Overview
- Financial qualifications or equivalent experience in a financial role
- Ability to understand and interpret financial reports, budgets, and accounts
- Commitment to SERA’s mission and Labour’s environmental agenda
- Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
- Good independent judgement and willingness to speak their mind
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of company directorship
Role Purpose
The Treasurer is a key officer of SERA’s Executive Committee, responsible for providing financial oversight, assurance, and strategic guidance to the organisation. The role ensures SERA maintains sound financial management, proper records, and compliance with its legal obligations as a company limited by guarantee. The Treasurer works closely with the Executive Director and external accountants, and reports to the Executive Committee. The role is voluntary and unremunerated.
Core Responsibilities
Financial Oversight and Governance
Maintain an overview of SERA’s financial affairs and ensure its financial viability
Oversee, approve, and present budgets, accounts, and financial statements to the Executive Committee
Ensure that proper financial records, procedures, and internal controls are in place
Ensure the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy
Advise on the financial implications of SERA’s strategic plans
Reporting and Assurance
Prepare and present financial reports to the Executive Committee
Ensure accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies
Where external scrutiny is required, ensure accounts are examined or audited appropriately and that any recommendations are implemented
Keep the Executive Committee informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
Compliance
Ensure SERA complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation
Oversee compliance with HMRC obligations, including VAT, in liaison with SERA’s accountants
Support Companies House compliance as required, including confirmation statements and director filings
Operational Financial Oversight
Provide oversight of bank accounts and act as a joint signatory for payments
Authorise payments and refunds as required, jointly with Co-Chairs
Liaise with SERA’s external accountants on financial matters
Contribute to finance policy development and review
What This Role Is Not
The Treasurer is not expected to carry out day-to-day bookkeeping, process invoices, manage payroll, or download bank statements. These operational tasks are handled by SERA’s staff and external accountants. The Treasurer provides oversight, assurance, and strategic input – not operational delivery.
General Executive Committee Responsibilities
As a member of the Executive Committee, the Treasurer also:
Contributes to giving firm strategic direction to the organisation
Helps set overall policy, defines goals, and evaluates performance against targets
Safeguards the good name and values of SERA
Ensures the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
Scrutinises board papers and participates actively in discussions
Ability to understand and interpret financial reports, budgets, and accounts
Commitment to SERA’s mission and Labour’s environmental agenda
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
Good independent judgement and willingness to speak their mind
Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of company directorship
Desirable
Experience of charity or not-for-profit finance
Familiarity with Xero or similar accounting software
Experience of company secretarial responsibilities
Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations where necessary
Expressing Interest
SERA members interested in the Treasurer role are invited to contact Laura Clarke, National Organiser at laura.clarke@sera.org.uk. If you have questions about the role before expressing interest, you are also welcome to get in touch via the same address.