Role
Established in 1936 and one of Scotland's leading wildlife bodies, the Scottish Ornithologists' Club is a registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with some 3500 members. Its purpose is to advance the study and appreciation of birds in Scotland by promoting their documentation, promoting interest in them, promoting their conservation, providing a focus for information about them and encouraging the appreciation of relevant creative arts.
The Club's headquarters, which also feature a renowned ornithology library, wildlife art gallery and sales outlet, are in Aberlady, East Lothian. Fifteen nationwide Branches are led by members who organise events, outings and projects in their areas. Staff contribute a national series of events, conferences and training activities for members of all ages. Publications include the highly regarded quarterly journal Scottish Birds, mobile app (Where to Watch Birds in Scotland), regional bird reports, e-newsletters and other online media.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Treasurer is a key member of the SOC Council and serves as a trustee of the Charity, with all the associated duties and responsibilities. More details on these responsibilities can be found in the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) guidance for charity trustees: OSCR Guidance.
While professional qualifications are not required, the role requires an interest in the financial operations of the SOC and a broad understanding of financial requirements for charities in Scotland.Further details on the role can be found here.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
* Elected at the SOC AGM (usually in November) for an initial two-year term, with re-election every two years.
* Provides financial advice and guidance to staff and branch officials as needed.
* Attends Council and Management Committee meetings (each held four times per year) and presents a written financial update at each.
* Convenes and chairs Finance Committee meetings (3–4 per year), reporting recommendations to Council.
* Attends the Club's AGM (usually in November) to present the End-of-Year Accounts.
* Meets with Brewin Dolphin (SOC's investment managers) at least annually to review investments and assess risk levels.
* Works with Council to maintain and update SOC's Investment Policy, including setting reserve levels.
* Regularly liaises with the Finance Officer to ensure smooth financial operations.
* May be consulted on HR issues and trustee induction.
* Out-of-pocket expenses incurred on SOC business are reimbursed.
* SOC FINANCIAL PROCESSES
* The SOC Council has collective responsibility for the Club's finances.
* The Finance Committee oversees financial strategy and budgeting, meeting 3–4 times a year. It consists of the Treasurer, the Finance Officer, and two other members.
* SOC's financial year runs from April to March.
* SOC uses Xero for bookkeeping, holds accounts with the Royal Bank of Scotland, and has investments managed by Brewin Dolphin.
* Two staff members, the Treasurer, and a past President (from the Lothian branch) currently have signatory responsibility, with protocols ensuring that transactions over a specified amount require two signatures.
* The Finance Officer manages day-to-day accounting and banking procedures.
* The Treasurer provides financial updates and forecasts to the Council and the Management Committee at each meeting, working closely with the Finance Officer.
* The Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Independent Financial Examiner (currently Whitelaw Wells) oversee the end-of-year financial process, culminating in the submission of the independently examined accounts to OSCR.
* The Club's core income sources include membership subscriptions, events, sales, commission from artwork sales, and legacies. Legacy income is highly variable, requiring careful financial planning.
* SOC branches maintain some financial independence but provide annual financial summaries to SOC.
Our current Treasurer will remain in position until November 2025.