Non-Executive Finance Director (Voluntary Position)

Are you interested in helping a social, vibrant Community Interest Company move forwards by supporting them with your financial expertise and knowledge?

Do you have a passion for or an interest in reducing environmental impact, empowering communities and food systems?

BrightStore is seeking an enthusiastic individual with financial experience to join our Board of Directors on a voluntary basis.

Finance Director role

• Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Directors.
• Working with the Managing Director to prepare specific budgets for grant applications.
• Overseeing the management and tracking of grant spending and assisting the Managing Director with end-of-grant reporting.
• Working with a bookkeeper and external accountant to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.
• Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the organisation.
• Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Managing Director.
• Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process
• Lead on the appointment of and liaison with external auditors.
• Working with a bookkeeper and accountant to ensure that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Managing Director to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Directors.
• Representing the organisation in a financial capacity to external organisations (e.g. funders) as required.

What we are looking for

• A current or recently retired finance professional. A knowledge of not-for-profit/CIC finance, including grant funding, is an advantage. Otherwise an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors and representing the organisation to external organisations.

In addition to the above, the Finance Director will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all Directors:

Responsibilities of all Directors

• Support and provide advice on BrightStore’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee BrightStore’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve BrightStore’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to BrightStore’s Managing Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in BrightStore’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of BrightStore’s own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect BrightStore’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of BrightStore’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small not-for-profit organisation, there will be times when the directors will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the director has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Directors and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values of inclusiveness, solidarity, equity and equality.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Directors are appointed for a period of one year, and voted on by the board of directors.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment

• Estimated at 3/4 hours per month (this is negotiable around individual circumstances).
• Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person in central Brighton.
• Regular scheduled meetings with the MD with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.
• Attending ad hoc strategy meetings.