About the organisation
The West Horsley Place Trust was formed in late 2015, originally under the name of the Mary Roxburghe Trust. We are an extraordinary historic house and estate in the heart of Surrey; with 380 acres of woodland and grazing, historic gardens and outbuildings and at the heart of the estate the 15th century manor house. We have a joint mission: to bring West Horsley Place back into a state of good repair through a quiet revolution in the way historic houses and estates are managed, and to enrich people’s lives through arts, culture, history and nature. We do that by giving people the freedom to explore and discover, to create stories and become part of ours.
About the role
We are now looking for an energetic, committed Finance Trustee to provide strategic and operational finance oversight to this young and growing charity. In a few short years we have grown to a team of 11 talented and dedicated staff. This is an opportunity for an experienced and qualified senior financial professional to join an experienced and welcoming Board and make a significant impact by providing vital financial expertise to build our financial resilience to support us in the next stage of our growth. We are currently close to a £1m turnover charity and looking to significantly grow our revenue and profit.
The Finance Trustee will oversee financial reporting to the Board, including preparing and presenting financial reports at regular intervals. Our Finance Trustee will also support us with budget planning, creating and communicating financial goals to the team, building confidence and financial understanding within the team as well as monitoring the work of our finance staff member. The Finance Trustee will play a key role in external liaison with our Finance Partners including auditors, technology suppliers, investment managers and other professional advisers. We expect to undertake a transformation in our financial operational model over the next year and experience & support for this will be valued by the team.
This is a volunteer role with an anticipated commitment of around 16 hours per month. Reasonable travel expenses will be met, as per Charity Commission rules.
Our ideal candidate
Key responsibilities:
Planning, monitoring and reporting
· Evaluate and monitor the financial position of the Trust and actively contribute to strategic planning and risk management
· Communicate financial information and procedures in plain language for staff team and Trustees to enable good operational and governance decision making
· Working with finance staff to monitor income and expenditure regularly during the year through implementation of effective systems
· Monitor compliance with the finance procedures and policy of the Trust
· Monitoring the financial systems and controls including liaison with CafBank
· Contribute to the charity’s financial risk-management process
· Approve payments as required on CafBank on-line banking system
· Provide occasional deep dives into financial operations to ensure effective day to day financial management
Management Reporting
· Monitor the financial provision of the Trust to ensure accurate record keeping and financial controls are in place.
· Liaise with the Trust’s finance staff to ensure management accounts are submitted in a timely way.
Statutory Financial Reporting
· Oversee production of Annual Report and Accounts
· Provide expert guidance and advice to fellow trustees on the formal approval of the annual report and audited accounts
· Ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely way
Reserves and investment
· Develop and maintain the reserves policy for the Trust.
· Keep the Board informed of free reserves position regularly and pro-actively advise of external and internal forces that may impact
· Lead in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies.
Governance
· Chair the Finance Committee of the Board
· Contribute to the oversight of all organisational policies and procedures
· Oversight and input into finance transformation over the next 12 months
· Formal responsibility as Treasurer for the Trust
Who we need:
· Positive, pro-active, collaborative individual
· Passion for heritage, arts, crafts and environment
· Senior level experience of commercial or charity sector finance
· Good understanding of Charity SORP
· Commitment to excellent financial practice in all you do
· Recognised financial qualifications; chartered accountant or equivalent
· Ability to build effective relationships with fellow trustees and staff team
· Strong commercial finance acumen to enable us to remain a growing and solvent organisation
· Ability & interest to work across multiple income and cost areas
· Ability to make regular visits to West Horsley Place in Surrey
What’s in it for you
What we offer in return:
· Opportunity to be a Trustee of an organisation with income nearing £1m
· Extensive investment projects in a Grade I listed house and ancillary buildings including residential and commercial tenants including a leading Summer Opera festival on the site
· A commitment and focus on fundraising and increasing commercial revenue to meet our charitable objects
· Welcoming and committed Board with a diverse skill set
· A talented staff team of 11 employees led by a new and motivated Director
· Contribute to the financial sustainability of this growing and ambitious charity
· The opportunity to play a significant and valued role in shaping the future of the Charity
· Access to governance training as part of induction and wider Board development
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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