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REDRESS is looking for an accountant with significant experience in finance, audit and financial governance to join our Board of Trustees and the Finance Committee. This role will work closely with the Treasurer, and is expected to succeed the Treasurer at the end of their term of office.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute strategic financial oversight to an international human rights organisation working to secure justice and reparation for survivors of torture worldwide.

Who we are

REDRESS is an international human rights organisation based in London and The Hague that pursues legal claims on behalf of survivors of torture in the UK and around the world to obtain justice and reparation for violations of their human rights. We combine legal representation, policy advocacy, research and strategic litigation to help survivors access justice and influence systemic change.

Our current strategy focuses on torture related to dissent and discriminatory torture, while supporting the wider anti-torture movement through our solidarity programme. We have a diverse funding base, strong financial foundations, and approximately six months of reserves.

The Role

The successful candidate will become a member of the Finance Committee working with the Treasurer in supporting the Board’s oversight of:

• Financial performance
• Financial sustainability
• Risk management
• Internal controls
• Governance and assurance

The Finance Committee Trustees maintain an overview of REDRESS’ financial affairs. The Finance Committee ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the charity.

Role of the Finance Committee

· Oversee the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.

· Ensure proper accounting records are kept, and appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

· Ensure robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented.

· Oversee the regular review of REDRESS’ reserves policy and monitor the adequacy of financial reserves.

· Monitor cash flow and financial sustainability to ensure REDRESS can meet its obligations as they fall due.

· Oversee financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Head of Finance and the Director.

· Advise on the financial implications of REDRESS’ strategic plan, including overseeing REDRESS’ financial risk-management process.

· Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.

· Ensure the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the format required by relevant statutory bodies - the Charity Commission, Companies House.

· Keep the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaise with the Director to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Essential criteria:

· Extensive experience in finance, accounting, or financial management.

· Strong understanding of governance and trustee responsibilities, including legal and regulatory requirements.

· Experience of budgeting and financial planning.

· Strategic thinker with the ability to assess financial risks and opportunities effectively.

· Proven ability to analyse complex financial data and present clear insights to non-financial stakeholders.

· Commitment to REDRESS’ mission and ability to act in its best interests.

Desirable criteria:

· Experience of international NGOs or human rights organisations.

· Professional finance or accounting qualifications (e.g., ACCA, ACA, CIMA).

· Previous experience as a trustee or board member.

· Familiarity with charity finance regulations and reporting standards (e.g., SORP).

· Experience with reserves management and financial risk assessment.

· Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to mentor or guide others effectively.

In addition to the above, the Finance Committee members will also have the responsibilities and attributes expected of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

● Support and provide advice on REDRESS’ purpose, vision, goals and activities.

● Approve operational strategies and policies including monitoring and evaluating their implementation.

● Oversee REDRESS’ financial plans and budgets including monitoring and evaluating progress.

● Ensure the effective and efficient management of the charity.

● Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

● Review and approve REDRESS’ financial statements.

● Provide support and challenge to REDRESS’ Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

● Keep abreast of changes in REDRESS’ operating environment.

● Contribute to regular reviews of REDRESS’ own governance.

● Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect REDRESS’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

● Support the Board in overseeing arrangements for fraud prevention, financial misconduct reporting and whistleblowing.

● Contribute to the broader promotion of REDRESS’ objects, aims and reputation by applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Essential attributes of all trustees 

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the charity.

● Knowledge of Charity Commission guidance (particularly CC3, The Essential Trustee, and CC8, Financial Controls for Charities).

● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

● A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to our values.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

● Trustees are appointed for a 3-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (Estimated at 1 day per month])

● Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely and in person at REDRESS’ office.

● Attending the Finance Committee meeting every quarter.

How to Apply

Please upload to our recruitment portal a single PDF file including both:

• A cover letter of no more than one page explaining (a) why you would like this role, (b) how you fulfil the personal specification for the role, and (c) how you will contribute to the diversity of REDRESS, and
• Your CV or resume. 

Please also complete the anonymous Diversity Monitoring Form. We use the information from the form to tell us about the diversity of the applicant pool for each of the positions that we advertise. We keep the conclusions of the analysis for our records, and the underlying data is deleted three months after the recruitment closes.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview with trustees and senior staff on 3rd December.