumental role in supporting the charity day-to-day, working closely with the charity's CEO with support from a small Board.
Aside from the feel-good factor of making a difference to young people’s lives this will be a great opportunity to learn new skills and enhance your CV.
Apply for the role
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Please provide a cover note if it is requested in the role description. Applications which are personalised, setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation and relevant skills/experience, are far more likely to be successful.
