About CIVA
CIVA aims to find and support new solutions to social problems. The charity has several strands of work, including incubating social entrepreneurs, acting as fiscal host/support for individuals and emerging organisations, running a small number of donor-advised funds and CIVA:Invests, an early stage social investment fund. CIVA is an initiator and networker and we don’t run large projects ourselves.
Following an analysis of the manager’s role, the trustees have identified a need for accountancy skills on the board, to advise trustees in carrying out their financial responsibilities and support the Finance Manager to ensure CIVA’s financial systems and procedures are fit for purpose.
CIVA’s board is diverse, and we particularly welcome women and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds to ensure our Board reflects the experience and skills we need to reflect the diverse groups we work with. We are open to applications from people with no previous trustee experience.
About the role
We are looking for someone to work closely with the Finance Manager (FM) with the following responsibilities:
* Keep financial policies and procedures under review and suggest adjustments/improvements as needed.
* Be available for accounting and related queries from the Finance Manager.
* Review manual journal adjustments posted to the accounting system.
* Review quarterly management accounts and bank reconciliations.
* Act as sounding board for the preparation and scrutiny of the annual accounts, participate in the audit planning and follow-up processes to ensure a proportionate approach.
* Advise trustees on accounting and related matters.
* Review and advise on risk register.
* Participate in discussions about succession planning, particularly the financial implications.
* Contribute to the monitoring of the Finance Manager’s performance.
Time commitment
There are four board meetings a year (at least two are online) and an away day. The Investment Committee (IC - which oversees social investments through CIVA:Invests) also meets quarterly, and all trustees are invited to attend. The IC may be of interest to the Treasurer, and also forms a significant part of the Finance Manager’s workload.
The Treasurer should also be available between meetings for accounting and related queries from the Finance Manager.
The person
General
* Interest in charities, social enterprise and the causes supported by CIVA.
* Enthusiastic about being part of a trustee board.
* The time and availability to attend meetings and other input as required.
Specific to this position
* Financial expertise, with a recognised accounting qualification and ability to scrutinise and probe financial statements, reports and balance sheet information.
* Ideally an understanding of charity accounts.
* Appreciation of the needs of small organisations.
If you are interested in this role and would like to know more, or have an initial chat, please contact Michael Norton on norton@civa.org.uk ideally by 30 April 2025.
If you would like to apply, a copy of your CV and short statement explaining your interest (no more than 2 sides of A4) will also be helpful.
We will review expressions of interest on a rolling basis.
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