The Trustees

Treasurer Vacancy

Role type: Voluntary position
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Time commitment: Approximately one hour per week, plus bi-monthly Board meetings and additional time for the annual audit and specific projects.

We are seeking a Treasurer to join our established and committed Board of Trustees. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional to apply their expertise in a purposeful way, contribute to the strategic direction of the charity and develop their understanding of charity governance and social impact.

Purpose of the Role

The Treasurer will provide financial leadership and oversight to help ensure that The Simon Community remains financially sustainable, well governed and able to deliver its charitable objectives.

Working closely with the Chair, fellow trustees and the operational team, the Treasurer will support effective financial planning, monitor financial performance and risks, and ensure that the Board has the information and guidance it needs to make informed decisions.

The role offers a broad and engaging opportunity to contribute to the long-term success of the charity while supporting the people and communities at the heart of its work.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Oversight and Reporting

  • Oversee the charity’s financial position and ensure appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place.
  • Review financial reports, budgets and forecasts, providing clear and accessible financial advice to the Board.
  • Monitor income, expenditure, cash flow and reserves to support the charity’s financial stability.
  • Ensure the Board understands the charity’s financial performance, position and outlook.

 

2. Financial Planning and Strategy

  • Work with the Chair, trustees and operational team to inform the charity’s strategic and financial planning.
  • Contribute to the development and review of annual budgets and longer-term financial forecasts.
  • Advise on financial sustainability, resource allocation and the financial implications of new initiatives and projects.
  • Support the Board in making decisions that balance financial responsibility with the charity’s mission and impact.

3. Governance, Compliance and Risk Management

  • Help ensure that the charity meets its financial reporting, governance and regulatory obligations.
  • Support the Board in identifying, assessing and managing financial risks.
  • Promote sound financial management, accountability and transparency.
  • Contribute to the review of relevant financial policies and procedures.

4. Investment Portfolio

  • Oversee the charity’s investment portfolio on behalf of the Board, ensuring that investments are managed responsibly and in accordance with agreed objectives and policies.
  • Monitor investment performance and associated risks.
  • Advise trustees on investment decisions, balancing appropriate returns, risk and the charity’s longer-term financial needs.
  • Ensure that investment arrangements are reviewed periodically and remain appropriate for the charity.

5. Audit and Financial Assurance

  • Liaise with the charity’s auditors or independent examiners, as appropriate.
  • Support the annual audit or independent examination process and help ensure that financial records and reporting are accurate and complete.
  • Present relevant financial matters to the Board and support the implementation of any recommendations arising from the audit process.

6. Support and Collaboration

  • Act as a financial sounding board for the Chair, fellow trustees, staff and volunteers.
  • Work collaboratively with the operational team to strengthen financial understanding and decision-making across the organisation.
  • Attend and contribute to Board meetings, helping trustees understand key financial issues and their implications.
  • Support a culture of teamwork, accountability and shared commitment to the charity’s objectives.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Experience in finance, accounting, financial management or a related professional field.
  • Strong financial literacy and the ability to interpret financial information and explain it clearly to non-financial colleagues.
  • Good analytical skills and sound judgement.
  • An understanding of financial controls, budgeting, forecasting and risk management.
  • The ability to work collaboratively with trustees, staff and volunteers.
  • A commitment to the aims and values of The Simon Community and a desire to make a positive difference to people experiencing homelessness.

Desirable

  • Experience of serving as a trustee, treasurer or committee member within a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
  • Knowledge of charity finance, governance and regulatory requirements.
  • Experience of investment oversight, audit processes or financial risk management.
  • A recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent professional experience.

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is approximately one hour per week, alongside attendance at bi-monthly Board meetings. Additional time may be required during the annual audit, budget-setting periods or for specific projects.

We aim to make this a manageable and rewarding voluntary role, supported by an established and committed Board.

What the Role Offers

Becoming Treasurer of The Simon Community offers the opportunity to:

  • Make a tangible difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
  • Apply your financial expertise to a cause with a long-standing impact in London.
  • Broaden your experience of charity finance, governance and strategic decision-making.
  • Work alongside a thoughtful, passionate and committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers.
  • Help shape the charity’s financial future and support the continuation of its vital work.

 

 

How to Express Interest

If you are interested in becoming Treasurer of The Simon Community, or know someone whose skills and experience might be a good fit, we would love to hear from you.

Please get in touch to find out more about the role and how you could contribute to our work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Contact rcullen@simoncommunity.org.uk

Chris Hunton

(Chair)

Growing up in North London, I was a near neighbour of The Simon Community in Malden Rd at the end of the 1980s when I was a teacher. Since then I have built a career in marketing and advertising, having been both CEO and Managing Director of a couple of agencies in London.

For the last 15 years, I have been part of the senior team at WPP, the world's largest marketing services company, as well as the longest serving member on the industry council, the IPA.

I have tried to find time outside of work for positive causes and have provided consultancy to the Guide Dogs for the Blind and been a supporter of the Royal British Legion for over 10 years. I have enjoyed being Chair of the Simon Community since 2021 and look forward to contributing in future. 

Alex Pickering

(Treasurer)

I have been part of the The Simon Community since January 2019 as Treasurer, looking after the finances and funding requirements as well as providing advice on best practice to the Board. I am extremely grateful to our loyal donor base who provide us with the funds to deliver our services.

Outside of the Community I am a Chartered Accountant and work within the leisure sector, based just north of London.

Dagnija O’Connell

I worked as a Mental Health Nurse for over 30 years.

In the last 20 years, before retiring from Nursing, I was with a Team set up to access and engage people who were sleeping out on the street that were thought to be experiencing mental health problems.

Our Team worked alongside many different agencies and organisations that were offering services to support people experiencing homelessness.

Reflection on Practice was very much a part of my ongoing professional development.

When I volunteered with the Quakers Open Christmas I was taken with the quiet reflection before each shift and also after each shift before giving feedback on how it had gone.

I am hoping that as a New Trustee I will be able to get to know more of the history of the Simon Community and help to support the volunteers and the workers in the work that they do.

Gesa Bukowski

As a solicitor, I bring a keen eye for detail which will help me to ensure that the Simon Community stays on top of any legal requirements applicable to it. Building on several years of experience of volunteering with different homelessness organisations, I am excited to get involved in the running of the Simon Community. As a European citizen I also hope to bring a different perspective to the Board.

Outside of work and volunteering, I enjoy reading, cycling and cooking new dishes.

Peter Stuart McKay B.C.A.

I have been volunteering with the Simon Community for about 14 years now, at the night shelter, street café and evening centre. I also volunteer with Showerbox and the Quaker Mobile Library. The Simon Community were there for me when I was on the streets and this is my way of giving back. I joined the Board in 2023 and I am looking forward to the year ahead.