Volunteer Treasurer to support Poltimore House Trust in restoring this historic Devon mansion for the community

What will you be doing?

Poltimore House Trust is a registered charity dedicated to the restoration of a historic mansion just outside Exeter as a resource for the arts, business, communities and wellbeing. A new Board has been recruited over the last two years, bringing a wide range of professional expertise and experience to the Trust. Its turnover in 2022-3 was modest, but the Board has ambitious plans to increase the pace of restoration and will launch a major fundraising campaign in 2024 with support from Historic England. The Trust has also established a spin-off business, Poltimore House (Branches Café) Limited to generate income through visitor hospitality and venue hire. We are seeking a Trustee with appropriate financial experience to join our Board and to take over responsibilities from our current Acting Treasurer as soon as possible. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Trust at a key moment in the restoration of Poltimore’s historic House and Grounds. The post is not remunerated but Trustees enjoy free admission to on-site events and discounts at our Café. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To oversee the financial affairs of the Trust and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice. To ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place. To monitor and report on the financial health of the Trust. To oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.

Poltimore House Trust aims to creative a positive and nurturing environment for all our volunteers, and is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome everyone from our community as a volunteer and will not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, disability or impairment, age, race, creed, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, trade union activity, HIV or marital status, religion or belief, or similar bases.  

What are we looking for?

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To oversee the financial affairs of the Trust and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice. To ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place. To monitor and report on the financial health of the Trust. To oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.

DUTIES & TASKS TO FULFIL THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

To liaise with the Trust Chair and Board Members to safeguard the financial viability of the Trust. To make Trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data. To report the financial position at Board meetings supported by appropriate documentation. To oversee the production of an annual budget as Chair of the Finance Committee. To ensure that proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place. To ensure that equipment and assets are adequately insured. To appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies. To ensure that the Trust has an appropriate reserves policy. To lead on appointing and liaising with accountants and auditors. To submit annual returns to the Charity Commission and Companies House. To submit quarterly VAT returns and payments. To undertake book-keeping duties and/or to oversee any assisting volunteer to ensure that book-keeping is kept up to date. To arrange payments to creditors and ensure appropriate authorisation. To make the necessary arrangements to collect payments from debtors promptly. To oversee and support the financial management of Poltimore House (Branches Café) Limited.

QUALITIES

Knowledge and experience of current finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations. Knowledge and experience of fundraising and grant management. Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary). Knowledge and experience of QuickBooks (or willingness to learn). Ability to communicate clearly Commitment to the Trust’s mission and purpose. Willingness to commit an average of 3 – 4 hours per week including monthly Board or Committee meetings.

What difference will you make?

You will join a new and growing Board representing people from diverse professional backgrounds, united by a determination to drive the restoration of this unique Devonshire house as a focal point for the arts, businesses, communities and wellbeing. The House is very dilapidated but we are working with our architects and heritage bodies to develop and deliver an incremental plan for restoration. We anticipate a major fundraising campaign in 2024, but first need to strengthen our Board and ensure robust financial governance, including the replacement of our current acting treasurer who is expected to retire shortly.  This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the restoration of an important part of Devon's heritage that has been neglected for far too long!