Treasurer Trustee

Treasurer Trustee - Walworth Garden

As the tenure of our existing treasurer reaches an end, we are seeking a treasurer to join our voluntary Board of Trustees. 

At this exciting time in the life of Walworth Garden, we are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our dynamic Board of Trustees. The Treasurer will play a key role in supporting the Charity’s financial health, working closely with the Finance Manager, CEO, and fellow trustees.

As we prepare to launch an Environmental Learning Centre, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to a period of growth and innovation, ensuring robust financial systems and guiding strategic decisions that will help shape the future of the Garden. This includes overseeing budgets, financial planning, and annual accounts, ensuring robust systems and controls are in place, and guiding the board on financial decisions and policy. The Treasurer will also chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FAR) and liaise with auditors as needed.

We are looking for someone with a strong financial background and relevant qualifications, ideally with experience in charity accounting, budgeting, and risk management. Excellent organisational and communication skills, along with a commitment to Walworth Garden’s mission and strategic goals, are essential.

This is a voluntary role, with a minimum time commitment of around four hours per month, attending six board meetings a year and carrying out responsibilities as needed. 

About Us 

Walworth Garden is a charity dedicated to knowledge and nurture.

We aim to improve lives by providing excellent learning and gardening therapy in a community garden that’s open to all, 7 days a week.

Walworth Garden is a registered charity and Company limited by guarantee. The Charity is governed by a voluntary Board of Trustees. Our main charitable work includes horticultural

training for people not in work or education and gardening therapy for vulnerable and disabled adults. We also provide goods and services that individuals or other organisations pay for in order to generate surplus income to support our charitable work.

Walworth Garden works with some of the most vulnerable in society and safeguarding is of paramount importance. All trustees will undergo a DBS check, Safeguarding Training and Prevent Training.

We offer a supportive culture that values autonomy, trust, and results. Therefore this role offers the option to work from home on occasion, depending on business needs and team coordination.

If you are interested in this voluntary position, please send your CV (two-side A4 max) and cover letter to the CEO, Oli Haden at oli@walworthgarden.org.uk.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the application process once a suitable candidate has been found.

Full Role Description 

Key Responsibilities: 

The Treasurer will work closely with the Charity’s Finance Manager and Chair the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee (FAR).

Financial Oversight, Planning and Budgeting: 

• Work with the Finance Manager and the CEO to monitor the Charity's financial health, ensuring proper accounting, and reporting financial information to the Board of Trustees.
• Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget and contribute to the Charity's financial planning.
• Ensure proper systems are in place for budgeting, financial control, and reporting.

Financial Reporting: 

• Work with the Finance Manager to ensure that financial reports are prepared accurately and on time, in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Review (with the Finance Manager) and present management accounts.
• Ensure financial reports are comprehensible and properly discussed by the Board.

Compliance and Policy Development: 

• Ensure the Charity complies with all relevant financial regulations, including those related to fundraising, accounting, and reporting.
• Work with the CEO and Finance Manager to contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies, such as reserves, cash handling, and internal controls.

Audit and Risk Management: 

• Chair the Charity’s Finance, Audit & Risk Sub-Committee (FAR).
• Work with FAR colleagues to identify, monitor and manage financial risks, including fraud prevention, and the reporting of these risks to the Board.
• Oversee the appointment and review of auditors.
• Work, in liaison with the Finance Manager, with external auditors and other financial advisors.

Strategic Advice: 

• Provide financial advice and guidance to the Board of Trustees and senior staff.
• Help trustees fulfil their financial responsibilities and understand the Charity's financial position.

Personal Qualities 

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of the Charity, the Treasurer must also meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to the Charity, its strategic objectives and cause.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal and relationship building abilities.
• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well.
• Integrity and sound judgement.

Knowledge and skills 

• Strong finance background and a financial qualification.
• Experience in charity budgeting, accounting, risk management, and financial oversight.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.

Remuneration: The role of Treasurer is not accompanied by any financial remuneration; it is a voluntary position. 

Location: London, SE17 

Time commitment: The successful candidate will be expected to attend the six board meetings per year and Chair the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, as necessary. Additionally, the Treasurer is expected to commit the necessary time to be able to deliver on their key responsibilities, defined above. There is a minimum time commitment of approximately 4 hours a month.

Tenure: The successful candidate will be appointed for a 3-year term. With the agreement of the Board, this can be renewed twice (for a consecutive or non-consecutive 9 years). 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.