Volunteer Finance Director supporting delivery of wellbeing and skills in a community farm environment

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a Volunteer Finance Director to join the existing leadership team and become a member of the board. We normally have 5-6 volunteer Directors on the board and have an additional group of volunteers, some more involved with our regular farm activities on a daily basis and others who support us with administration and finance tasks. This vital role includes:

As a member of the Board contribute, with colleagues, to ensuring that good governance is exercised. Provide the board with advice and guidance on all financial matters, including new ideas and projects. Ensure financial accounts are maintained, recording day-to-day income and expenditure. Ensure that monthly and year-end payroll processing is undertaken on a timely and accurate basis, including the provision of relevant information to HMRC. Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts (income, expenditure, balance sheet and cash flow), that relate to business plan delivery and, where appropriate, support funding or grant applications. Ensure reporting of accurate financial information that enables the effective monitoring of budgets and forecasts. Ensure annual accounts and all statutory returns are promptly completed and submitted, including tax returns and reports for regulatory bodies. Act as a signatory for statutory documents and the bank account. Support and involvement in bid/grant applications. Participate in active discussion and propose ideas at board meetings as well as communicate via email and telephone. Input and help with refining and delivering our ten year plan. Take interest in the delivery of opportunities linking farming, nature and countryside skills to a range of individuals, especially those with needs. 

You will help us deliver sound financial management that enables Countryways to deliver the services it provides in an effective, efficient and sustainable way and ensures that the interests of the community are met. Whilst we are looking for a  Finance Director, we also have roles for Fundraising, Online Engagement (e.g. social media, editing/film You Tube), Ambassador, General Helpers. Do contact us if you can help us deliver better.

What are we looking for?

Vital qualities of our preferred Candidate:

Patient and determined individual with time available (on average 2 to 4 hours per week) Can work in a team but able to take initiative and get a job done An experienced finance professional who is likely to be a qualified accountant Passion for enabling those with disabilities to be active Compassion for families and carers Computer and IT literate Confident at networking Interest in the countryside and farming A DBS check will also be required

Additional experience or skills in the following would be helpful:

health and/or education sector farming, outdoor pursuits interest in English heritage, old buildings, local history interest in fundraising willingness to help with occasional events skill in social networking

What difference will you make?

Having worked with young adults with learning difficulties for the past 10 years, we have now improved our facilities and can include physically disabled people, those retired for health reasons, as well as provide space for addressing the mental health needs of many people impacted by anxiety or bereavement, especially through Covid-19. We can also provide more specific skills training to a range of ages, including school age, as well as environmental benefits and engagement with nature through wildlife and active conservation on the farm.  These are critical growth points and your involvement will have direct impact on many, helping us have a clear focus and giving us the energy and resources to deliver.  It will help people of all ages, with a range of needs, to learn new things and be able to interact more easily in an everyday environment, having a huge positive impact on their families and beyond.  Your help in guiding the organisation will enable people to learn new skills, feel included and better prepared to face the day ahead.  Bonus...we're excited and hope you will be too. The setting of Road Farm in the midst of the Chiltern Hills is fantastic and inspiring, especially if you love animals and wildlife.  Enjoy being part of a team and making a massive difference to many different ages - we have school groups, Scouts, Guides, Cubs, WI, Rotary, Colleges, U3A. You will meet many different kinds of people both within our organisation and around the Networks we have with other local and national organisations. We encourage training and have a brief induction programme to follow.  If you feel stressed, just sit and talk with the turkeys, hug Joey the donkey or bask under blue sky!