Do you have experience reviewing and presenting financial accounts, forecasts and budgets as well as a keen eye for detail? Would you like to get involved at the heart of the BSSH?
We're seeking applications from Fellow members for the role of Honorary Treasurer for a four year terms from 1 June 2026 – 31 May 2030.
It is expected that the successful candidate will have served on Council in some other position before being elected to Treasurer.
There will be a period of shadowing the current Honorary Treasurer from 1 January 2026 – 31 May 2026
The Treasurer is voted for by the BSSH Council using a single transferrable vote methodology on the electronic voting platform Mi-Voice. The successful candidate is then recommended to the members of the Society at the subsequent AGM for election.
Accountability
The duties of the Honorary Treasurer covers three areas; those as a charity trustee, a director of the company and those specifically designated to the Honorary Treasurer.
Although slightly different rules apply to all of the above three roles, it is those that apply to a trustee of the charity which bring with them the most wide ranging and onerous levels of individual responsibility and it is important that candidates understand the obligations of this role before applying. You can find out more about what it means to be a charity trustee on the Charty Commission website here.
The Treasurer is also Chair of the Financial Audit and Risk Committee and a member of the Committee of Management of the Journal of hand Surgery (European Volume). The BSSH currently employs a Financial Controller to undertake the day to day running of the Society’s accounts and financial transactions. The Honorary Treasurer works with the Financial Controller to oversee the correct use of the Society’s funds, in keeping with the charitable aims of the BSSH.
Specific functions:
- To ensure, in close co-operation with the Financial Controller and Head of Secretariat, that an appropriate financial policy framework is in place to guide the charity’s financial decision-making.
- Oversee the development, delivery and review of the Society’s strategy, particularly in relation to finance and risk items.
- The Honorary Treasurer is required to review financial forecasts, budgets and the investments held by the Society, providing reports to Council (currently 4 times a year), and proposing and leading on changes where necessary.
- The Honorary Treasurer shall present the audited financial accounts of the Society each year at the Annual General Meeting.
- The Honorary Treasurer chairs the BSSH Financial Audit and Risk Committee. Meetings are currently held twice a year. This Committee is responsible for reviewing in detail financial, governance and risk issues and providing reports or proposals to the BSSH Trustees as appropriate.
- The Honorary Treasurer must also present a report of the finances of the European Journal of Hand Surgery at the twice-yearly Committee of Management Meetings of that Journal
- Proper books of account shall be kept as are necessary to give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Society and to explain its transactions. The books of account are held electronically and shall always be available to the inspection of the Members of Council.
- It must be ensured that the year-end accounts are compliant with the regulations imposed by the Charity Commission, Companies House and HMRC by obtaining professional advice and information from relevant parties. At least once every year the accounts of the Society shall be examined and the correctness of the income and expenditure account and balance sheet ascertained by one or more properly qualified Auditors.
- The Honorary Treasurer is an authorised signatory on all bank accounts and investments held by the Society. Payments requiring authorisation, including expense claims, will be emailed weekly and the Honorary Treasurer should respond within a week. From time to time, more urgent authorisations are necessary. The Honorary Secretary will complete authorisation processes in the absence or incapacity of the Treasurer.
- The Society’s financial year end is 31st May. The Honorary Treasurer is required to attend intermittent meetings with the Investment Managers to review the Society’s finances, usually once or twice a year.
- If fundraising becomes necessary to keep pace with the work of the Society, the Treasurer will be expected to lead on this process.
- Annual membership subscriptions shall be determined and annually reviewed by Council. The Honorary Treasurer will advise on a suitable level of subscription.
- Maintaining the Society risk register. Identifying, monitoring, and controlling key society risks effectively.
Time Commitment
It is difficult to quantify the exact number of hours the Honorary Treasurer will need to spend on the role, and this will vary throughout the year. It is however a busy role which requires a regular time commitment. We estimate an average of 4 hours per week.
The Honorary Treasurer has the following meeting commitments:
- Four Pre-Council agenda run through meetings (evening usually 1 hour)
- Four Council meetings (three full day and one-half day)
- Two Financial Audit and Risk Committee meetings (half day maximum)
- Two Committee of Management meetings for the Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) (half day)
- Two BSSH Committee days (full days)
- AGM/EGM (approximately one hour each)
- One annual meeting with investment managers (approximately 1 hour)
- One annual meeting with Society Auditors (approximately 1 hour).
It is necessary that the Honorary Treasurer also has the administrative capacity to:
- Review and approve expenditure over the secretariat approval limit on a weekly basis
- Prepare reports and proposals prior to Council meetings and the AGM
- Review budgets, forecasts and investment details, meeting with the Financial Controller to discuss as required
- Meet with Society investment managers and auditors as required
- Review BSSH financial policies such as the investment and reserves policy at set intervals.
Apply Here