Finance Trustee

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARKS CONSERVATION TRUST

The National Parks Conservation (Parks Trust) was established in 2018 as a registered charity with tax-deductible status with a vision to conserve Australia’s plants, animals, and cultural heritage by bringing people together through partnerships that support transformational and innovative initiatives in and beyond Commonwealth National Parks.

The Parks Trust engages with philanthropic, government and corporate organisations, as well as individual donors, who share our vision to raise funds in support of transformational projects to conserve Australia’s precious natural environment and traditional culture. Our projects are delivered in and around iconic Commonwealth national parks: Kakadu, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Booderee, Christmas Island, Pulu Keeling and Norfolk Island National Parks; the Australian National Botanic Gardens; and 60 Australian Marine Parks.

The Parks Trust is proud to be the charity partner of Parks Australia. Our partnership with Parks Australia brings specialised on-ground knowledge, important connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and access to world-leading science and research supporting our conservation work in and around our iconic Commonwealth national parks, on land and in the marine environment. Parks Trust projects are underpinned by this unique and valuable partnership, and the expertise provided directly from the field enables innovative projects that deliver nationally significant outcomes supported by long-term monitoring and evaluation for lasting impact.

The Parks Trust is governed by an independent pro-bono Management Committee of Trustees (up to 8) and supported by a small staff team comprising an Executive Officer, Director of Philanthropy, and a Grants and Communications Officer. Our office is located in Canberra.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking someone interested in serving as Finance Trustee, specifically with professional fiduciary governance and management experience.

As a relatively new environmental charity in Australia, it’s an exciting time to join the Trust. You will be joining at the perfect time to see the success that the Parks Trust is having and help us continue the trajectory of our meaningful impact. We aim to increase our partner portfolio and the scale of projects we support to further shift the dial towards positive change for Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

As a Trustee, you will work with a dedicated, professional, and enthusiastic cohort of Trustees with opportunities to network, share and build skills as we shape a more positive future for Australia’s environment and future generations.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The purpose of this Finance Trustee role is to lead the financial oversight, financial management and sustainability of the National Parks Conservation Trust.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial Advice: Understand the rules for financial governance, reporting and management, and advising the Management Committee.
Financial Sustainability: Lead the process to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the Trust as an independent charity and support the fundraising objectives of the Trust.
Financial Accounts: Overseeing the quarterly and annual financial accounts including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow with the support of the volunteer bookkeeper.
· Prepare the quarterly Financial Report for the Management Committee
· Work closely with the Director Philanthropy and Partnerships on the fundraising strategy and tracking performance against project funding-raising targets.
· Present the annual Financial Statements to the Management Committee.
Ensure the Trust’s financial reporting is within regulatory frameworks.
Working closely with the EO on the annual budgeting process, presenting the Trust budget to the Management Committee for approval.
Participate in fundraising initiatives of the Parks Trust.
Authorise grant and other payments from the Trust’s Bank Account.
Check and authorise annual BAS.
Monitor and liaise with the Trust’s volunteer book-keeper.
Manage the audit process with the Trust’s Auditor.

Meetings:
Chair quarterly Finance and Governance Committee meetings – 4 times a year, usually three weeks ahead of Management Committee, 9.30-11am.
Quarterly Management Committee meetings – 4 times a year 9.30am -2.30pm.
Oversee the necessary accounting and auditing arrangements to meet DGR obligations.
Ensure Trust financial records are compliant with, Corporations Act, ASIC requirements and ACNC requirements.
Provide advice to the Management Committee on financial risk, investment, and other governance matters.

SELECTION CRITERIA
Required
Accounting qualifications.
At least 10 years’ experience (e.g. as a senior manager, director, partner, Chief Financial Officer, or Financial Controller) or 5 years’ experience + CA/CPA qualifications.
Capability and willingness to oversee Trust’s financial management and sustainability.
· Relevant experience working with not-for-profit Boards
· Knowledge of corporate governance relevant to charities.
· Strategic business planning.
· Financial risk management.
· Qualify as a ‘responsible person’ for the purposes of the applicable not-for-profit laws.
· Competent in using online financial systems e.g. Xero.
· Project and grants management.

Desirable
Chartered Accountant or CPA or recent membership of either body.
Experience as a non-executive director or have completed relevant training.
Experience in the charitable sector and/or working at a senior level with an organisation that relies on philanthropic funding.
Philanthropic contacts and connections.

Applicants who meet some, but not all of the selection criteria are still encouraged to apply.
Please note: this role is not remunerated however expenses for attendance at Trustee meetings will be covered.

Further information
You can find out more about the Parks Trust below, and our projects by visiting https://parkstrust.org.au/
Further information
You can find out more about the Parks Trust below, and our projects by visiting https://parkstrust.org.au/

Our Strategic Plan is available here
Our most recent Annual Report is available here

For more details about this position, please contact;
Chairperson – Rhondda Dickson [email protected]
or Director Partnerships and Philanthropy – Cathy Bryson [email protected]