Independent Director - Finance

British Blind Sport (BBS) is the National Disability Sport Organisation that represents blind and partially sighted people in sport. Our vision is to empower all people living with sight loss to get active and enjoy sport, whether it is taking their first steps or helping to secure talent pathways to encourage individuals to fulfil their potential. Working across both the sight loss and sport sector, we work with strategic partner organisations to fulfil our aim and, by doing so, we positively impact the lives of hundreds of people every year.

About the role:

To support this work and to help us to demonstrate our commitment to VI sport we are looking for an Independent Director to help support the Finance Director with the responsibility for Finance, Audit and Accounting.

Duties and responsibilities:

• To work with our Finance Director, advise and guide Board members and staff on Finance, Audit and Annual Accounts, as appropriate.
• Assist the Finance Director to oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• Assist the Finance Director to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
• Assist the Finance Director with the monitoring and reporting on the financial health of the organisation.
• Assist the Finance Director to oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits.
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving strategic direction to the organisation. Setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• Be a member of board sub-committees as requested by the Chair of Trustees and in relation to your expertise.

Specifically

• Liaise with the Finance Director, relevant staff, Board and committee members to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
• Ensure that Board and committee members are aware of their financial obligations, and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Regularly report the financial position at Board meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Support the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
• Assess the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
• Support on appointing and liaising with auditors/independent examiner.

Skills, knowledge and abilities

• Significant Financial/Accounting experience, including relevant qualifications.
• Leadership skills within this area.
• Ability to scrutinise and prepare management and annual accounts.
• To work with Auditors in the Annual Statutory Accounts process and Annual review.
• Ability to explain finances in a clear and simple way for non-financial people.
• An understanding of charitable accounts would be an advantage.