Treasurer

Role Description and Person Specification

Treasurer

The role of CARA’s treasurer is to support the Board to oversee all aspects of financial management,
and  to  make  recommendations  to  the  Board  in  relation  to  the  organisation’s  finances.  It  should  be
noted that having a treasurer as part of the  Board structure does not absolve other Board members
from the financial responsibilities of their role.
The Treasurer is responsible for:

•  Liaising  with  relevant  staff  about  financial  matters  to  ensure  information  to  the  Board  is

comprehensive and clear.

•  Ensuring that the Board receives regular budget reports.
•  Ensuring the development of budgets, accounts and financial statements to the required

standards.

•  Providing assurance that appropriate financial systems and controls are in place.
•  Supporting the Board to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
•  Advising on financial implications of strategic and operational plans.
•  Supporting the Board to ensure that proper financial records are kept.
•  Making  recommendations  to  the  Board  in  relation  to  financial  matters  and  ensuring  that

Board members aware of their financial responsibilities.

•  Taking the lead on the appointment and oversight of the auditor.

Person Specification

•  A  financial  background,  such  as  being  a  qualified  accountant  or  having  experience  of

finance, ideally charity finance.

•  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.

•  Willing  to  play  an  active  role  in  areas  such  as  forecasting,  setting  budgets,  liaising  with

auditors.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees.

The role description for the Treasurer and for all trustees should be read in conjunction with CARA’s
‘Code of Conduct for trustees’.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act and make key
decisions as a group and not as individuals.

Terms of appointment of the Treasurer
Terms of office

•  The  Treasurer  is  appointed  for  a  3-year  term  of  office,  with  re-appointment  for  2  further
terms,  to  a  maximum  of  9  years.    Reappointment  is  subject  to  satisfactory  performance
and contribution.

•  This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment (Estimated at 1 day per month)

•  Attending  6  Board  meetings  annually,  including  some  face-to-face  meetings.    100%

attendance is expected, except in emergencies.

•  Regular communication with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional

ad hoc issue.

•  An annual review meeting with CARA’s accountant after our annual financial statements

have been prepared.

•  Attending strategy day or other strategic sessions, as agreed.

September 2025

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