Volunteer Treasurer (trustee) for St Luke’s Advice Service, Brighton and Hove

What will you be doing?

About us: For over 21 years, we've been dedicated to providing practical support and advice to some of the most vulnerable individuals in Brighton and Hove. Our small team of staff and volunteers offers compassionate assistance to help individuals overcome financial hardship through budget management and debt advice, and to access essential welfare benefits. Last year alone, we assisted over 800 people, making a real difference in their lives. We are highly regarded in the City and work in partnership with other organisations with a shared agenda.   Why join us? We're looking for a trustee who can bring energy, enthusiasm, and financial acumen to our Board. You don't need previous trustee experience - if you have the motivation, transferable skills, and time to commit, we'll provide effective training to support you in this meaningful role. What we're looking for: We're looking for a trustee who, along with their trustee duties, will actively oversee SLAS finances from operational, strategic and governance perspectives. You'll enable the trustees to maintain effective governance of the organisation’s affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper processes and procedures exist for assuring all financial records, decisions and delegations are maintained. You’ll advise the Board on their financial responsibilities, produce financial strategies and plans,  and liaise with professional advisors, such as auditors. As we are a small charity the role will include some hands-on responsibilities. This can be quite flexible as the appointee is likely to oversee the transition to of operational bookkeeping and banking to the operational staff enabling the Treasurer to ensure the integrity of financial management. As a consequence you will support our Service Delivery Manager on the financial duties such as payroll, supplier payment and find raising administration. Critical to the Board is financial reporting so that non-financial co trustees can discharge financial responsibilities and monitor the monetary aspects of annual and three year strategic plans. This is a remote or hybrid position. 

What are we looking for?

What we are looking for:

A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage, otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, perhaps drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs. A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity. Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists. Willingness to play an active role in areas such as operational financial management, forecasting, setting and monitoring budgets, liaising with auditors and preparing insightful reports.

 Personal skills and qualities:

Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as  trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. Willingness to lead according to our SLAS values Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

What difference will you make?

The role of Treasurer at SLAS is integral to the financial health and strategic direction of the charity. Here’s a overview of the impact the Treasurer will have: Financial oversight and strategic leadership The Treasurer plays a critical role in maintaining the charity's financial health. This includes producing financial strategies and plans that align with the charity’s strategic objectives. By ensuring that robust financial policies and controls are in place, the Treasurer helps safeguard SLAS's resources, allowing SLAS to continue providing essential services to the community. Enhancing Board effectiveness and capacity building Working closely with the Chair and other trustees, the Treasurer contributes to setting the overall strategy and policy of SLAS, ensuring that financial considerations are integrated into all strategic discussions. The Treasurer’s expertise significantly enhances the overall effectiveness of the Board.  Operational excellence and hands-on support In a small charity, the Treasurer’s role extends beyond strategic oversight to include hands-on financial management. This practical involvement ensures that financial operations are conducted smoothly and efficiently. By overseeing financial transactions and ensuring that proper accounting procedures are followed, the Treasurer helps maintain the trust of stakeholders, including donors and grant providers. Supporting community impact and sustainability Ultimately, the Treasurer’s role is pivotal in ensuring that SLAS can continue its mission of supporting vulnerable individuals in Brighton and Hove. By securing financial stability and enabling effective resource allocation, the Treasurer helps maximise our impact on the community.