Strength in numbers: Volunteer role descriptions for maximum impact
- operations0404
- May 22
- 2 min read
Making best use of volunteers with financial skills
Finance continues to be one of the most sought-after skills for charities. Whether it’s managing cash flow, preparing financial reports, making investment decisions, or mitigating risks, volunteers with financial expertise bring critical skills that can maximize a charity’s impact. Given the broad role finance professionals can play, it’s no surprise that volunteer role descriptions typically seek experienced, well-qualified individuals with deep knowledge of the charity sector.
The elusive volunteer 'unicorn'
While this expertise is invaluable, it’s also in high demand, making these individuals difficult to find. When charities do find such a “unicorn,” they often rely heavily on them, creating overwhelming workloads and in some cases leading to volunteer burnout.
Where we can help
Charterpath seeks to help charities make the most of financial volunteers by demonstrating how individuals can contribute in a variety of ways, at different stages of their careers. Onboarding more than one volunteer with financial skills can:
Share the workload and reduce pressure on any one individual
Create opportunities for less experienced volunteers to develop skills and gain sector knowledge
Provide diverse perspectives and insights to strengthen decision-making
Support succession planning for critical financial roles
We have created a resource that outlines a range of financial volunteer roles and includes example role descriptions for each. These descriptions are intended to be a flexible starting point, enabling charities to mix and match responsibilities based on their unique requirements.
Most important is to give some thought to ‘what’s in it for the volunteer’ - volunteers are more likely to get involved when they can understand how they can directly contribute to a cause they care about and the difference they can make.
By onboarding a team of engaged volunteers with clear role descriptions, Charterpath believes charities can better attract and retain their volunteers, allowing them to focus on their overall mission and maximize their impact.
Overview
See here for detailed descriptions which you can tailor to fit your organisation's needs. Remember to be realistic about what skills you actually need - the higher your requirements, the less likely you are to find someone who meets the perfect brief!
Role Title | Useful if you need | Key Responsibilities | Skills/Experience Needed |
Help with day-to-day tasks such as data entry, reconciling bank statements, and building or automating spreadsheets. Acts as support for the Treasurer or finance staff and provides valuable experience for someone new to volunteering who might support your charity in the long term. | - Record transactions and reconcile bank statements. - Assist with invoicing and expense tracking. - organise and maintain records. - Support financial compliance efforts through control reviews. - Contribute to preparation of financial reports | - Attention to detail and numerical skills. - Familiarity with basic software like Excel. - Willingness to learn. | |
Support managing routine finance operations, such as preparing financial reports, reconciling accounts, and supporting compliance tasks. Also acts as support for the Treasurer or finance team. | - Manage accounts payable/receivable. - Prepare financial reports and summaries. - Conduct reconciliations and post journal entries. - Support tax filings and audits. | - Experience in bookkeeping or accounting. - Proficiency in accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks. - Analytical and organisational skills. | |
Volunteer Finance Manager (may be Treasurer) | Oversight of financial operations, ensuring compliance, and financial strategy discussions. Can provide hands-on support combined with oversight and guidance on financial processes and policies. | - Present budgets, reports, and financial updates to the board. - Oversee financial systems and controls. - Liaise with auditors. - Monitor compliance with regulatory requirements. | - Strong accounting or financial management experience. - Proficiency in financial reporting and compliance. - Leadership and communication skills. |
Strategic input and financial oversight at board level, especially where finances are managed by staff or external professionals. | - Statutory responsibilities - Oversee budgets and financial risk management. - Ensure regulatory compliance. - Provide strategic insights to align finances with organisational goals. - Monitor long-term sustainability. | - Extensive finance or governance experience. - Strategic thinking and risk assessment skills. - Familiarity with charity regulations and SORP. | |
Project-based support, such as improving systems, preparing for growth, managing procurement, or embedding ESG in finance strategy. | - Implement or improve financial systems. - Conduct compliance reviews and prepare reports. - Support grant reporting and auditing processes. - Oversee procurement and investment management. | - Expertise in financial systems or audits. - Project management skills. - Familiarity with procurement, investments, and financial sustainability strategies. |
We can promote free of charge
Charterpath has a free role promotion service - upload your volunteer role today and we will promote the opportunity on our website, through our social media channels (primarily LinkedIn) and also directly through our network.
About Charterpath
Charterpath CIO is a UK registered charity (1207509) charting a path between non-profits and volunteers with financial skills. Charterpath was co-founded by Alice Clementi and Alex Marsh, both chartered accountants with extensive volunteering and fundraising experience alongside their professional careers. They were inspired to start Charterpath in 2020, after seeing first-hand the unprecedented financial challenges facing the non-profit sector from the pandemic.
Inspired to support our mission?
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