Treasurer (Volunteer Trustee)

Treasurer (Volunteer Trustee) 

Organisation: You Make It

Role: Treasurer (Volunteer Trustee)

Reporting to: Chair of Trustees

Time commitment: 4–6 hours per month including board meetings

Length of term: 3 years, subject to renewal

Organisation Overview 

You Make It (YMI) has been described as a ‘unicorn’ of a charity - we were set up from our founder CEO’s kitchen table back in 2011 and have continued to evolve and serve the needs of our community for some 15 years. We deliver award-winning four-month long holistic empowerment programmes for young unemployed and underemployed racialised women from working-class, inner London backgrounds. Our programmes equip them with the confidence, professional networks, experiences, skills and mindset needed to achieve financial independence and fuller participation in London’s social, cultural and economic life.

Since our formation in 2011, we have grown steadily and secured support from a range of funders, including the National Lottery Community Fund, City Bridge Foundation, Henry Smith, Nike Jordan, amongst others, as well as through public support in the form of donations, and through earned income streams - notably our mentoring leadership training.

Our passion for our work is boundless. Year after year we prove to have real impact. Our YouTube channel or Instagram will give you a sense of what we do, all the amazing people and places we work with, and of those people we benefit. We are ambitious about long-term sustainability, strong governance and deep, measurable impact.

If you’re someone with the skills, time and expertise to be our new Treasurer, we would love to hear from you.

Role Overview

The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in overseeing the charity’s financial governance, sustainability and integrity.

Women from racially minoritised communities remain underrepresented at board level, and we particularly welcome applications from individuals who reflect the communities YMI exists to serve.

All trustees must align with our core values of Equity, Creativity, Authenticity, Empowerment, Agility, Integrity, Joy, Kindness, Community. These aren't just words; they're the principles that define our every action, guide our decisions, and shape our culture.

Responsibilities of All Trustees 

As a trustee of YMI, you will share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of the charity. Trustees are required to:

• Governance and Financial Oversight: Alongside the wider board and leadership, ensure the charity operates in accordance with policy, legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Safeguard the charity’s assets, including proper financial oversight and risk management. Review and approve the charity’s budget, financial statements, and annual reports.
• Policy and Decision Making: Be an active, engaged and thoughtful participant in board meetings and decision-making processes. Approve policies that support the effective functioning of the charity now and in the future.
• Fundraising and Advocacy: Support and participate in fundraising efforts, draw on your networks to advance our growth as a charity and advocate and act as an ambassador.
• Performance Monitoring: Evaluate performance against our goals and objectives. Ensure accountability mechanisms are in place.
• Strategic Development: Collaboratively contribute to the charity's strategic direction, ensuring it aligns with its mission and values.
• Insight and Learning: Stay informed about issues affecting YMI and its work. Pursue opportunities for training and development to enhance governance skills.

Treasurer-Specific Responsibilities 

In addition to the above trustee duties, the Treasurer will:

• Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s financial affairs
• Support the board in understanding and fulfilling its financial governance responsibilities
• Maintain oversight of the organisation’s financial viability
• Ensure appropriate budgets, financial controls, reporting systems, policies and procedures are in place
• Review quarterly management accounts prepared by the Finance Manager and present key issues to the board
• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan and major decisions
• Review and advise on significant funding applications and financial reports to funders, including occasional attendance at funder meetings if required
• Contribute to the annual budgeting process
• Inform and support the annual staff remuneration review process, in collaboration with our HR Trustee
• Ensure statutory accounts are prepared in the appropriate format and independently examined in accordance with legal requirements
• Liaise regularly with the Chair, CEO and freelance Finance Manager on financial matters

The Treasurer works closely with our freelance Finance Manager; this is an oversight and governance role rather than a hands-on bookkeeping position.

Person Specification 

We are looking for someone who:

• Has senior-level financial experience
• Holds an accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or similar) or has equivalent senior professional financial experience
• Understands (or can quickly build understanding of) charity finance, including restricted/unrestricted funding and compliance requirements
• Has the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance board members
• Demonstrates passion for our mission to empower young women and dismantle racism
• Shares our commitment to equality, social justice and self-empowerment
• Can build constructive, trusting relationships with the Chair, CEO, Finance Manager and fellow trustees

Previous trustee experience is desirable but not essential.

Safeguarding and DBS 

As a charity working with young women, safeguarding is central to our work. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. Appointment will be subject to satisfactory clearance.

Application Process 

To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining:

• Why you would like to support YMI’s mission
• How your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role

Email: recruitment@you-make-it.org

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal interview with the Chair, current Treasurer and CEO.

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.