Location: St Tudy, Cornwall
Position: Voluntary (unpaid)
Time Commitment: Approximately 6-8 hours per month, including evening meetings
Are you skilled in financial management and passionate about early childhood education? St Tudy Pre-school is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a Treasurer.
About Us
St Tudy Pre-school is a registered charity and committee-led early years setting, providing high-quality care and education for children aged 12 months to 4 years in the heart of rural Cornwall. We are deeply committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating environment where every child can thrive. Our dedicated team follows the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, emphasizing learning through play and outdoor exploration. We are rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted (September 2023). As a committee-led pre-school, we rely on the expertise and dedication of our trustees to ensure our continued success and sustainability.
Position Overview
The Treasurer plays a vital role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of St Tudy Pre-school. This trustee position involves managing all financial aspects of our charity, from day-to-day operations to strategic financial planning. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chair of Trustees, Pre-school Manager, and committee members to maintain robust financial systems and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including those of the Charity Commission.
Role and Responsibilities
Financial Management & Reporting
- Oversee all financial aspects of the pre-school, including bank accounts, cash flow, and payments
- Manage the pre-school’s accounting system and records (Xero), ensuring accuracy and completeness
- Prepare monthly financial reports for the committee meetings, highlighting key trends and issues
- Develop annual budgets in consultation with the Pre-school Manager and Chair
- Monitor income and expenditure against budget throughout the year
- Ensure all financial transactions are properly recorded and receipted
- Coordinate the annual audit/independent examination process
- Prepare and submit financial information for the annual report to the Charity Commission
Operational Finance
- Process staff payroll on a monthly basis, including PAYE and National Insurance contributions
- Manage parent invoicing and fee collection, and reconcile funded hours claims (prepared by Pre-school Manager)
- Track outstanding payments and follow up on overdue accounts
- Reconcile bank statements monthly
- Maintain the petty cash system and process expense claims
- Ensure all financial paperwork is properly filed and accessible
Strategic Financial Planning
- Advise the committee on the financial implications of strategic plans
- Identify financial risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Contribute to grant applications and funding bids, where applicable
- Research and recommend financial best practices and efficiency improvements
- Support fundraising activities with financial projections and analysis
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations relevant to charities and early years settings
- Maintain appropriate financial policies and procedures
- Implement robust financial controls to safeguard the pre-school’s assets
- Act as a bank account signatory and authorise payments as appropriate
- Liaise with HMRC regarding tax matters
- Ensure appropriate insurance coverage is maintained
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Experience as a treasurer for another charity or community organisation
- Knowledge of charity accounting regulations and Charity Commission requirements
- Familiarity with early years funding systems, including Free Childcare funding
- Experience with payroll processing and employment tax
- Background in business financial management
Person Specification
We’re seeking someone who:
- Is committed to maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity
- Can balance attention to detail with strategic financial thinking
- Demonstrates discretion when handling confidential financial information
- Communicates financial concepts clearly to those without financial backgrounds
- Is proactive in identifying and resolving financial issues
- Works collaboratively with other trustees and staff
- Is responsive to emails and financial queries in a timely manner
Time Commitment
- Monthly committee meetings (approximately 2 hours each, typically evenings)
- Regular financial administration (approximately 4-5 hours per month)
- Additional time for annual budget preparation, year-end accounts, and audit support
- Occasional attendance at pre-school events and fundraising activities
- Availability to provide financial guidance as needed
Support & Training
The successful candidate will receive:
- A comprehensive handover from the outgoing Treasurer
- Access to our current financial systems and records
- Guidance on charity financial management through Early Years Alliance resources
- Support from the Chair and other committee members
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about contributing your financial expertise to support young children’s education and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to committee@st-tudy-preschool.org.uk.
St Tudy Pre-school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for this position.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our organization. Decisions will be made solely based on merit and suitability for the role.
