Respair Therapy C.I.C. blends psychotherapy, movement, and community-led projects (including silent disco sessions) to support mental health in ways that feel human, flexible, and accessible ...
Volunteer Finance Director
Practical details
Volunteering • Short term role
Contact person
Debbie Sheringham
Provided
#126050
Scan me or visit www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Respair/opportunities/Volunteer-Finance-Director/126050 to join
We're looking for Volunteer Finance Director who understands QuickBooks, budgeting, cash flow, management accounts and grants for CICs or charities.
Role Description
Role Summary
The Volunteer Finance Director will join Respair’s Board and act as its principal financial adviser. Working closely with Debbie, our Founder and Managing Director, they will help us understand the figures, plan ahead and decide what is financially realistic. The role is about oversight, interpretation and sound judgement. Routine bookkeeping, payroll, statutory accounts and tax returns remain with our bookkeeper and external accountant.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
- Review management information, cash flow and actual spending against budget.
- Explain financial performance, risks and opportunities to the Board in plain English.
- Advise the Managing Director on staffing, fees, contracts, new projects, grants and significant purchases.
- Monitor restricted grants and spending against approved funder budgets.
- Help Respair understand the full cost and sustainability of its services.
- Develop proportionate financial policies and controls, including reserves and spending limits.
- Work with the bookkeeper and external accountant, including reviewing the annual accounts, Corporation Tax information and financial parts of the CIC report.
- Help the Board ensure that appropriate financial records, processes and controls are in place.
- Offer supportive but independent challenge when a proposal is not financially realistic.
Working pattern and commitment
The role is mainly remote and flexible. The expected commitment is around three to five hours each month, with a little more time around the annual budget and year end. The Finance Director will attend four Board meetings a year, a short monthly catch up with Debbie and occasional calls or emails when an important decision arises. There is no Finance Committee or Chair responsibility at present.
What’s in it for the candidate
This is a chance to have a direct influence on a small, growing Community Interest Company. In 2026, Respair received a £20,000 National Lottery grant for Babe Club (a silent disco for parents of new babies). Strong financial oversight will help us protect that funding, build sustainable services and make dance, movement and psychological support more accessible.
The candidate can build Board and CIC governance experience, work with a friendly team and see Respair’s work first hand. They may also use our silent disco kit free of hire charge once a year for a private party with family or friends, subject to availability and our usual hire arrangements. We also offer a small non-cash thank-you gift during the winter holiday period.
Person specification
A professional accountancy qualification would be useful, but it is not essential where a candidate has substantial relevant experience. All criteria will be considered through the application and an informal interview.
Professional experience
| Essential | Substantial experience in finance, accounting or a closely related field. |
| Essential | Experience with a charity, Community Interest Company, social enterprise or small purpose led organisation. |
| Essential | Experience of restricted grants, funder budgets and financial reporting. |
| Essential | Substantial experience using QuickBooks. |
| Desirable | A recognised finance qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT, or equivalent experience. |
| Desirable | Previous experience as a Finance Director, Treasurer or Board member. |
Skills and abilities
| Essential | Can prepare and interpret annual budgets, project budgets, cash flow forecasts and management accounts. |
| Essential | Can compare actual results with a budget, identify significant differences and recommend action. |
| Essential | Can assess the financial effect of a project, contract, staffing decision or significant purchase. |
| Essential | Can explain financial information clearly to people without a finance background. |
| Essential | Can develop sensible financial policies and controls for a small organisation. |
| Desirable | Knowledge of payroll, PAYE, pensions, Corporation Tax and Companies House reporting. |
Personal qualities
| Essential | Practical, approachable and easy to talk to. |
| Essential | Able to give honest, independent advice and ask difficult questions respectfully. |
| Essential | Trustworthy, reliable and able to handle sensitive information confidentially. |
| Essential | Able to work collaboratively while using independent judgement. |
| Essential | Comfortable with the slightly unpredictable nature of a small, growing organisation. |
Knowledge and values
| Essential | Understands the need for sound financial stewardship, appropriate controls and statutory compliance. |
| Essential | Supports Respair’s commitment to inclusion, fairness and accessible mental health support. |
| Desirable | An interest in mental health, therapy, community work, dance or the creative arts. |
We do not expect one person to know everything. We do expect them to recognise the limits of their knowledge, ask questions and seek specialist advice when needed.
Related to
About Respair Therapy CIC
Respair Therapy C.I.C. blends psychotherapy, movement, and community-led projects (including silent disco sessions) to support mental health in ways that feel human, flexible, and accessible. Respair is a non-profit organisation committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to explore their inner selves, connect with others, and embark on a journey towards holistic wellness. Our name, 'Respair,' is an old English word meaning the opposite of despair. It signifies fresh hope and embodies our mission to help individuals and communities recover from despair through therapeutic practices.
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