Treasurer and Trustee

About the role

Treasurer and Trustee (Charitable Preschool)
Tilehouse Street Preschool & Nursery, Hitchin

Voluntary role

Are you looking to make a meaningful difference in your local community? Tilehouse Street
Preschool & Nursery, a well-established and much-loved charity providing a nurturing pre-
school experience for up to 33 two-, three- and four-year olds, is seeking an experienced
and committed individual to become our next Treasurer on the Board of Trustees.

About the Role
The Treasurer is a key officer on the Board of Trustees, responsible for overseeing the
financial affairs of the Preschool and ensuring that the charity’s finances are managed
effectively, transparently, and in compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. The
Treasurer will work closely with the other trustees, staff and volunteers to support the
Preschool’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities

•  Review and assess monthly financial reports, as prepared by the Preschool’sBookkeeper.
•  Attend board meetings, typically held once per term and in person, providingfinancial reports (prepared by the Bookkeeper) to the board.
•  Support the board in financial planning, including ensuring contingency/ reservefunds are maintained for unexpected costs and in line with charitable law, aidingwith considerations of the financial implications of strategic decisions to support thePreschool’s mission and long-term sustainability.
•  If required, assist in arranging for an annual independent review or audit of accounts prior to AGM and submit annual accounts to the Charity Commission.
•  Work with the Preschool’s Bookkeeper and Manager to review childcare fees andstaff wage increases annually, ensuring compliance with employment legislation,charitable law and budget constraints, and providing ad hoc support where required.
•  Ensure effective financial oversight and risk management of the setting (working closely with the Preschool’s Chair, Bookkeeper and Manager), including thatprocesses for receiving, spending, and recording money are robust, transparent, andcompliant with charity law and best practice.
•  Act as a counter-signatory or payment authorises on charitable expenditure, as required.
• Together with the wider Board, champion the Preschool within the local communityand foster a positive and collaborative Board culture.

What We’re Looking For

•  Financial management experience, such as bookkeeping, accounting or financialadministration.
•  Ability to interpret financial statements, budgets, and cash flow forecasts (asprepared by an experienced Bookkeeper), and explain financial information clearlyto non-specialists, supporting informed decision-making by the board.
•  Familiarity with charity accounting principles and statutory requirements would behelpful, or a willingness to learn same.
•  Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and reliabilityin all financial matters.
•  Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of trustees, including those new to governance.
•  Eligible to act as a charity trustee and satisfactory Ofsted suitability checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
•  Commitment to the Preschool’s aims and values, fostering it’s continued strong reputation within the local community.
•  Willing to undertaking training relevant to the role as needed.
•  Commitment to maintaining high standards of confidentiality, honesty and integrity, acting in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries at all times andavoiding and declaring situations which may lead to a conflict of interest.
•  Commitment to remaining in the role for a number of years, to ensure stability forthe setting going forwards.

Why Join Us?

•  Make a real impact on the lives of local children and families.
• Use your skills and experience to support a valued community organisation.
•  Flexible commitment: in-person Board meetings once per term, plus ad hoc support;expected time commitment is 3-6 hours a month, term-time only.

This is a voluntary role, subject to an enhanced DBS check.
To apply or find out more, please contact Lucy Grimwood (Acting Chair) at
lucy.grimwood@thpsn.org.uk