Volunteer Treasurer

What will you be doing?

Torfaen Museum Trust is facing one of its most challenging years to date. With a limited budget of core-funding from local authority and suffering from the cost of living / energy crisis, recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic has been slow. We have also had a number of senior officers retire, giving us scope to move forwards with a fresh new team who are eager to redevelop the organisation but face the challenge of developing a new strategic direction to generate income and build sustainability for the Trust.  We are now seeking an experienced Treasurer who can work with our newly-appointed Curator to get a good grip on the finances, budgeting and accounts to guide the organisation through these challenges. We are developing our outreach work through 2023, working to alter our operating model to improve the financial health of the Museum and branching out to partner with other businesses in the area to create a Torfaen-wide heritage offer. The role of Treasurer will be pivotal in helping us to reach these goals.  We are seeking a professional with accounting and budgeting skills primarily. An understanding of business management, commercial development or fundraising would also be useful while our team would be happy to explain the workings of the Museum and the ethical codes that guide our work. Ideally the Treasurer will need to be flexible and ready to tackle issues as they arise, as well as being available to report to the full Board of Trustees at regular meetings (held every 6 weeks at present on a Thursday morning).  This is a challenging position within an organisation that requires growth and stimulation to take it forward. We believe that it will be hugely rewarding for the right candidate. 

What are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with demonstrable skills in accounting, financial planning and reporting. A knowledge of fundraising or income generation would also be useful to help us in developing sustainability.  We would welcome individuals with creative skills and an ability to explain accounting clearly and concisely to other Trustees and staff members with little experience of finance, in order to share knowledge and learning. Excellent IT skills are required in order to use our accounting programme (Xero) as well as our online banking system and Microsoft Excel.  While we hold regular, 6 weekly meetings on site, these can be attended digitally through Teams however some trips to the Museum in Pontypool, South Wales will be required, especially when meeting with our local authority funders and for one-to-one meetings with the Curator. 

What difference will you make?

The role of Treasurer will be vital in developing sustainability for the Trust and for ensuring that the Museum remains on track financially. The post holder will utilise their unique skills and experience to help shape our strategic direction, to help us make this organisation viable for future generations and, ultimately, will be engaged in helping to change the lives of people across Torfaen through heritage and culture.