Trustee - Finance Specialist

Business & Human Rights Resource Centre; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking charity as a finance specialist on the board of trustees. You will play a vital role in ensuring financial oversight and governance, working closely with the Chair and Treasurer. This position offers the chance to influence financial strategies and improve accountability within a dedicated organization focused on ecological and community impact. With a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, this role welcomes passionate individuals ready to contribute to the Trust's mission of inspiring action for nature. Your expertise will help shape the financial future of an organization dedicated to preserving natural habitats and wildlife.

Qualifications

• Experience at senior management level in a comparable business.
• Understanding of charity finance is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chair and Treasurer with financial oversight.
• Review financial performance and advise on financial planning.

Skills

Qualified Accountant

Financial Oversight

Governance Experience

Education

Qualified Accountant Certification

Job description

We are looking for a finance specialist to join our board of trustees and support the Chair and Treasurer with financial oversight and governance.

What you will be doing

SWT is governed by a board of trustees (known as ‘Council’) who set overall strategic direction and ensure that charitable funds are used effectively. Operational management is delegated to the CEO and the senior leadership team, including the Head of Finance and Operations.

You will be a member of the Council and also of the Finance Committee. Both committees meet four times a year. The Finance Committee’s remit is to review financial performance, advise on financial planning, review audit findings, and, where appropriate, make recommendations to improve efficiency and accountability.

Advice and support are available from trustees in similar roles across The Wildlife Trusts movement if needed.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant with experience at senior management level in a business of at least comparable size. An understanding of charity finance would be advantageous but is not essential. Specialist conservation knowledge is not required, but trustees are encouraged to take an interest in the Trust’s work.

Who we are

Shropshire Wildlife Trust (SWT) envisions a thriving natural world where wildlife and habitats play a vital role in addressing climate and ecological emergencies. We aim to inspire and empower people to take action for nature. Our work includes projects across Shropshire (including Telford & Wrekin), advocacy, and campaigning to restore nature and engage communities. We manage over 40 nature reserves, have nearly 50 staff, 300 volunteers, and over 9,000 members. As an autonomous charity, SWT collaborates with The Wildlife Trusts (TWT) to amplify our impact nationally and globally. Our turnover in 2024 was £3.3m.

Shropshire Wildlife Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. Applicants must be willing to undergo reference checks and Disclosure and Barring Service checks where applicable.

We are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse workforce and encourage applications from all qualified candidates. Please inform us if you require adjustments to our recruitment process to improve accessibility.