Financial accounts assistant volunteer roles

Tools with a Mission (TWAM) is a Christian charity dedicated to empowering communities in the developing world by providing refurbished tools and trade tool kits. Annually, the organisation sends more than 20,000 tools to support livelihood creation. By partnering with local communities and skills training centers, Tools with a Mission helps individuals achieve sustainable growth and self-reliance.

This is a part time, on-site, PAID hybrid role in Ipswich for an Executive Assistant. The Executive Assistant will provide administrative support to the trustees and CEO by managing the busy annual calendar and schedules, preparing reports, handling confidential documentation and coordinating meetings. The role includes managing travel and expenses. This will be a month-by-month paid contracted position.

Experience:

• Executive Administrative Assistance, including managing calendars and travel arrangements.
• Experience handling Expense Reports and related financial tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong skills in Executive Support and Administrative Assistance for managing organisational operations and documentation.
• Excellent Communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact effectively with diverse teams and external stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Working knowledge of office software like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and uphold confidentiality.
• Empathy with a Christian charity with an international mission and outlook.
• Prior experience in the non-profit or charity sector is a plus but not essential.

Across the UK, our 65 local branches work with disabled people to help them live the lives they choose. Our network of skilled volunteers respond to thousands of requests each year to design and make customised equipment free of charge.

As our local branch Finance/Treasurer volunteer, you’ll make sure your branch gets the most for its money.

You’ll maintain income and expenditure records to document and report on branch finances. You’ll manage their accounts and make financial information easy to understand.

What the role involves

This is a varied role that each branch tends to do a bit differently, but it will involve:

• Accurately maintaining income and expenditure records to  document and report on branch finances

• Offering objectivity around the spending of money and ensuring money is spent in a cost-effective manner

• Approving income and expenditure with the other branch bank account signatories

• Ensuring that our financial requirements and policies relating to group finances are followed

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, and there’s an induction that covers all the areas above. You’ll also have chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you’ll need for this role

• Confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email

• Experience in bookkeeping, budgeting, and planning income and expenditure

• Able to apply disability, equality, and inclusion practices

• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• A commitment to our aims and values

You’ll also need to complete the induction checklist and some online training.

Where will I volunteer?

The Finance Volunteer role is largely home based, but it varies from branch to branch – some branches hold in-person meetings once a month or so, and their Finance Volunteers tend to be based in the area the branch covers.

If it works better for you, however, there’s a possibility this role could be done remotely.

Your local branch will be able to provide more information.

Time commitment

This also varies, but it’s generally around 1-2 hours a week.

Why volunteer

When you volunteer with us, you join a community of committed people with a passion for helping to improve the lives of others. We’re a volunteer led organisation and we couldn’t do what we do without your hard work, skills and commitment.

N.B. We’ll reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses during your time

Are you looking for a pivotal role in a diverse, groundbreaking charity? Join Hidayah as our next treasurer on the Board of Trustees. 

Hidayah is a volunteer-led organisation supporting LGBTQ+ Muslims through community support, advocacy, education, and wellbeing initiatives.

The treasurer carries out Hidayah’s financial responsibilities, files reports, and presents regularly to the Board of Trustees. 

What do we specifically expect of this role?

• To take accountability for the bank account and to be an authorised signatory.

• To present financial updates at Trustee meetings and to devolve budgets where necessary.

• To ensure adherence to budgets.

• To present a predicted target and actual budget for the year.

• To work with the chair to give breakdowns of costings for fundraising bids and for events/activities/paid members of staff.

• To create the annual year-end financial report for the Charity Commission.

• To seek out revenue opportunities within the limits of Hidayah’s activities.

• To document how restricted and unrestricted funds are spent, including reports for grant funders.

• To approach organisations for donations and sponsorship opportunities.

• To increase revenue through public donations (online and actual) and to be proactive in doing this.

• To work with other Trustees to plan income-generating activities.

How much commitment is required?

This role requires a minimum commitment of 4–5 hours per week, with additional time required during busy periods or organisational activities. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah Trustees:

• To be able to attend all Trustee meetings.

• To deliver a comprehensive report at each Board meeting with updates, completing actions in time;

• To aim to attend all other meetings as necessary, including the annual Strategy Day, annual General Meeting and (where geography permits) Hidayah events.

• To help to fundraise for and advertise any Hidayah events and fundraising drives.

• To be part of a communications group (via Discord) to keep up to date with Hidayah developments.

• To contribute to and to maintain the administration of our file-sharing system, Google Drive, so it is always up-to-date with clear records, templates, and forms.

• To check emails and to respond when needed.

• Line managing the finance assistant, including regular 121 meetings.

• Enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility, and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision, and mission of Hidayah.

• To contribute to the Charity Commission's annual report once a year.

• The role is subject to a 6-month probationary period.

• To read new Hidayah policies and initiatives.

• To read, understand, and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on the website).

What do we expect from a treasurer?

Please note that you must agree with and fit the essential criteria below to be eligible to volunteer in this role:

Knowledge & Experience:

• Educated to degree level or has experience which demonstrates equivalent analytical ability.

• Knowledge of quality assurance systems and their benefits for the voluntary sector.

• Knowledge of good governance procedures for the voluntary sector.

• Experience of budget management, preferably in the charity sector, but applicable to other sectors.

• High level of numeracy and close attention to detail.

• Basic AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) experience is desirable but not essential.

Skills & Attributes

• Ability or willingness to learn line managing, developing, coaching, and motivating volunteers.

• Working and influencing at both a strategic and operational level, ensuring excellent working relationships with trustees and volunteers.

• A self-starter who can maintain their workload with minimal supervision.

• Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility, and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision, and mission of Hidayah.

• Ability to respond to conflict situations (if needed) with professionalism, adhering to Hidayah’s policies.

• Ability to handle and learn filing, online banking, and finance systems, including Google Drive and Sage.

What benefits do I get from this role?

• Contributing to Hidayah’s cause, with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within LGBTQI+ Muslim communities.

• Strategic leadership experience and development of charity governance skills.

• Opportunity to expand your professional and community networks. 

• Experience working with a passionate and supportive volunteer team.