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Paradise Cooperative
Remote working, and/or occasional in-person meetings in Wandsworth, London
Posted: 4 Nov 2024
Deadline: 15 Nov 2024
Compensation: Volunteer
Ethnicity Confident scheme Disability Confident scheme
Unpaid Volunteer Part-time Flexible hours Remote working
Job description
Paradise Co-operative exists to enrich the lives of local people. Together we learn through nature and work with the land.
We seek to appoint an additional trustee to the charity’s board to lead on financial matters. The role is unpaid and voluntary with an expected effort commitment of 1-2 hours per week.
What are we looking for?
a finance professional ideally with a qualification in accounting, audit or finance. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
a strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with auditors.
Responsibilities specific to the Finance Trustee role:
ensuring the charity keeps proper accounts.
reviewing the charity’s financial performance.
overseeing the financial performance and budgets being presented to the board.
drawing up or reviewing policies for finance and investment.
ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place.
liaising with the charity’s independent examiner.
Additionally, the treasurer will work closely with the director of operations to ensure the day-to-day finances are being run effectively, which includes:
employee and contractor salaries are paid promptly, including obligations to HMRC and pension providers.
invoices are being raised and paid for services offered by the charity.
annual submission of reports and accounts to the Charity Commission.
expenditure of the operational team is within agreed limits.
strengthening of financial processes to ensure effective oversight and governance by the trustee board.
Wider responsibilities of the role shared with the other trustees on the board:
support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities
approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation
oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements
provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs
keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment
contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s governance
attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests
contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objectives, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts
As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Attributes and qualities: We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.
Personal Skills and Qualities: please see the attached job description for the full list.
Application information
To apply
Please send a brief note explaining your interest and suitability for this role with a CV to finance@paradisecooperative.org by Friday 15th November 2024. Interviews will be held during November 2024.
Paradise Co-operative is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse community for all team members and volunteers. Please let us know if you require any adjustments in applying for this role or require the job advert in larger font or alternative formats.
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About Paradise Cooperative
At Paradise Cooperative, our mission is to create a sustainable urban environment that fosters community wellbeing, education, and nature connection while promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the quality of life for all members of the local community. Our programmes include working with local schools, community-focused urban food production, biodiversity protection and community building sessions.
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