London Rebuilding Society (LRS) Treasurer: Specific responsibilities and Person Specification

Role Title:                   Treasurer

Direct Report:            Works closely with the Chair, Chief Executive (CEO), Head of Finance (HoF), and the Board of Directors.

Background:          Finance, Strategy and Governance, Fundraising, Legal, Risk.

1.0Role Summary

• Oversee the monitoring of the financial standing of London Rebuilding Society, and reporting to the Board by the HoF, regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the LRS’s financial resources.
• Oversee the LRS’s financial risk-management process and report financial health to the board of trustees at regular intervals.
• Acts as a counter signatory on and ensure that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.
• Engaging with external auditors, working with the HoF, on financial issues and ensuring that the LRS’s finances are responsibly managed / invested for the betterment of LRS’s work and for the beneficiaries it serves.
• Presenting the Year End Financial Statements to the Members of LRS at the Annual General Meeting

1. Main Responsibilities of the Treasurer

In relation to Finance

Budgeting and strategic financial planning

• Ensure all strategic plans are financially appraised and budgets are aligned to both short-term and long-term objectives each year.
• Work with the HoF, and CEO to oversee the planning/budgeting processes in participation with the Board and constructively challenge where required.
• Suggest alternative scenarios while evaluating strategic plans as a part of the risk management process and as a part of performance and reporting scenarios.
• Create greater transparency and accountability to improve resource allocation and LRS’s image by adding specific measures as per SORP guidelines.

Management Reporting

• Ensure a high standard of management accounting is maintained in order to safeguard assets.
• Liaise with HoF and Directors to prepare and produce management accounts regularly.

Statutory Financial Reporting

• Board level liaison with external auditors on specific issues in the auditing process and related board representations.
• Guide and advise fellow trustees to formally approve the annual report and audited accounts.
• Explain technicalities of accounts in plain language which is fully understood by the trustees.

Reserves Policy

• Develop reserves policy with HoF and CEO, and safeguard the organisation’s finances.
• Keep the board informed of free reserves position regularly and advise to cope with changing circumstances.

In relation to Governance

• Lead the Board’s duty to ensure proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are controlled, invested and economically spent in line with governance, legal and regulatory requirements; and the necessary control mechanisms are in place to give the board assurance.
• Chair Finance, Audit and Remuneration Committee in line with terms of reference and reporting findings/developments back to the Board of Directors.
• Advising on the financial implications of LRS’s strategic plans and overseeing the LRS’s financial risk-management process.
• Lead in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost management and investment policies.

3.0 Person Specification

Essential

• Qualified accountant with demonstrated commercial awareness and knowledge.
• Knowledge of charity SORP and impending changes.
• Competent use of IT skills.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good communication and leadership skills.

Desirable

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of social enterprise, Co-operative and Community Benefit Society, and charity fundraising, investment and finance practices.
• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the
• LRS’s ambassador to external bodies, public, private, charitable and social enterprise.
• Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, understanding of HR issues, experience of Trusts or other grant giving bodies particularly fundraising and legal knowledge.
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.