Treasurer

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

An established charity is seeking a Treasurer to provide financial leadership and governance. This role involves managing budgets, ensuring compliance, and supporting the Board in financial decision-making. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with a strong background in charity finance, able to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Joining this impactful organization offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the vital services provided to families and communities, making a real difference in the health and social care sector.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in charity or public sector finance.
• Proven ability to communicate financial information to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage budgeting, financial reporting, and fraud risk reduction.
• Support the Board in understanding financial implications of decisions.

Skills

Chartered Accountant

Financial Management

Governance Experience

Communication Skills

Basic IT Skills

Education

Qualified Accountant

Job description

The Breastfeeding Network's services are essential for both families and reducing pressure on health services. We are seeking a new Treasurer to ensure we can meet increased demand.

About The Breastfeeding Network

The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) is the leading charity providing infant feeding and breastfeeding information and support that women and families trust at one of the most vulnerable points on their parenting journeys.

We work across the UK and aid women and families to feel supported in their feeding choices and are able to breastfeed for as long as they choose.

What will you be doing?

The Treasurer will work closely with the Finance and Systems Manager and CEO to provide effective leadership on the financial good governance and resilience of BfN.

Main duties and tasks

• Budgeting, financial control and reporting
• Fraud risk reduction
• Management of deposits and investments
• Contract review and management including potential VAT implications
• Meaningful reporting to the Directors, regulators and high value/ risk donors
• Appointment and management of the auditors
• Managing short and long term cash flow and reserves policy
• Cost recovery of core expenditure needs
• Accounting systems, policies and records

The Treasurer will also help the full Board to understand and consider the financial implications of significant decisions. The Treasurer will be one of the counter-signatories for online banking and applications to high value funders.

What are we looking for?

The successful candidate will have a background as a chartered accountant, with experience of risk and strategy. Experience of working with public sector or charities and an understanding of charity finance will be desirable.

Essential

• Qualified accountant with hands on experience of managing the finances of an organisation (or equivalent level, Qualified by experience)
• Understanding of charity and/or public sector finances or chartered/management accountant, ready, and able to proactively gain the understanding and insight on charity and public sector finance required for this role
• Basic IT skills relevant to the requirements of the role
• Hands on experience of governance in a charity or comparable resource-constrained organisation
• Experience of managing relationships with auditors and regulators
• Strong affinity with and commitment to the work of BfN
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to a board and other stakeholders
• Understanding and commitment to undertake governance and legal duties, including Treasurer responsibilities in particular
• Availability to attend Board, FAR and other required meetings, in person or virtual – dates agreed by consultation in advance
• Ready, willing and able to provide ad hoc advisory input as required to the Finance and Systems Manager, CEO, FAR, Chair and wider Board by email and attend remote meetings with BfN

Desirable

• Hands on experience of managing or auditing a charity’s finance
• Knowledge/experience of the charity SORP
• Experience of contributing to business planning
• Knowledge of the infant feeding, early years, health or similar sectors

What Difference will you make?

By contributing to a charity that achieves phenomenal impact for women and families, you will have a rewarding opportunity to apply your skills and experience in accounting and finance, for good. You will know that your expertise and insight can really support in an increasingly challenging operating climate, for charities as a whole, not least in the health and social care sector.

Becoming a Director of BfN you will join a charity which is trusted by healthcare professionals and parents alike for the consistent quality of the services we run through mums and parents who have breastfed themselves. You will know the charity makes a difference and has a track-record of effective management and governance.

Time Commitment

Hours: Anticipated to be between two and two-and-a-half days per month.

Before you apply

The TrusteeWorks team at Reach Volunteering are supporting The Breastfeeding Network with their Treasurer recruitment. Questions and applications should be submitted via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.

To express your interest in the position, please send an up-to-date CV / LinkedIn profile and covering letter outlining why you are interested in becoming our next Treasurer and your relevant skills and experience (see both the Role and Person specification).

Please send applications and enquiries (including receiving a copy of the candidate pack), to the Reach TrusteeWorks team at the email address provided.

Deadline: 9am, Monday 12^th May 2025