Trustee Treasurer

About the Carroll Centre
The Carroll Centre is a vibrant community hub and registered charity at the heart of Stanmore, one of Winchester's most disadvantaged communities. Since 1992, we have been providing practical support, opportunities and a welcoming place for children, families and local residents to thrive.

Our services include Poppins Nursery, rated Good by Ofsted, a community café, Food Pantry, soft play and a wide range of activities and support that help tackle poverty, isolation and poor wellbeing. Around 600 visits are made to the Centre each week by local people accessing our services and activities.

With an annual turnover of around £300,000 and a small staff team, we rely on a combination of earned income, grants and donations to deliver our services.

Everything we do is underpinned by our values of being open, inclusive, non-judgemental and supportive. We are an ambitious charity with a clear mission: to strengthen our community and improve people's lives.

About the Role
We are looking for a committed individual with financial experience to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer and help shape the future of the Carroll Centre.

The Treasurer plays a vital role in safeguarding the charity's financial health, supporting sound decision-making and ensuring that our resources are managed responsibly and transparently. Working closely with the Board, our staff team and outsourced accounting agency, you will help ensure the Centre remains financially sustainable and able to continue making a difference in the community. As we look to the future, we are keen to strengthen our financial resilience and explore opportunities to develop our services and facilities for the benefit of the community. The Treasurer will play an important part in helping us achieve these ambitions.

This is an opportunity to use your financial skills and experience to support a local charity, contribute to its strategic direction and help secure its long-term future.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial oversight: Monitor the charity's financial position and advise the Board on financial performance, risks and sustainability.
• Chair the Finance Committee: Lead quarterly meetings to review the accounts, budgets, forecasts and other financial matters.
• Support financial planning: Contribute to the preparation and monitoring of budgets, management accounts and longer-term financial plans.
• Oversee financial reporting and annual accounts: Help ensure appropriate financial records are maintained and that the charity meets its legal, regulatory and reporting obligations.
• Coordinate the preparation of the annual accounts for the auditor, working with the outsourced accounting agency and staff, and support the process through to approval by the Board.
• Work with our financial support team: Liaise with our outsourced accounting agency and, where necessary, staff responsible for day-to-day financial administration.
• Contribute to good governance: Participate in Board meetings and help guide the overall strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the charity as a full Trustee.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who:

• Has experience in finance, accountancy, bookkeeping or financial management, with the confidence to oversee the finances of a small charity.
• Can interpret financial information, identify potential risks and explain financial matters clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Is committed to the Centre's mission and values and wants to make a positive difference locally.
• Can work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and staff, bringing a constructive and practical approach to decision-making.
• Is willing to contribute their skills and experience to the wider work and governance of the charity.

Previous experience as a charity Treasurer or Trustee would be welcome but is not essential. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who can bring relevant financial expertise and a commitment to our community.

What You Will Gain

• Make a real difference: Help improve the lives of children, families and residents in your local community.
• Put your skills to good use: Apply your financial knowledge and experience to a rewarding role with a charity that has a tangible impact on local people.
• Help shape our future: Contribute to the Centre's strategic development, financial resilience and plans for the future.
• Develop your experience: Gain experience of charity governance and leadership while working alongside a committed Board and staff team.
• Be part of something worthwhile: Help an established community organisation strengthen its services and secure its future.

Interested?
If you have financial experience and would like to put your skills to good use in your local community, we would love to hear from you.
An informal conversation is very welcome, with no obligation.