About the organisation
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.
The RSPCA London South East Branch
The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.
About the role
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer
Implement and maintain sound financial systems.
Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.
Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.
Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.
Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out your branch's short and long-term aims.
Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
Our ideal candidate
We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.
As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.
There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.
No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.
What’s in it for you
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
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