Finance Trustee

Overview :

Trustees of Crewe Heritage Trust are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Crewe Heritage Centre. To deliver the charitable objects, trustees develop the organisational aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. They are collectively responsible for financial sustainability.

The Finance Trustee oversees the financial responsibilities of the organisation and ensures Crewe Heritage Trust is legal, constitutional, fully compliant with regulatory bodies and within accepted accounting practice.

About Us :

See history brought to life and discover the story of the small farming community that was transformed into the railway capital of the world. Constructed on the former site of the Grand Junction Railway Works, we’re now home to iconic locomotives and an impressive collection of artefacts that celebrate the past, present and future of Crewe.

Our team of dedicated volunteers are passionate about inspiring our visitors’ curiosity in the people, businesses and engineering marvels that call Crewe their home.

The responsibilities of Trustees are:

• Ensure Crewe Heritage Trust:     

  • Complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations, including the Museum Accreditation Standard

  • Pursues its objects as defined in its governing document and acts within the powers defined within it

  • Remains financially sustainable

  • Protects and manages organisational assets, invests funds properly and uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects

  • Runs effectively and efficiently including delivery of care of the collection, site management and policy compliance

  • Appropriately appoints and monitors performance of staff members

• Contribute actively to the role giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets taking appropriate action to remedy variations where necessary

• Ensure all significant risks are recognised, mitigated and monitored

• Exercise reasonable care, skills and independent judgement

• Avoid conflicts of interest and declare interest in any proposed transactions or arrangements

• Maintain absolute confidentiality in regard to the business of Crewe Heritage Centre

• Safeguard the good name and values of Crewe Heritage Centre and act as an enthusiastic and well-informed ambassador

• Use specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustee’s reach sound decisions. This may involve:

  • Scrutinising board business

  • Leading discussions

  • Focusing on key issues

  • Providing guidance on new initiatives

  • Taking an active role in board sub-committees

  • Leading on other issues and activities in which the individual has special expertise or skill.

  • Adhere to the Museums Association Code of Ethics and all organisational policies

Additional Financial Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective procedures are in place to achieve financial compliance in all aspects of the organisation’s work

• Monitor and report on the health of the organisation from a financial perspective

• Ensure proper records are kept and oversee the production of necessary financial reports, returns, accounts and audits including the annual budget, year end trustees report and accounts for the auditors

• Make fellow trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data

• Appraise the viability of plans and proposals from a financial perspective

• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors and any other third parties providing financial services to the organisation

• Lead on fundraising and income generation

• Monitor and report payroll and auto enrolment pension obligations

• To oversee and inform the creation and updating of a financial risk management and mitigation processes

Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Professionally qualified accountant preferably with charity sector experience

• Knowledge and experience of current financial practices, legislation and regulations relevant to a charitable and voluntary organisation

• Knowledge and experience of charity fundraising

• Knowledge and experience of income generation

• Good financial analysis skills

• Good communication and report writing skills

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management processes

• Knowledge of Gift Aid, VAT and other relevant schemes in the charity sector

• Understanding of payroll requirements and procedures

• Commitment to the organisation

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively

• Willingness to speak your mind

• Has influence and wide ranging networks

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team