Honorary Treasurer

Girlguiding Scotland
VO102462

The honorary treasurer is a key role within our governance structure which aims to make a real difference to members in Scotland. The honorary treasurer will contribute to the delivery of Girlguiding Scotland’s strategy as a member of Girlguiding Scotland’s trustee board and the business management and finance committee. The role is open to members and non-members.

As honorary treasurer you will have oversight of the finance function, provide guidance on matters of finance and investments to the trustees, and work closely with the finance manager and with the chair of the business management and finance committee (BM&F committee).

As a trustee you will be an active member of the Girlguiding Scotland trustee board which is chaired by the chief commissioner. The board focuses on the strategic direction and current performance of Girlguiding Scotland ensuring we
continue to develop in response to member needs.

Responsibilities

Leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

Driving the financial strategy of the organisation forward including the development and implementation of financial reserves and investment policies.

Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan and monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.

Liaising with members of staff responsible for the financial activities of the organisation including overseeing the preparation and presentation to the trustee board of budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements.

Overseeing and monitoring financial controls and adherence to systems.

Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques/banking payments and other legal documents as required.

Developing effective working relationship with auditors and investment managers and other external stakeholders as needed.

Work closely with the chair of BM&F and finance manager to prepare for meetings of the BM&F Committee (usually 4 per year plus additional ad hoc meetings).

Proactively contribute to the meetings of the trustee board (usually 4 meetings a year plus a residential weekend) by reviewing papers and carrying out further research as required.

How we work
Underpinning the ways of working together is the principle that all people and groups in Girlguiding are part of one team. This means that:

We are inclusive – we work together to create an environment where everyone feels an equal sense of belonging and is free to be themselves – whoever they are and wherever they’re from. We value and celebrate difference and represent the diversity of the communities we seek to serve.

We’re open and collaborative – we uphold the principle of co-production so that everything we do is designed and delivered with users – whether volunteers, girls or wider society. All key stakeholders are identified and informed or involved from the start of any piece of work so together we achieve the best possible outcomes in the most efficient way.

We put girls at the centre – we are ambitious on behalf of our girls, young women and volunteers and challenge every activity that doesn’t support the Girlguiding mission. Regardless of role, function or level, all members of our team focus on the common good, and how we can best use our collective resources to deliver what girls tell us they want and need

What you'll gain from this role
You’ll have access to relevant training opportunities and the chance to participate in external events with other voluntary sector or youth work organisations. You’ll also have a chance to develop your transferable skills through:
• Setting strategy for the largest member organisation for girls and young women in Scotland.
• Being part of a team of passionate and committed volunteers and staff

How to apply
If you would like to have an informal chat, please get in touch with Cat Campbell, governance and compliance manager (cat@girlguiding-scot.org.uk) who can arrange for you to speak with Elaine Rough, chief commissioner and chair of the
trustee board and/or Alison Irving, chair of the business management and finance committee.

Girlguiding Scotland values inclusivity, and so we welcome requests for support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. If you need any support to complete your application, then please get in touch on 0131 609 0203 to discuss how we can support you

You can further information about how to apply by downloading the role pack from the Girlguiding Scotland website.

Experience required

The key skills and attributes that we’re looking for in an honorary treasurer:

CA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA or other similar qualification

Membership of Girlguiding, or willingness to become a member

Experience of preparing budgets and forecasting, management accounting and statutory financial reporting

Experience of reporting to board level, audit and knowledge of charity SORP (FRS102)

Experience of setting and monitoring investment strategies and supervising the performance of a significant investment portfolio

Experience of working with volunteers would be an advantage

Ability to work and join meetings remotely using a variety of technology and the ability to access

Confident to speak up and the ability to challenge others in a constructive manner

Capacity to be proactive in research and in reviewing papers

Eligibility to become a trustee in Scotland

Approachable, open minded and flexible, with the ability to work with others

Travel details

Travel expenses are paid in line with Girlguiding Scotland's travel and subsistence policy.

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About
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Support

Training details

All of our volunteers are given an in-depth induction to the work of the board and introductions to fellow trustees, other senior volunteers and staff members. Participation in the induction programme is a necessary part of taking on this role. We can arrange for an experienced trustee to be your ‘buddy’ for your first months of working with us. Training will be provided to ensure that all trustees are able to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. We will continue to provide support and development opportunities throughout your time in the role. We have a trustee review and development framework in place, offering opportunities to develop your knowledge and skills. Trustees are asked to take part in regular review
meetings with the chair of the board.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18
You must be eligible to become a trustee in Scotland (you can find information about who cannot be a charity trustee on www.oscr.org.uk)

Frequency & commitment

You’ll meet with the chief executive and / or finance manager at least once a month which can be done remotely. The trustee board meets approx. 4 times per year, typically for half a day on a Saturday. There is also 1 residential weekend each year. The business management & finance committee also meet approximately 4 times per year. These meetings are currently held during a weekday, but this is based on the availability of the committee members. There will always be an opportunity to attend meetings remotely or in person. Preparation time will also be required. This may involve preparing a report or paper and will always involve reading papers circulated in advance. Trustees are also encouraged to attend 1 or 2 meetings of the Girlguiding Scotland consultative group each year. This role will be for 3 years with the possibility to extend by up to a further 2 years by mutual agreement, and subject.