About this role
Voluntary Role Description – Honorary Treasurer for the British Naturalists’ Association
www.bna-naturalists.org
This is an unpaid role operating from home, around 5 hours per month.
The BNA is a Limited Company as well as a Charity, with income and operating costs currently less than £10,000 per year. The Treasurer will be a Director of the Company and a Trustee of the Charity.
A good understanding of financial management is necessary, however a formal accountancy qualification is not required. Strong IT skills would be helpful. There are no paid staff within the organisation and the role will be ‘hands-on’. No qualifications or previous experience in conservation or life science is required for this role.
The primary role of the BNA’s Honorary Treasurer is to oversee the financial administration of the charity and to keep the board of trustees fully appraised of the charity’s financial position. These duties are to be carried out in line with best practice for the sector, ensuring that the charity remains compliant with its governing document, any legal requirements and any external regulatory requirements as required by the charity SORP and the Charity Commission, as the relevant regulatory body.
The main duties and responsibilities of the Honorary Treasurer include, but may not be limited to:
Attending regular Council meetings (online or hybrid) and providing updates on the financial situation of the charity, and any finance-related projects or issues.
Leading the board in its duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested (where appropriate) and economically spent, in accordance with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
Leading in the periodic review of the charity’s financial reserves, investment (where/when appropriate) and cost management policies.
Preparing and presenting annual budgets, internal management accounts, including cash flow forecasts, and the annual statutory financial statements, to the board of trustees. This includes the preparation, management and analysis of the cash book (income and expenditure).
Overseeing the regular review of the charity’s system of internal financial controls.
Overseeing the charity’s financial risk management process.
Monitoring and advising the board on the ongoing financial viability of the charity and on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan.
Liaison with the charity’s independent examiner, in respect of their review of the charity’s annual statutory accounts and any related matters arising.
Ensuring, together with the Honorary Secretary, that the charity complies with the annual filing requirements of both the Charity Commission and Companies House.
Schedule of Activity
Weekly/Monthly
Pay invoices (by BACS) when requested/authorised (approx. 4 transactions per month) and post in cashbook.
Transfer any paypal income into bank account (subscriptions, donations, sale of books & merchandise).
Check bank account and post all income transactions into cashbook (approx. 14 entries per month). These will comprise standing order subscriptions, subscription cheques banked by the membership secretary, paypal income, bank interest. There may also be income from chargeable events (via cheques, direct bank transfers or paypal).
Maintain paper or electronic audit trail for all cashbook transactions.
Monthly/Quarterly
Reconcile bank accounts to cashbook.
Prepare income and expenditure analysis for report to Council.
Annually
Prepare and submit annual ‘Gift Aid’ claim to HMRC (using subscription information collected by the Membership Secretary).
Prepare Annual Accounts (Statement of Income & Expenditure and Balance Sheet) for Independent Examination.
The Treasurer will require a PC, printer and internet access
Requirements
- Relevant qualification or training
As detailed above
Causes
Location
This opportunity allows you to volunteer from home
Available from home