Organisation : Environmental Justice Australia
Location : Australia (Carlton, Victoria - but national organisation)
Time required : See description below under 'Meeting Obligations'
Duration of project : Ongoing
Sector : Conservation & Environment, Law, Justice & Human Rights
Application closing date : 3 Sep, 2021
About the role
The Board of Environmental Justice Australia (EJA) is seeking to appoint a new Board member to fill the role of Treasurer.
Environmental Justice Australia is a not-for-profit charitable organisation and a deductible gift recipient on the Register of Environmental Organisations. As a company limited by guarantee, the Board has responsibility for Environmental Justice Australia’s governance, overseeing the development and implementation of the organisation’s strategy, financial sustainability and fundraising, and the management of organisational risks.
The organisation has a history of stable and effective governance, and good systems, procedures and policies in place. We currently seek a Treasurer to lead the financial oversight of the organisation.
The Treasurer has oversight of the financial management of EJA, ensuring that EJA is working within regulatory and legal frameworks and to an agreed financial plan. EJA is an organisation with a $3 million annual turnover and with professional staff that manages day-to-day practical financial management issues.
The Treasurer shares responsibility and decision-making with other members of the Board. It is an important part of the Treasurer’s role to understand the rules for financial reporting and management and to share this knowledge with the Board.
Meeting Obligations
- Meet quarterly with the CEO/COO to review the quarterly financial reports.
- Attend Board meetings 6 times a year, usually the third Wednesday of the month in February, April, June, July, September and November, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in person or via video conferencing.
- Attend a further 1–2 Board planning meetings in approximately March and October, and participate in a Board Committee or Working Group if required.
Skills and experience required
The Treasurer role is suitable for an accountant with senior manager, director, partner, Chief Financial Officer or Financial Controller experience. Please note that this is a voluntary position.
The successful Candidate will need to demonstrate a mix of the following skills and experience:
Essential:
- Capability and willingness to oversee the organisation’s financial management
- Experience or knowledge of current corporate governance relevant to voluntary and community organisations
- Strategic planning, critical thinking and influencing skills
- High level spreadsheet knowledge
- Willingness to uphold EJA values; collaboration, respect, ambition, positivity and justice.
Preferred:
- Chartered Accountant or CPA or recent membership of either body.
About the organisation
Environmental Justice Australia is a leading public interest legal organisation. Our lawyers act on behalf of people and community organisations to safeguard health; protect magnificent forests, rivers and wildlife; and tackle the climate crisis. We partner with communities and other social justice organisations because we are stronger together.
Using innovative approaches, we find the best legal solutions to climate and environmental issues. Our team works inside and outside the courtroom to make the system fair and just for all. We work on issues and in areas of Australia where we can have the most impact.
EJA’s financial team comprises the Chief Operating Officer, the Office Manager and an external Bookkeeper.
EJA has doubled in size in the past 4 years, and is now an organisation with a $3 million annual turnover. Over 80% of EJA’s income is from philanthropic donations and grants from trust and foundations. The EJA’s latest financial report is here and our entry on the ACNC charities register can be viewed here.
How to apply
Applications not allowed for this volunteering opportunity.
Please quote in application: Board Member – Treasurer via Pro Bono Australia.
