Board Member - Accountant (Charity)

Board Position Description

Accountant to join Board of cbm New Zealand

cbm New Zealand seeks a qualified person to join our Board of Trustees. This would include being a member of the Board’s Audit and Finance Committee.

(Alternatively, to give a smaller time commitment, membership of the Audit and Finance Committee, without full Board membership, would be considered).

The Organisation

cbm New Zealand (Christian Blind Mission International New Zealand) is an international Christian development organisation, committed to improving the quality of life of people living with disabilities in the poorest communities of the world. We have a deeply compelling mission and we are proud of how our small NZ team contributes to its fulfilment.

cbm envisions an inclusive world where all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential. We seek to achieve this by undertaking quality international programmes and raising funds and awareness.

Our international programmes range from eye, ear, orthopaedic and fistula surgery, through to inclusive education, mental health care, disability-inclusive livelihoods and ensuring emergency responses include those with disabilities.

• cbm practices inclusivity and equal opportunity.
• We welcome applications from those with lived experience of disability.
• cbm operates from a Christian kaupapa.

The Role

Our Board of Trustees seeks to appoint a new Board Trustee with accountancy expertise.

Key general responsibilities of Board Members are to:

• Provide leadership by articulating and guarding cbm’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Contribute strategic leadership by working alongside other Trustees and senior management to develop, engage with and review cbm’s strategic plan, in order to optimise cbm’s performance.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements as a charitable entity.
• Participate in discussion and shared responsibility for decision-making, including reviewing materials submitted by management to the Board and ensuring that the financial structure of cbm New Zealand will adequately support its current needs and long-term strategies.
• Act as an ambassador for cbm and safeguard the good name of cbm.

The Audit and Finance Committee has responsibility for:

• Overseeing the annual budget process and recommending the Budget to the Board.
• Providing expert oversight of monthly financial reporting and forecasting.
• Presentation of Financial Reports to the Board
• Providing governance and financial oversight of the Board’s Financial affairs, including development and review of policies.

cbm NZ desires to maintain a balanced skills based Board covering the following domains of governance / kaitiakitanga:  leadership; disability inclusion; accounting; legal; organisational development; fundraising; international development; theology of justice and inclusion and not-for-profit management. 

The role would suit either a qualified accountant, auditor, or experienced Board treasurer or someone wishing to gain experience in a Board treasurer position. (cbm New Zealand employs a Finance and Operations Director responsible for day-to-day financial management and reporting to the Board).

cbm’s annual operating budget is in the order of $5,000,000

cbm’s offices are based in Auckland, but Board members are sourced from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

Time Commitment

• A Trustee’s term is for three years, renewable.
• The Board meets for one full day four times per year. Board meetings are usually face-to-face in Auckland with an option of virtual meetings / attendance where convenient.
• The Audit and Finance Committee meets three times per year for up to 3 hours, with the option of virtual or face-to-face attendance

Remuneration

Under the terms of our Board Charter, Board members do not receive remuneration. All reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

As an inclusive organisation, we welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability. Provision will be made for reasonable access support to make attendance and participation accessible to Board members with disabilities. cbm will work with candidates to explore how best to meet those needs.

To Apply

If you are suitably qualified and have a passion and desire to serve those living with disability in poorer communities overseas, please submit your CV with a cover letter outlining your experience and why you would like to join the Board of cbm New Zealand (or just be in contact if you have any further questions).

Please address correspondence to:

Murray Sheard

Chief Executive Officer

([email protected])

If you cannot access email, you are welcome to call Murray in 022 6750942