Volunteer Treasurer

Samaritans of Wellington Inc. Board of Directors -

Treasurer Description

About Us

Listening / Connecting / Saving lives. 

We are here for all people across Aotearoa New Zealand.

• We respond to people calling for help. We listen without judgement, day and night.
• We help people cope. We take action to prevent crises.
• We connect with people to save lives.
• We are working tirelessly to achieve our vision: that fewer people die by suicide.

How We Work

When someone needs to speak for any reason, we listen. Our phone helpline volunteers take referrals from specialists when they cannot help. We provide ongoing connection for people experiencing loneliness. Our volunteers are trained to help when crises are happening. Other parts of the mental health system have long waiting lists or criteria that must be met before people are served. Samaritans does not. No matter who they are, if a caller is in need, a Samaritan will support them. Samaritans make it simple: Call us – we are here to listen. Each year, we answer over 25,000 calls, offering sympathetic, caring and confidential emotional support to all callers in distress.

Our History and Structure

The first Samaritans centre in Aotearoa New Zealand was set up in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in 1965. We work in partnership with other Samaritans centres in Horowhenua Levin, Manawatū Palmerston North, and Rotorua Hawke’s Bay, and together form Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand.

Our Board and Team

Wellington Samaritans operates with a Board. Our volunteer Committees include Operations, Finance and Risk, Marketing and Fundraising. We have 70-90 volunteers including 50-70 phone volunteers who come from all walks of life. We employ two part time staff.

Please note: Board positions are not remunerated but reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred fulfilling the duties of the role can be reimbursed.

Treasurer

About the Role:

As Treasurer, your role is to provide financial leadership and responsibility for the organisation. You provide leadership to the Finance and Risk Committee to ensure Samaritans Wellington continues to serve our community. You support the Chair(s) to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall financial performance of Samaritans Wellington. 

Main Responsibilities:

Risk:

• To agree a risk management framework and to monitor risk assessments and the internal control instituted

• To review the terms of insurance renewal

• To review the risk related policies, procedures and internal controls.

• Ensure compliance with the governing constitution and documents, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations as they apply to the organisation’s financial standing

Finance and Audit:

• Lead and guide the financial function of the Board, including planning, monitoring and financial reporting

• To provide oversight of compliance with statutory responsibilities relating to financial and other requirements

• Liaise regularly with the Chair(s) to ensure Board leadership maintains a clear grasp of the Samaritans’ financial position, and ensure full and timely financial transparency and information disclosure to the Board and relevant authorities

• To prepare and review the annual financial statements

• To prepare and review treasury, accounting and asset management policies

• To liaise with external reviewers

• To provide cash management oversight.

Budget:

• To provide oversight of the development of the annual expenditure and capital budgets

• Oversee the development of the financial strategy and annual business budget 

• To monitor budget management and reporting.

• To review the annual business plan from a financial perspective.

Other:

• To complete special investigations when requested by the Board

• Examine any other matters referred to it by the Board.

About You: 

• Prior Board or Committee experience

• Understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Board member

• Experience in finance or risk management 

• Interest or passion for mental health services preferred

• Involvement with the wider voluntary sector desired

• Strategic financial leadership experience

• Political nous

• Integrity, tact and diplomacy

What’s in it for You

• Make a difference to the health and wellbeing of our communities

• Strengthen your leadership and governance experience

• Broaden your network in multiple sectors

• Be part of a warm and welcoming team who are passionate about mental health and wellbeing

Time Commitment

• Average time required per month is approximately 15 hours

• The Board meets 1x per month