Trustee Treasurer

We are looking for individuals who are flexible, responsive and passionate about supporting recovery for children and young people who have been affected by child sexual abuse and domestic abuse, and who are excited to work with our team supporting our beliefs and values:

• Compassionate commitment: responding with empathy and walking alongside others even in the toughest times.
• Acceptance: listening, appreciating people as they are and welcoming the whole person.
• Seeking justice: removing taboos by engaging with the reality of child sexual abuse honestly and supporting others to do the same.
• Creative empowerment: exploring possibilities together to cultivate the potential and strength in all of us.
• Holding our ground: standing firm for the things we believe in.

IMARA CIO is a local charity committed to supporting children, young people, and families who have experienced the trauma of child sexual abuse and domestic abuse. We offer a range of services, including therapeutic support, advocacy, and education, with a focus on empowering those affected and creating safer communities. Despite our modest income of just under £1 million, we are a key player in both national and regional efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families, having built a strong reputation within the sector.

Our board of trustees provides governance, strategic direction, and oversight to ensure that our charity remains focused on its mission. We are seeking an individual with expertise in finance and accounting (preferably within the charity sector), to provide oversight of the charity’s finances, provide financial leadership to the Finance Director and Senior Leadership Team, and drive development of the charity.

The Treasurer is a key member of the charity's Board of Trustees, responsible for overseeing the charity's financial health and ensuring that its financial practices align with legal and regulatory requirements. The Treasurer plays a vital role in ensuring the charity is well-managed, transparent, and sustainable by providing financial oversight, guidance, and strategic direction to the Board and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight:
   • Ensure that the charity's financial systems and records are accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with legal and regulatory standards (e.g., Charity Commission, HMRC).
   • Monitor the charity’s income, expenditure, cash flow, and financial reporting.
   • Review and approve financial reports, including balance sheets, income and expenditure statements, and cash flow forecasts.
   • Prepare and present financial summaries and reports for Board meetings, in conjunction with the Finance Director.
2. Budgeting and Financial Planning:
   • Oversee the preparation of the charity's annual budget, in collaboration with the Executive team and the Board.
   • Ensure the budget aligns with the charity’s strategic goals and is financially sustainable.
   • Monitor and report on the charity's financial performance against the budget throughout the year.
3. Fundraising and Investments:
   • Advise the Board on fundraising strategy and financial implications, ensuring financial targets are met.
   • Oversee the management of any charity investments and ensure they are in line with the charity’s ethical policies and risk appetite.
4. Internal Controls and Compliance:
   • Ensure that internal controls are in place to protect the charity’s assets and ensure the integrity of financial operations.
   • Advise the Board on financial risk management and ensure that appropriate risk management policies are in place.
   • Ensure compliance with tax laws, charity law, and any other financial regulations affecting the charity (e.g., VAT, Gift Aid).
5. External Audit and Reporting:
   • Oversee the annual external audit/independent review process, liaising with auditors and ensuring that any recommendations are acted upon.
   • Ensure timely submission of annual accounts to the Charity Commission and other statutory bodies.
   • Sign the charity's annual financial statements and ensure the charity meets all reporting deadlines.
6. Strategic Financial Advice:
   • Provide financial expertise and advice to the Board on strategic decisions, helping the Board to make informed decisions based on sound financial analysis.
   • Advise on fundraising strategies and sustainable funding sources.
7. Support and Leadership:
   • Mentor and support staff or volunteers responsible for the charity’s day-to-day financial management.
   • Build positive relationships with trustees, senior staff, donors, and external partners

Key Skills and Experience:

• Financial Expertise: Experience in financial management, preferably within a charity or not-for-profit environment.
• Professional Qualification: A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) or significant experience in financial oversight.
• Knowledge of Charity Finance: A strong understanding of charity financial reporting standards, tax regulations (including VAT and Gift Aid), and the UK Charity Commission’s requirements.
• Risk Management: Ability to assess and manage financial risks effectively.
• Leadership and Communication Skills: Strong ability to communicate financial information clearly and concisely to non-financial stakeholders.
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and advising senior leadership on strategic decisions.
• Ethical Integrity: High standard of personal integrity, ensuring that the charity operates with transparency and accountability.

Personal Attributes:

• Commitment to the Charity’s Mission: A passion for the charity’s cause and a strong desire to contribute to its success.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in reviewing financial documents and identifying issues or discrepancies.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to understand complex financial data and communicate it in a straightforward manner.
• Collaborative: Ability to work effectively with other trustees, staff, and volunteers.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and encourage applications from individuals with a range of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, including those with lived experience.