Job Description

Volunteer Trustee Treasurer (RSPCA South East Somerset)

Join our Board of Trustees and use your financial expertise to help shape and safeguard local animal welfare. As Treasurer, you'll oversee the charity's finances, support strategic planning, and ensure sound financial governance--all while making a meaningful impact in your community.

This role would suit an experienced finance professional--such as a Finance Director or senior accountant--who has advised boards on financial strategy, risk, and compliance. The commitment is up to 8 hours per month, including attendance at a monthly committee meeting (typically 2 hours).

About the RSPCA South East Somerset

South East Somerset is an independent branch of the RSPCA, we are also a separately registered branch of the RSPCA. We raise money to support our local animal welfare work in the community.

We operate across South and East Somerset. Our branch is run by a committee of locally elected volunteers who as Trustees are responsible for the management and administration of the branch's affairs. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? As a trustee of a branch you will have the chance to influence how we promote good welfare and prevent cruelty to animals.

Trustee Overview:

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management of the affairs of the Charity. It conducts its business through properly regulated meetings and follows agreed processes and procedures. It demonstrates its accountability through the publication of appropriate reports, and where appropriate, regulatory bodies.

Trustees should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on initiatives.

General Trustee Responsibilities

Work with the board as a team to ensure its effectiveness in setting and implementing the charity's culture, direction, and strategy. To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation To ensure the financial stability of the organisation

Treasure Main Responsibilities

To ensure that the Board receives appropriate budgetary and financial information on the activities of the charity, including Annual Accounts and presents financial reports to every Trustees meeting To ensure that all accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies To recommend to the Board appropriate accounting procedures, controls and policies To oversee the appointment of auditors and review on a regular basis. Leading, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements Advising on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans Leading the charity's investment policy and monitoring the performance of its investments To ensure that all equipment and assets are adequately maintained and accounted for. To ensure that all financial policies, procedures and the appointment of external financial advisors are reviewed on a regular basis Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation Identifying, coding and inputting invoices for secondary authorisation in conjunction with staff Managing all leases and utility contracts Overseeing all of the charity's bank accounts and being a co-signatory inn conjunction with the chair

Person Specification

Essential

:

Good interpersonal skills Able to contribute as a team player Ability to commit to the required monthly time for the role Strong ethical standards and integrity Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship, and the Treasurer's role in particular Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the board and other stakeholders Competent IT skills, with working knowledge of QuickBooks Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post.

Desirable

:

Qualified accountant or similar with demonstration of not-for-profit awareness and knowledge.

What can we offer you?

It's a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals and their carers. Ongoing support is also provided by the national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training offered through the branch. Volunteer at the heart of the local community

Practical Considerations

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting up to 2 hours, plus a limited time reviewing and loading invoices, etc. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

It is expected that the scope of the role, including the monthly committee meeting, would be 8 hours per month

Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it's the right decision for you, we recommend visiting:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity-trustee-whats-involved

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Yeovil BA21 3DX

Application deadline: 29/07/2025
Expected start date: 26/08/2025