Treasurer

Job role for trustee Treasurer

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the British Chihuahua Rescue (BCR) achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the BCR has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the decisions of the trustee board to enable the BCR to grow and thrive, and through this achieve our stated objective.

Charity objective

The objective of the BCR shall be to relieve the suffering and distress of Chihuahua dogs in need of care, attention or rehoming because of ill treatment, hardship, neglect or change of circumstances.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the skill set and diversity of thinking on our trustee board.

What are our overall trustee duties?

• Support and provide advice on the BCR s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee the BCR s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve the BCR s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge the BCR s Chair in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in the BCR s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of the BCR s own governance. Attend trustee board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect the BCR s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of the BCR s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond trustee board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

General skills requirements

• A commitment to and a passion for our work.
• Ability to think strategically, that is long term, across the whole organisation.
• Willingness to accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a charity trustee.
• A team player willing to accept responsibility for collective decision making and maintain confidentiality.
• Readiness to offer personal and professional skills and experience to support the Board.
• Willingness to remain informed about the work of the Charity.
• Good communication skills and a commitment to act as an advocate for the Charity.
• A willingness to challenge and be challenged, positively.
• Good judgement and the ability to think impartially.
• Experience of working in our areas of activity and the Charity sector is desirable but not essential.
• Understanding and/or knowledge of Charity law is desirable but not essential.

Specific skills requirements

We are seeking to expand our board by appointing a trustee with experience in Financial Management. We are seeking an individual who brings the following crucial skills:

Knowledge of accounting principles and financial management.

A professional accounting qualification is not essential;

Good financial analysis skills;

experience of financial reporting and interpreting the results to the Trustee board;

Ability to manage outsourced bookkeeping and accounting services;

knowledge of current charity finance regulations would be helpful.

Key contributions of a Treasurer trustee

Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.

Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.

Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits/independent examinations.

Weekly review and approval of payments.

Terms of appointment

Trustees stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.

This is a pro-bono voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

There are 6 trustee board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely via Zoom.

Physical attendance at the AGM, normally held in May in the Midlands.

Work commitments between meetings can vary dependent upon actions that are required

You may be invited to join or form a Sub-Committee and this will involve an additional time commitment.