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Volunteer Trustee Role: Branch Treasurer

Jul 20
2 min read

RSPCA West Dorset Branch

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our West Dorset Branch of the RSPCA. This role plays a vital part in supporting the Branch's affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, while continually keeping animal welfare at the forefront of everything we do.

As a minimum, trustees are normally expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.



Primary Responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer:

  • Financial Oversight: Implement and maintain sound financial systems across the branch.

  • Budgeting: Take a lead role in ensuring the committee sets annual financial budgets and plans branch income and expenditure effectively.

  • Reporting: Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.

  • Audits & Accounts: Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and the treasurer’s report.

  • Banking & Signatory: Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorized by the committee; execute financial decisions and act as a branch co-signatory.

  • Financial Administration: Maintain control over all branch paying-in and receipt books, ensuring their correct use.

  • Collection Boxes: In the absence of a branch box secretary, assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.

  • Contributions: Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.

  • Fundraising Control: Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.

  • Tax & VAT: Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.

  • Risk Management: Ensure the production, monitoring, and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy in accordance with Charity Commission requirements.

  • Liaison: Work closely with branch officers, the Branch Support Specialist, and the Branch Finance Coordinator on financial affairs, alerting them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.

  • Record Keeping: Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate timeframe set by the Charity Commission.


What We Are Looking For:

  • Financial Expertise: Knowledge and experience in finance, with an understanding of charity finance being a distinct advantage.

  • Time Commitment: Dedication to attend monthly committee meetings (approx. 2–3 hours).

  • Hands-on Support: Availability between meetings to handle ongoing tasks, such as preparing financial reports, monitoring the annual budget, processing payments, querying invoices, submitting VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.


What We Can Offer You:

  • Comprehensive Training: A complete trustee training course to give you everything you need to feel confident in the role.

  • Ongoing Support: Continuous guidance from local and national RSPCA staff, as well as additional training provided by the branch.

  • Real Impact: A platform to utilize your skills to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly improve local animal welfare.

  • Personal Growth: Opportunities to gain new skills and develop existing ones while making a genuine difference in the lives of animals.

  • Networking: A great way to expand your professional and personal network by working alongside like-minded people.


If you are interested please get in contact with us: nicola.pengelly@rspcawestdorset.org.uk

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