We are looking for a new Treasurer to oversee, manage and report on the financial affairs of the Festival charity. The role would suit an individual with financial qualifications and experience, ideally with some experience in charity finance and be eligible to become a trustee of the charity. Possessing communication skills, they would join our dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic committee, interpreting financial data to them and making them aware of their financial obligations. As a trustee, they would be required to attend meetings several times a year in the Southend area and are encouraged to be present during the Festival fortnight.

Skills

Roles and responsibilities:
Oversee the financial affairs of the charity and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place, including management of accounts, payments, banking and gift aid
• Bank account signatory
• Oversee regular reporting of Southend Festival of Performing Arts’ financial position at committee meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Oversee the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.
• Lead on appointing and liaising with an independent examiner/auditor.
• Review Reserves Policy and include commentary on it in the annual report.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
• Liaise with the committee members to ensure the financial viability of the charity.
• Make fellow committee members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
• Ensure required insurances are in place.
• Management of prize monies, maintaining lists and ensuring preparation pre festival.
• Control of assets and stock
While financial matters are the responsibility of all trustees, it is the Treasurer that the other trustees look to on all aspects of the charity’s financial management and reporting.

Experience, requirements and qualifications:
1. Very good organisational and numerical skills.
2. Very good communication skills.
3. Commitment to the organisation.
4. General IT skills, especially in relation to producing financial records and documents.
5. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
6. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
7. Good understanding of risk management and appetite re strategic growth
8. Good, independent judgement.
9. Willingness to be available to committee for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
10. Financial qualifications and experience.
11. Some experience of charity finance desirable.
12. Eligible to be a trustee of a charity.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate:
• An interest in promoting the study, performance and appreciation of the performing arts.
• The ability to think creatively and to work as part of a team
• The willingness to gain a sound understanding of the requirement of the role as a trustee and act in the best interests of the charity.
• The ability to be actively involved and devote the necessary time and effort on a voluntary basis.
• Previous membership of a voluntary board would be beneficial, but is not a requirement.
• The willingness to advocate for Southend Festival of Performing Arts in the local community and further afield.

About being a trustee:
• The role of the trustees is to ensure that the charitable aims and the regulatory requirement of the charity are met. The trustees set the long-term aims and strategic direction for Southend Festival of Performing Arts. They also work to make sure that the charity’s money is safe, properly used and accounted for.
• Trustees work on a voluntary basis and are not expected to contribute financially to the charity.
• The trustees meet approximately 8 times a year in the evening in the Southend area. The meetings usually last 2.5 hours.
• Trustees may also be asked for input and advice in between trustee meetings.
• Attendance at the festival would be encouraged.