Honorary Treasurer

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an accountancy background and experience of charity finance to play a vital role in securing Pestalozzi’s successful and sustainable growth and help to shape the strategic direction of the organisation.

Accountable to:The Chairman and the Board of Trustees

Purpose of Role:To maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

About us

We are a UK-based charity with 60 years’ experience of offering life-changing opportunities to young people from disadvantaged communities around the world. Our scholarships allow students to complete their secondary education in the UK, giving them the chance to realise their potential and make a difference in the world.

Role Description

In addition to the general responsibilities of a Trustee the duties of the Honorary Treasurer will include the following:

Participating with the Chief Executive and Finance & Facilities Manager at a strategic level in the preparation of budgets, cashflows, accounts, financial statements and guiding and advising the Board of Trustees in their regular consideration of them

Keeping the Trustees informed about their financial duties and responsibilities

Sharing with the Chief Executive and Finance & Facilities Manager the responsibility of reporting on budgets, cashflows, accounts and other financial matters to the Board of Trustees and Council

Making a formal presentation of the accounts of Pestalozzi IinternationalVillage Trust(PIVT) and Pestalozzi Enterprises Limited(PEL) at the annual general meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

Ensuring that PIVT’s and PEL’s financial policies and controls are reviewed annually and comply with Charity Commission guidance and company law

Ensuring that PIVT complies with all terms and conditions relating to its borrowings

Ensuring that PIVT’s investment policy is reviewed annually in line with Charity Commission guidance, monitor PIVT’s investment activityand ensure it is consistent with PIVT’s policies and legal responsibilities

Reviewing PIVT’s pay policy annually with the Chief Executive and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees

Ensuring that PIVT and PEL have an auditor appropriate to their turnover, constitution and funder requirements and acting as the conduit between the auditor and the respective Boards

Acting on behalf of the Trustees in other matters delegated to the Honorary Treasurer

Attending Board meetings of Pestalozzi Enterprises Ltd and of those committees of the Board as the Board shall decide

To support and mentor the Finance & Facilities Manager

Person Specification

Education

Higher education to degree level or equivalent, or a relevant professional qualification.

Experience

A qualified and demonstrable record of accounting experience, supported by written references and certification, in the following:

Essential / Desirable
Commitment to Pestalozzi and its objectives / Experience of working as part of a senior management team at a strategic level within a charity
Financial experience at an appropriate level and preferably a qualified member of one of the member bodies of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies. / Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes is desirable
A team player with a preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board / Interest in international development through education
Excellent communication skills, written and oral,and a willingness to participate fully in Board and Committee meetings and present difficult or controversial matters to Trustees and Council members / Willingness to be available to appropriate staff for advice and enquiries
Ability to embody Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, openness, honesty and leadership / Ability to think creatively
Good independent judgement / Knowledge and understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
Strategic Vision
Willingness to devote the appropriate time and effort to the role of Trustee and Honorary Treasurer.
Strong organisational skills and excellent time management
Excellent IT skills in particular with Word, Excel and Microsoft Outlook
Ability to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences