Treasurer

The recent Conference of Parties (COP) in Glasgow has clearly demonstrated urgent action for tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis. At the Ecology Centre we believe community sits at the heart of this action.

Do you value access to green spaces? Can you help us connect people to nature?

The Ecology Centre is the home of our inclusive, community led, environmental charity and we are looking for new Trustee board members. We are keen to hear from people with an interest in sustainable practices, wellbeing, and experience in fundraising and marketing.

Situated on the edge of Kinghorn Loch in Fife, the Ecology Centre enables people of all ages and abilities to experience, learn and benefit from the natural world. Our ethos - community led and sustainability driven, to promote well-being and equality.

The charity employs 14 members of staff, assisted by over 50 volunteers, and is governed by its Board of Trustees, who are responsible for its governance and strategy. Ecology Centre activities include a low carbon cafe, dementia friendly workshops, garden tool up-cycling, school group education, and the Centre is a venue for a wide range of environmental and community activities.

Role description

As a Trustee and member of the Board we would like you to contribute to our work as we regain momentum after COVID. As a Board we have meetings, in person, online and a hybrid approach.  The board meetings usually take place every 6 weeks or monthly if needed. We share core tasks and aim to distribute them according to our members strengths as well as learn from each other.

The Treasurer’s role is to maintain an overview of the organisation's financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. We are looking for someone who will actively contribute to the Board and as well as the Finance sub-committee meetings to provide firm financial and strategic direction and help to set financial targets and evaluate performance against agreed targets.

Day-to-day activities are performed by staff members including the General Manager and Finance Officer.  We anticipate that the successful applicant will be able to answer finance and accounting  related queries during the working week and attend 6-weekly Board meetings in evenings to support staff and the Board with financial matters.  Ideally the successful applicant should make site visits on a frequent basis however, many of these tasks can also be completed remotely.

Role responsibilities

The key role responsibilities include:-

§  Assisting the General Manager with preparing commentary and presenting monthly financial reports to the Committee for The Ecology Centre as well as the development of a projected cash-flow.

§  Working with the Committee Chairperson, General Manager and Finance Officer to ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and are appropriate for The Ecology Centre and other related tasks.

§  Overseeing The Ecology Centre’s Annual Accounts preparation process by the end of our financial year (July to June) to ensure adherence to the governing documents, latest accounting, legal and tax guidance.  This also involves liaising with the independent examiners.

§  Assisting the General Manager with the preparation, review and presentation of the annual budget, accounts and financial statements in collaboration with our Finance Assistant and ensuring financial resources are spent and invested in line with the charity’s policies, good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.

§  Chairing Finance sub-committee meetings at an agreed frequency.

§  Monitoring reserves and advising on the ongoing financial viability of the charity.

§  Review and presentation of the Charity Risk Register and associated governance.