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Treasurer – Music & Disability charity

We are recruiting for a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a charity that is transforming the lives of disabled children and young people through music. The role is a replacement for the Treasurer, which is a pivotal role within the charity, working closely with the Chair and Vice Chair, the CEO and other trustees, as well a financial administrator, external accountant and independent examiner.

The small charity supports children and young people aged 5 to 25, both individually and in group workshops in SEND schools. When they are ready, the charity helps them to integrate into community-based activities such as joining a youth choir or playing in a band, which helps to widen their social life and gain acceptance from their non-disabled peers. It also helps society in general learn how to accommodate the needs of our students and to value their contribution. They are currently working in 15 special schools in London, the Midlands and East Anglia. The charity also works with students on a one-to-one basis, in another 18 schools, providing them with individual lessons.

The charity is entering a period of significant momentum. Their innovative, personalised work is increasingly recognised by experts in disability, education, and music. That recognition is translating into new partnerships, major grants, and greater interest from philanthropists who see the real and lasting change they bring to children’s lives. With the number of children receiving a diagnosis of disability rising each year, the need for their work has never been greater. The Treasurer will play a vital part in planning and delivering a sustainable growth strategy and extending reach to ensure many more children across the UK can benefit from the charity’s impressive services and programmes.

The Treasurer position would be perfect for a qualified accountant with prior charitable experience – with sufficient time available to contribute meaningfully to the role and help the charity develop. The charity has a turnover of approximately £400k per annum and is currently expanding through additional programmes and income diversification. You will work with an excellent board committed to seeing the charity through this exciting period of growth.

What will you be doing?

As Treasurer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the charity. Working closely with the CEO and fellow Trustees, you will oversee all financial aspects of the charity’s operations and help shape its long-term strategy.

This includes:

- Develop, monitor, and strengthen financial controls, policies, and processes.

- Chair the Finance & Risk Sub-Committee, providing leadership and oversight.

- Oversee the work of the contracted accountant, who produces monthly management accounts.

- Prepare clear and accessible financial reports for bi-monthly Board meetings.

- Work with the CEO to create the annual budget and provide financial input to the three-year

strategy and business plan.

- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.

- Prepare the statutory annual accounts and liaise with the external examiner.

- Provide accurate financial information to strengthen funding applications and support growth.

What experience is required?

The charity is looking for a qualified accountant with management and financial accounts experience – ideally in a small or medium sized organisation. Knowledge of charity SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice), restricted and unrestricted funds would be a strong advantage. You will also have the ability to communicate financial matters to the Board and CEO and have a mature attitude towards dealing with external stakeholders and staff. Prior experience as a Trustee/Treasurer would be useful but not essential, as would experience with Xero.

What difference will you make?

You will ensure that at all times the charity’s financial position is sound and transparent and that plans are financially viable. You will be a key member of the small team working very closely with an actively engaged Board of Trustees.

The details:

-There will be 6 board meetings per year (3 remotely, 3 in person in central London)

-You will also Chair the Finance & Risk Sub-committee – this is an additional 3 meetings per year

-The remaining time commitment will vary but is likely to average 5-8 hours per week. Busy times include working on the annual report in Jan/Feb (approx. 1 week work) and working on budgets during the autumn (approx. 1 week work)

-Other commitments expected from the Treasurer include: On a monthly basis checking and distributing the management accounts, liaising with the external accountant and volunteer admin person as required, preparing a Board report 1-2 pages every other month, providing financial information for funding applications once or twice a month.

The role is voluntary - being a trustee is not a paid position. However, the charity are happy to cover any reasonable expenses you incur in fulfilling your trustee role, including travel and childcare.

The organisation is accepting applications on a rolling basis throughout September 2025, so please reply to this advert with your CV to be considered.

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