Volunteer Board Director - Treasurer

About Pets of the Homeless

Pets Of The Homeless (POTH) help keep vulnerable people and their pets together by alleviating the burden of providing essential pet care during times of hardship. We believe that the companionship and the therapeutic value of pets is immeasurable and nothing should come between a loving owner and their pet. Not homelessness. Not financial hardship. Not domestic violence. Pets are family – and nothing should stand in the way of that.

We’re looking for an experienced professional proficient in finance and risk management and not-for-profit finance strategy to join our organisation as Treasurer of the Board.

Knowledge of homelessness and or animal welfare, community services, and nonprofit or public sector involvement would be an added bonus. The Treasurer of the Board has an overview of the financial status of Pets of the Homeless. This role ensures financial planning is undertaken and financial viability and growth of the organisation is achieved. The Treasurer is seen as the caretaker of Pets of the Homeless finances.

The Treasurer undertakes the financial planning, recording and reporting role in collaboration with the Board or other committee established to oversee the financial position of Pets of the Homeless.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a non-executive board member, in addition to adhering to the ACNC Governance Standards, you will have the responsibility to:

• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events;
• Work collaboratively with Board members and the Senior Leadership team; &
• Proactively identify, communicate and work to resolve governance and strategic challenges as we grow.

As Treasurer you will also have responsibility over the governance of POTH’s finances, including:

• Overseeing financial planning, management, reporting and auditing.
  This includes ensuring the adequacy of financial controls, including the financial delegations and the annual financial audit process.
• Co-authorise payments and sign-off financial statements.
• Liaise with the contract bookkeeper to oversee the accuracy of reports.
• Communicating financial issues to the board.
• Proactively, clearly and simply communicate financial issues to the board, and where appropriate provide your informed recommendation.
• Regularly communicate the financial position and performance, as well as relevant financial KPIs to the board.
• Ensure responsible management of finances and lead the organisation's finance strategy.
• Ensure fund use and financial reporting complies with conditions set by funding bodies, regulators and the agreed financial plan. Work with the senior leadership team to review the annual budget.

Required Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Accounting qualification (CPA or CA)
• Financial management experience

Preferred

• Previous experience with Boards, understanding of corporate governance, and proven leadership/management skills
• Effective communicator and collaborator, strong attention to detail, good commercial acumen
• Prior experience with Xero
• Passionate about Pets Of The Homeless’ mission, and human and animal welfare issues generally

Time Commitment

As POTH is a relatively young organisation, the Board consists of ‘working’ Directors who commit a generous amount of time to optimise the performance of POTH and ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements.

Board members are expected to attend six Board meetings and six Strategy meetings each year at POTH headquarters in Cheltenham (or via digital communication channels), attend major fundraising events when possible, donate time to support delivery of initiatives (where required), and advocate and actively help raise funds for POTH. Own time is also required to complete the key responsibilities outlined above.

What you can look forward to

• The opportunity to shape and grow POTH as it positions itself to become a major player in this NFP space
• Work with like-minded and passionate professionals dedicated to making a real difference for the people and animals we support and the wider community

How to apply for this role

We welcome expressions of interest from committed individuals motivated by our vision of a community where no person is separated from their pet due to homelessness or disadvantage.

This is an opportunity to join the Board of a successful, rapidly growing charity based in Melbourne. We value diversity and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

Please submit a cover letter with your resume outlining how your skills and experience are a great match for Pets of the Homeless to board@petsofthehomeless.org.au.