We are looking for a new Board Director with strong financial knowledge and expertise to assist, and ultimately assume the role of, the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee.
Board Director – Financial experience and expertise
Title: Board Director
Reports to: Chairperson
Location: Flexible, with a preference for east coast time zones. The WELA team and board works remotely, within AEST hours
Job Type: Voluntary. Approx 2 – 4 hours per week
Experience needed – Financial expertise, understanding of accounting procedures, experience setting and monitoring organisational budgets
About the position
The WELA Board is looking for a new Board Director with strong financial knowledge and expertise to assist, and ultimately assume the role of, the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee.
WELA’s Board culture is built from a foundation of strong governance and deep mutual respect and support for one another. The successful candidate will be joining a highly-functional, practical and fun Finance Committee, alongside the wider Board, which is focused on leading with care and efficiency to support WELA in its work to empower more women and gender diverse people to protect and restore our environment, while solving climate change and taking on the patriarchy.
WELA’s Board Members serve a three-year term before being eligible for re-appointment and as part of this succession plan, the successful candidate will work alongside the current Treasurer for the first year, before assuming the role of Treasurer, ideally for at least one more Board term (i.e. ideally a six year commitment).
Tasks and responsibilities
Alongside the tasks and responsibilities expected of all Board Directors, it is expected that you would shadow and support the Treasurer in their key responsibilities, including:
- Oversight of financial matters and management, including WELA’s budget, monthly financial reports, cash flow, financial reserve and investments.
- Overarching responsibility for the Finance Committee, including acting as Committee Chair.
- Advising the Board on WELA’s financial performance and any financial risks at each Board meeting to enable the Board to make informed decisions and comply with their financial obligations.
- Ensuring compliance with financial and regulatory requirements, working with the Public Officer and Company Secretary as required.
- Ensuring WELA has appropriate policies in place to ensure sound financial management and to enable the CEO and staff to discharge their financial responsibilities.
- Acting as a signatory on WELA’s bank and investment accounts (alongside the CEO and/or Chair).
- Recommend the appointment of the auditor, and review their performance as required.
- Ensuring that the annual audit occurs and the financial reports are prepared in accordance with any accounting, audit and statutory requirements.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
- Financial expertise and the ability to understand accounting procedures
- Experience setting and monitoring organisational budgets
- A commitment to the values and culture of WELA
- Passionate about environmental protection and addressing the climate crisis
- Passionate about supporting women’s leadership
- At least three years experience as a board member (or strong legal, governance, fundraising experience)
- Passion and demonstrated commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles (JEDI)
Desirable
- Previous experience as a Treasurer of a not-for-profit board
- Familiarity with the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services award (or previous experience working with modern awards)
- Experience working with environmental not for profits or feminist organisations
- Experience in governance of not-for-profit organisations
- Experience in fundraising – and a willingness to be involved in fundraising and/or engage your networks as donors, partners or champions
- Legal background and knowledge, including Work Health and Safety, employment, insurance and risk management
About WELA
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) is empowering, supporting and funding women’s leadership for our environment and climate action, in order to transform Australia’s response to our environmental and climate crises.
Overwhelmingly, our existing political, business and societal leadership has failed to adequately address the climate and environmental crises at hand.
It’s time for a leadership change. Put simply, we will not get out of this by relying on the same leadership that got us into it. Instead, leadership styles that are strongly networked, collaborative, and responsive to communities will be essential in the transition to a sustainable future. Qualities we see in abundance in women’s leadership. We need more of it.
Our 3-year strategic action plan prioritises expansion of our training, development and support for more connected influence and greater impact.
Board terms
WELA’s Board Members serve a three-year term before being eligible for re-appointment. The total time commitment is expected to average 2-4 hours per week. Board meetings are held online monthly and committee meetings are held separately.
To apply for this position, please upload your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria to Ethical Jobs by 9am Saturday 21st September, 2024. If you want to find out more about the role before applying, please contact us at info@wela.org.au