Treasurer to childcare charity

We're seeking a Treasurer to provide financial oversight and strategic guidance to ensure CASP remains financially sustainable. Working closely with the Finance Officer, CEO and Board, you will help oversee budgets, reporting, and financial controls while supporting the charity longterm plan.

What will you be doing?

CASP is a community-led organisation with strong local roots. It is led by our Founder and Chief Executive Officer and governed by a Board of Trustees comprising parents and local community members. The Board brings lived experience of the challenges faced by families we support and ensures our work reflects local needs.

The Board provides strategic oversight, sets organisational priorities, and ensures accountability for decision-making, budgeting, and fundraising. This structure ensures that our services remain responsive and community-focused.

Board members are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity; they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. At CASP, we adhere to the Charity Governance Code and the requirements of Companies House.

As a trustee, you'll have an essential role in contributing towards the future direction of the charity and making a real difference to the lives of children and families in Southwark.

Purpose of the Role

2026 is a year of changes with many decisions to be made about the future development of our services. It's a crucial time for us to have a trustee on board with strong financial knowledge who can help us make informed financial decisions in this area.

• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.
• In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and Finance Officer, ensure the financial viability of the organisation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure the committee members are aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Regularly report the financial position at committee meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Oversee the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• Work closely with the CEO and Finance Officer to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, ie:
  • Signatories to the account
  • Purchasing limits
  • Purchasing systems
  • Petty cash/ float
  • Salary payments
  • Pensions
  • PAYE and NI payments
  • Others as appropriate
• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.
• Oversee regular reconciliations by the Finance Officer.
• Authorise payments to creditors as appropriate

Qualities

• Knowledge and experience of finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations.
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).
• Good financial analysis skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly
• Knowledge of cloud system accounting (Xero)

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with experience in financial management, budgeting, accountancy, bookkeeping, or business planning, who can confidently oversee the charity's financial position and provide clear guidance to the Board. While a formal accounting qualification is not essential, the successful candidate should have the ability to understand and interpret financial information, monitor budgets, and ensure that appropriate financial controls and reporting processes are in place. Experience within the charity, voluntary, public, or community sector would be beneficial, although transferable skills from the private sector are equally welcomed.

The Treasurer should possess strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to trustees and stakeholders who may not have a financial background. They should be comfortable asking constructive questions, identifying potential financial risks, and contributing to discussions around sustainability, funding, and future growth opportunities. An understanding of charity governance, trustee responsibilities, and compliance requirements would be highly valuable in helping CASP continue to operate transparently and effectively.

In addition to financial expertise, we are seeking someone approachable, collaborative, and able to build positive relationships with trustees, staff, volunteers, funders, and members of the wider community. The ability to work as part of a team, listen to different perspectives, and contribute positively to board discussions is essential. We value diversity of thought, lived experience, and professional background, and we welcome applicants who can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to support the charity's development.

The role offers a meaningful opportunity to use professional skills to make a genuine difference within the local community. Through their contribution, the Treasurer will help ensure that CASP can continue delivering valuable services and opportunities that improve the lives of children, young people, and families. In return, the successful candidate will gain valuable experience in charity governance and leadership, develop strong professional and community networks, and experience the personal reward of contributing to a cause that creates lasting positive impact.

Above all, we are looking for someone who shares CASP's commitment to supporting families and young people and who is motivated by the opportunity to help strengthen and shape the future of the organisation.

What difference will you make?

Serving as Treasurer for Camberwell After School Project (CASP) will bring significant value to the organisation at a pivotal stage in its development. As CASP continues to grow, the Board of Trustees faces important strategic decisions and increasing responsibility for ensuring the charity's long-term sustainability and impact within the Southwark community.

The Treasurer plays a vital leadership role in strengthening the charity's financial strategy, oversight, and governance. By providing financial guidance, ensuring sound financial management, and supporting compliance with charity regulations, the Treasurer helps the Board make informed decisions that safeguard and advance the organisation's mission. Strong financial leadership will enable CASP to continue delivering meaningful support to children and families while planning confidently for future growth.

Beyond financial oversight, the Treasurer's contribution will help build organisational resilience, accountability, and transparency, all of which are essential for maintaining the confidence of funders, partners, staff, volunteers, and the wider community.

For the individual taking on the role, becoming a trustee at CASP offers a rewarding opportunity to gain valuable experience in charity governance, collaborate with fellow trustees and community stakeholders, and contribute directly to shaping the future direction of the organisation. Through their expertise, commitment, and leadership, the Treasurer will make a genuine and lasting difference to the lives of local children and families.

We are confident that your involvement with CASP would be both highly valuable to the organisation and personally fulfilling, offering the opportunity to use your skills to create a positive impact within the community.