Treasurer (Lead Finance Trustee)

ABOUT ADHD AWARE

ADHD Aware is a national member-led charity founded in Brighton that supports adults affected by ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). We offer a mixture of in-person and online peer support groups for adults with ADHD, their partners, and parents of children or young adults with ADHD. Our services also include courses for individuals and couples, neurodiversity training for organisations and online support via member subscription, email, website and social media. We are predominantly run by volunteers

More information about our charity is available at:

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

General Duties of Trustees

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (ie its constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)

In addition to a charity Trustee’s statutory duties, the Treasurer plays a vital role in overseeing the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring its financial viability during a potential growth period, and making sure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The Treasurer provides strategic financial guidance to the board and ensures compliance with relevant financial legislation and best practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Oversee the charity’s financial activities, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements, and ensuring they align with its mission and objectives
• Provide regular financial reports to the Board of Trustees, highlighting key issues, trends, and risks
• Monitor the financial performance and position of the charity, ensuring sustainability and sound management of resources
• Working with our Bookkeeper to ensure all day to day financial tasks are completed effectively (accounts payable and receivable remain up to date and in accordance with our policies)

Budgeting and Strategic Planning:

• Managing the development of the annual budget in conjunction with the Finance Subcommittee
• Assisting in the creation and review of the charity’s strategic plan, providing financial insights and risk assessments
• Ensuring that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs, including ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation

Governance and Compliance

• Leading the Finance Subcommittee and representing the decisions, recommendations, and actions of the Finance Subcommittee to the main Board of Trustees
• Ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations, including the Charity Commission requirements and UK financial legislation
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place
• Ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies
• Liaising with external auditors, managing the annual audit process and ensuring timely submission of annual accounts and reports
• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

Risk Management

• Identifying and manage financial risks, providing the board with clear advice on risk mitigation strategies
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans
• Overseeing the charity’s investments and reserves policy, ensuring prudent management of funds
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any funding or investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

Supporting the Board

• Acting as the main point of contact for financial matters, providing guidance and support to fellow trustees
• Working closely with other trustees to ensure that the board is fully informed of the charity’s financial status and has the necessary information to make sound decisions
• Contributing to the board’s overall decision-making process, offering a financial perspective on strategic matters
• Sitting on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaising with key stakeholders, including funders, regulatory bodies, trustees and volunteers on financial matters
• Representing the charity in financial negotiations and discussions as required

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

• A recognised financial qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is desirable

Experience

• Proven experience in financial management, preferably within the charity sector
• Experience of charity finance, fundraising, and pension schemes is advantageous
• Experience in strategic planning and risk management

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong financial analysis skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly, including examining financial consequences of actions
• Knowledge of charity accounting principles and regulatory requirements
• Understanding of financial governance and compliance in the charity sector

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the charity's mission and values
• Strong ethical standards and integrity
• Collaborative and supportive approach, with the ability to challenge constructively
• Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the Board (and championing them in the Finance Subcommittee, as required)
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

TIME COMMITMENT

• Standard terms of Board Trustees are a period of three (3) years. Board members can usually be re-elected for a period of another three (3) years thereafter, for one (1) further term
• ADHD Aware Board Trustees will regularly attend Board meetings and/or send apologies with sufficient warning (no less than two days ahead of meeting)
• All Board members are also expected to respond within two (2) weeks to a request for review of information and comment by any other member of the Board
• If a Board member misses more than three (3) consecutive meetings, it may be appropriate to ask that Board member to resign or take a leave of absence
• Trustees will provide a minimum three (3) month notice period if they choose to step down

LOCATION

Please note: this role can be carried out largely remotely (via Teams or Zoom). Very occasionally, the Board may gather or take meetings at its main headquarters location in Brighton, East Sussex.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

At ADHD Aware, we are committed to ensuring that all of our activities are as accessible and as inclusive as possible. These include applying for and interviewing for roles. Whilst we understand that we can never be fully accessible as everybody's needs are different, we strive to be proactive with thinking about accessibility requirements.

When applying for a role at ADHD Aware, if you would like to get in touch to talk about any access requirements, please contact us using the details below and we will arrange a date and time to have a conversation with you.

CONTACT US

Please apply on LinkedIn or email your CV and covering note to:

katie.hudson@adhdaware.org.uk

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