In addition to the qualities needed by all Trustees, the Treasurer should also have some or all of the following skills, abilities, experience and knowledge that the organisation would expect from a Treasurer. It is clearly acknowledged that some of these may be stronger than others and that training and support may be necessary from the organisation’s other trustees and from external organisations, to build on any of them. 

Essential 

• Experience and knowledge of managing finances, bookkeeping or similar, 
• Experience and knowledge of current practice relevant to voluntary and community groups, charities or SME finance 
• The skills to analyse proposals, examine their financial consequences and make concise recommendations 
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly; able to use IT competently 
• Commitment to the organisation; willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 
• Strategic vision; good, independent judgement 
• Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team 
• Willingness to speak their mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; able to make unpopular recommendations to the Board, if necessary 
• Willingness to be available to employees with financial responsibilities on a scheduled or adhoc basis to provide advice and answer enquiries 

Desirable 

• A recognised financial and/or accounting qualification would be highly beneficial but is not a prerequisite 
• Familiarity with a popular accounting software package would be an advantage but not a prerequisite 
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship financial experience and business planning skills