Treasurer on Board of Trustees

About the Role

The Treasurer is a key officer on the Board of Trustees, responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the Preschool and ensuring that the charity’s finances are managed effectively, transparently, and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. The Treasurer will work closely with the other trustees, staff and volunteers to support the Preschool’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and assess monthly financial reports, as prepared by the Preschool’s Bookkeeper.

• Attend board meetings, typically held once per term and in person, providing financial reports (prepared by the Bookkeeper) to the board.

• Support the board in financial planning, including ensuring contingency/ reserve funds are maintained for unexpected costs and in line with charitable law, aiding with considerations of the financial implications of strategic decisions to support the Preschool’s mission and long-term sustainability.

• If required, assist in arranging for an annual independent review or audit of accounts prior to AGM and submit annual accounts to the Charity Commission.

• Work with the Preschool’s Bookkeeper and Manager to review childcare fees and staff wage increases annually, ensuring compliance with employment legislation, charitable law and budget constraints, and providing ad hoc support where required.

• Ensure effective financial oversight and risk managementof the setting (working closely with the Preschool’s Chair, Bookkeeper and Manager), including that processes for receiving, spending, and recording money are robust, transparent, and compliant with charity law and best practice.

• Act as a counter-signatory or payment authorises oncharitable expenditure, as required.

• Together with the wider Board, champion the Preschool within the local community and foster a positive and collaborative Board culture.

What We’re Looking For

• Financial management experience, such as bookkeeping, accounting or financial administration.

• Ability to interpret financial statements, budgets, and cash flow forecasts (as prepared by an experienced Bookkeeper), and explain financial information clearly to non-specialists, supporting informed decision-making by the board.

• Familiarity with charity accounting principles and statutory requirements would be helpful, or a willingness to learn same.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and reliability in all financial matters.

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of trustees, including those new to governance.

• Eligible to act as a charity trustee and satisfactory Ofsted suitability checks, including an enhanced DBS check.

• Commitment to the Preschool’s aims and values, fostering it’s continued strong reputation within the local community.

• Willing to undertaking training relevant to the role as needed.

• Commitment to maintaining high standards of confidentiality, honesty and integrity, acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times and avoiding and declaring situations which may lead to a conflict of interest.

• Commitment to remaining in the role for a number of years, to ensure stability for the setting going forwards.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real impact on the lives of local children and families.

• Use your skills and experience to support a valued community organisation.

• Flexible commitment: in-person Board meetings once per term, plus ad hoc support; expected time commitment is 3-6 hours a month, term-time only.

This is a voluntary role, subject to an enhanced DBS check.