SSAFA Gloucestershire Branch Treasurer

What is a Branch Treasurer?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a treasurer overseeing the divisions that, in turn each have a treasurer of their own. This is a key role involving financial planning and financial administration.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. One of the key ways we help people is by tapping into various sources of funding on their behalf. Monitoring and reconciling this flow of funding into and out of SSAFA accounts is important to ensure clients receive timely support and we are able to account for all charitable funds in our care.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home.

This flexible role involves using our on-line financial management system and on-line bank accounts and so can be done when and where suits you best. You will need to attend a number of branch committee meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions

• Supporting divisions to manage their local finances

• Making and recording all authorised payments

• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review

• Working with the branch secretary, advise on a local fundraising programme to cover branch running costs

• Identify and manage the return of any surplus monies from grants as appropriate

• Providing reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s Central Office

• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system

• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser

• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a responsible role in a well-respected charity

• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others

• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community

• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What about training and support?

• Support from the branch Chair and the Finance team based as our central office.

• On-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe

• Access to a range of e-learning courses

• Support from the Volunteer Support Manager and the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office

• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of financial administration

• good written and spoken English

• ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues

• ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address

• willingness to use our on-line banking and on-line finance management system (this is covered in training)

• reliable attitude; contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.

• ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely

• access to public transport or a car to gravel to meetings etc.

• ability to provide two referees: former employers or other people that know you well (other than relatives)

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)

Is a criminal record check required? No