Financial Controller and Treasurer Role Descriptions

Financial Controller Role Description

Role Title

Financial Controller, responsible to the Trustees via the Operating Group

Main purpose of the role

  • Responsible for the day to day financial operations of the Museum.
  • Maintain complete, accurate and timely accounting records.
  • Ensure financial control procedures are in place and operating effectively.
  • Produce management accounts on a regular basis for consumption by various Groups, from Trustees to Role-based Teams.
  • Lead the Finance Group.

Main tasks/activities of the role

  • Maintain accounting records accounting for all income and expenditure.
  • Operate fund accounting according to Charity Commission requirements, using general, designated and restricted funds.
  • Prepare an annual budget based on prior year and discussions with individual budget holders.
  • Maintain a list of equipment purchased, although not qualifying for capitalisation and a fixed asset register.
  • Operate project accounting to ensure a record of spend can be sent back to a grantor, usually an external body, as needed.

Skills, Attitude and Experience needed

  • Accounting qualification is ideal, but not essential provided the volunteer is numerate
  • Good team work is essential
  • Attention to detail
  • Good Excel skills preferred but not essential

Support available  

  • Museum Development Office

Benefits to the Volunteer

  • Being a vital part of the museum without being front of house
  • Can do the role in your own time
  • Satisfaction of performing a pivotal role
  • Learn new skills

Treasurer Role Description

Role Title

Treasurer, responsible to the Trustees

Main purpose of the role

  • Advising the Trustees on how to carry out their financial responsibilities.
  • Monitoring the financial administration of the Museum and reporting to the Trustees and elsewhere, in compliance with the Museum’s constitution which includes meeting Charities Commission and ACE Accreditation requirements.
  • Overseeing the Museum’s financial risk-management process.
  • Acting as a counter signatory to bank payments and applications to funders.
  • Liaising with the independent accounts examiner.

Main tasks/activities of the role

  • Prepare and submit accounts in accordance with the current Charity Commission SORPs based on complete and accurate accounting records.
  • Ensure the operation of fund accounting according to Charity Commission requirements, using general, designated and restricted funds.
  • Propose an annual budget based on prior year and discussions with individual budget holders and submit to the Trustees for approval prior to the start of the financial year.
  • Ensure the operation of project accounting to ensure a record of spend can be sent back to a grantor, usually an external body, as needed.

Skills, Attitude and Experience needed

  • Accounting qualification is strongly preferred, but not essential
  • Willingness to undertake Continuing Professional Development sufficient to ensure competence in the role
  • Good team work is essential, as the role operates at all levels within the Museum
  • Attention to detail
  • Good Excel skills preferred but not essential

Support available  

  • Training courses via the Museum’s various memberships
  • Museum Development Office
  • Charity Commission Guidance

Benefits to the Volunteer

  • Being a vital part of the museum without being front of house
  • Can do the role in your own time
  • Satisfaction of performing a pivotal role
  • Learn new skills