Volunteer Director of Finance and Trustee

Unity

MK is a Milton Keynes charity supporting people in our city who are without a safe or stable place to call home. Our mission is to break the cycle of housing crisis by providing holistic pathways of support that empower individuals to feel valued, connected and able to thrive. We offer a range of practical and emotional services- from emergency accommodation and winter night shelter provision to welfare advice, meals, showers, laundry facilities and support with housing, benefits and wellbeing- all delivered with dignity and compassion.

The Volunteer Finance Trustee (Treasurer) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of Unity

MK’s financial affairs, ensuring the charity’s long-term financial sustainability, robust financial controls, and full compliance with charity and company law.

As a Trustee, the post-holder shares collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and effective management of Unity

MK in pursuit of its charitable objectives supporting people experiencing homelessness.

• Act in the best interests of Unity
  
  MK and ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and all relevant regulations.
• Ensure Unity
  
  MK pursues its charitable objects effectively and applies its resources appropriately.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s strategic leadership, including setting goals, approving policy, monitoring performance and managing risk.
• Ensure expenditure aligns with Unity
  
  MK’s charitable objectives.
• Alongside fellow Trustees, appoint, support and hold the Chief Executive Officer to account for performance.
• Act as an ambassador for Unity
  
  MK, supporting its profile, partnerships and reputation.

• Maintain oversight of Unity
  
  MK’s financial affairs and ensure the charity remains financially viable.
• Oversee the finalisation and presentation of monthly management accounts, quarterly finance reports for Trustees, annual budgets and statutory accounts, supported by the Finance Manager and CEO.
• Review financial information and provide assurance to the Board on financial performance, cash flow, reserves and risks identified.
• Ensure Trustees approve all appropriate financial policies required to be in place, including reserves, borrowing requirements, investment and financial controls.
• Support the CEO’s line management of the Finance Manager by providing technical advice and challenge where appropriate (without taking on an operational management role).
• Liaise with external auditors/independent reviewer, including attending audit planning and/or clearance meetings, and present audit findings to the Board.
• Act as bank signatory and approve payments above agreed thresholds in line with delegated authority.
• Review of finalisation of financial papers prepared by the Unity
  
  MK in-house Finance Manager (monthly management accounts, quarterly finance report, annual budget and annual statutory accounts).
• Contribute to discussions on fundraising strategy, budgeting and longer-term financial planning with the CEO and appropriate staff.
• Ensure compliance with Charity SORP and other relevant financial reporting requirements.

• Attendance at four Board meetings per year (2–3 hours each, typically 4.30–7.00pm), usually held in person at The Ridgeway Centre, Milton Keynes.
• Attendance at annual audit meetings when required (approximately 1 hour each).
• Participation in at least one project visit per year.
• Additional ad-hoc engagement with the CEO or Finance Manager as required.

• A strong financial background; CCAB qualified accountant with working knowledge of Charity SORP.
• Ability to understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a charity trustee.
• Strategic thinker with sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• Experience of working with external professionals (bank, audit).
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Commitment to Unity
  
  MK’s mission and values, with enthusiasm for contributing to its development.
• Skilled at networking and relationship…