Board Treasurer

Board Treasurer

Status: Volunteer (unpaid), Officer of the Board

Reports To: Board of Directors (typically via the Chair); works closely with the Executive Director/CEO (if applicable)

Term: Typically 2-3 years, renewable once (subject to bylaws)

Role Purpose: The Treasurer provides fiduciary oversight and financial governance leadership to ensure the organization's financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance with U.S. nonprofit regulations, while supporting operations conducted at a global level. The Treasurer focuses on oversight and strategy, not day-to-day bookkeeping.

Key Responsibilities: Financial Oversight & Governance

• Oversee the organization's financial health and sustainability
• Ensure appropriate financial policies, internal controls, and risk management practices are in place
• Monitor financial performance against approved budgets
• Ensure proper handling of restricted and unrestricted funds

Board & Committee Leadership

• Serve as Chair or active member of the Finance Committee
• Report regularly to the Board on financial position, risks, and trends
• Support Board understanding of financial statements and implications

Budgeting & Planning

• Lead or oversee the annual budgeting process
• Support multi-year financial planning and cash-flow forecasting
• Advise on financial implications of strategic initiatives and programs

Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure compliance with:
  • U.S. nonprofit financial and reporting requirements (e.g., IRS Form 990)
  • Applicable state regulations
  • Donor and grant financial requirements
• Support audit, review, or independent financial examination processes (as applicable)

Grant & Funding Readiness

• Support financial readiness for grants and institutional funding
• Ensure appropriate financial tracking, reporting, and documentation for funders
• Advise on financial sustainability and diversification of funding sources

Banking & Controls

• Oversee relationships with financial institutions
• Review and recommend appropriate signing authorities and controls
• Ensure segregation of duties and fraud-prevention measures are in place

Scope of Authority

• Oversight role only; does not execute daily financial transactions
• May be an authorized signatory only if approved by the Board and consistent with internal controls
• No unilateral decision-making authority over expenditures unless explicitly delegated by the Board

Qualifications & Experience Required:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, audit, or financial management
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial governance
• Ability to interpret financial statements and communicate clearly with non-financial board members
• High ethical standards and commitment to fiduciary duty

Preferred:

• CPA, CFA, or equivalent professional designation
• Experience with:
  • Nonprofit or NGO finance
  • Prior board or finance committee experience
  • Grant-funded or restricted-fund environments
  • International or multi-jurisdictional operations

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4-8 hours per month, varying with budget cycles and reporting periods
• Attendance at regular Board meetings (typically quarterly)
• Participation in Finance Committee meetings as required

Compensation:

This is a volunteer position; no compensation is provided

Legal & Ethical Expectations

• Act in accordance with fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience
• Comply with the organization's:
  • Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Code of Conduct
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial information