Paradise Co-operative exists to enrich the lives of local people. Together we learn through nature and work with the land.
We are looking to appoint an additional trustee to the charity’s board to lead on financial matters. The role is unpaid and voluntary with an expected effort commitment of 1-2 hours per week.
Who we are
Paradise Cooperative was founded in 2014 with the aim of finding and utilising underdeveloped land for urban growing and community gardening.
What we are looking for?
* A finance professional ideally with a qualification in accounting, audit or finance. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
* A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
* Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
* Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, and liaising with the auditor.
Responsibilities
* Making sure the charity keeps proper accounts.
* Reviewing the charity’s financial performance.
* Overseeing the financial performance and budgets being presented to the board.
* Drawing up or reviewing policies for finance and investment.
* Ensuring that the charity has robust and effective financial controls in place.
* Liaising with the charity’s independent examiner.
* Working closely with the director of operations to ensure the day-to-day finances are being run effectively, which includes:
o Employee and contractor salaries are paid in a timely manner, including obligations to HMRC and pension providers.
o Invoices are being raised and paid for services offered by the charity.
o Annual submission of report and accounts to the Charity Commission.
o Expenditure of operational team is within agreed limits.
o Strengthening of financial processes to ensure effective oversight and governance by the trustee board.
* Wider responsibilities of the role shared with the other trustees on the board include:
o Support and provide advice on Paradise Co-operative’s purpose, vision, goals, and activities.
o Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
o Oversee Paradise Co-operative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
o Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
o Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored, and controlled effectively.
o Review and approve Paradise Co-operative’s financial statements.
o Provide support and challenge to Paradise Co-operative’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
o Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Co-operative’s operating environment.
o Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Co-operative’s own governance.
o Attend board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
o Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Co-operative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
o Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Co-operative’s objects, aims, and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge, and contacts.
o As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Attributes and qualities
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.
Personal skills and qualities
* Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
* Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
* Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
* A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
* Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
* Willingness to lead according to our values.
* Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
To apply
Please send a brief note explaining your interest and suitability for this role with a curriculum vitae (CV) to finance@paradisecooperative.org by Monday 4th November 2024. Interviews will be held during November 2024.
Paradise Co-operative is committed to promoting an inclusive and diverse community for all team members and volunteers. Please let us know if you require any adjustments in applying for this role, or require the job advert in larger font or alternative formats.
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