Treasurer

What is required

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation. Duties include:

• Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Director of Mandala Yoga Ashram.
• Advising on the financial implications of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process.
• Ensuring that the accounts prepared by the ashram’s auditors/accountants are submitted to the Charity Commission.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Director to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

Who we are looking for:

• A Finance professional. Knowledge of Charity Finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience.
• 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, liaising with auditors/accountants.
• Further guidance on managing charity finances can be found here.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees.

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Mandala Yoga Ashram’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee Mandala Yoga Ashram’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Mandala Yoga Ashram.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Mandala Yoga Ashram’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Mandala Yoga Ashram’s Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Mandala Yoga Ashram’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings (mostly online), adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Mandala Yoga Ashram’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Mandala Yoga Ashram’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the 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, or other issue, in which the trustee has special expertise.

Additional attributes, skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of Mandala Yoga Ashram.
• 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 the ashram’s values.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

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 induction and training.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office
This is a voluntary position, however, in return for your service to the ashram, we can offer you a complimentary place on a residential retreat of your choosing, up to a maximum of 5 days, for each year of service given. Longer courses of 7+ days are excluded from this offer. There would be an initial trial period of six months before this offer can be taken up.

Time Commitment (Estimated at approximately 5 hours per month)

• Attending Trustee meetings according to the needs of the ashram. Currently meetings are held remotely, with one in person meeting held at Mandala Yoga Ashram in Wales, usually in March.
• Regular meetings with the Director of the ashram, with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Attending strategy/training sessions as they arise.

If you are interested in this role, please forward a covering letter and copy of your CV to [email protected]. Please use the subject line in your email FAO: Board of Trustees re Treasurer vacancy. 

Closing Date: 9th March 2025