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Treasurer – Job Description

The Treasurer of the Society plays a pivotal role in ensuring financial integrity and sustainability of the society’s finances.  As a member of the committee, the Treasurer works in collaboration with the Secretary but operates under the purview of the Chair.  As a not-for-profit social club we are not liable to pay tax – we don’t pay a dividend, nor have shares that increase in value.  Any surplus funds, as per our constitution, will go to the University if the society ceases.

The Cambridge Society of London is one of over 430 such societies around the world, run by Cambridge alumni and others predominantly to organise social events for Cambridge graduates, undergraduates and their guests, and thereby also to remind them of their University.  All societies are run by unremunerated volunteers and are non-commercial in nature.  By means of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) they are approved by, affiliated with, and supported by the University, mainly through its Development and Alumni Relations (CUDAR) office in terms of event promotion, advice and other services.

There are over 20,000 Cambridge alumni with addresses in Greater London.  The Society’s committee consists currently of a Chair, a Secretary, a Treasurer and (currently) six others.  For practical reasons formal membership of the Society is done by subscription, currently £12 pa, and all applicants are checked by CUDAR to ensure that they are bona fide.  Formal membership currently stands at 1073, as well as around 150 Freshers with another 140 inherited from previous arrangements (life membership, honorary, etc.).  In 2023 some 18 events were organised in London.

All Cambridge alumni are eligible to join and then have the privilege of inviting guests. All events are promoted by our regular newsletters.  If necessary CUDAR will also promote them to the wider alumni community.

The Society Committee meets up to three times a year in Central London, normally at the home of a committee member.

The Society holds accounts with HSBC, PayPal and Stripe.  We use TicketTailor as our ticketing platform as well as dedicated social media outlets.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight and Planning:

  • Provide independent oversight of the society’s finances, ensuring adherence to financial policies and procedures.
  • Approve financial projections for each event where necessary, collaborating with other committee members to develop comprehensive budgets.
  • Monitor and analyse the financial performance of the society, offering insights and recommendations for financial optimization.

Account Management:

  • Maintain and monitor the society’s accounts, ensuring accuracy and transparency in all financial transactions.
  • Conduct periodic financial reconciliations and audits to safeguard financial assets.
  • Prepare and present general financial reports to the committee, offering detailed insights into the financial health of the society with a year end report.

Account Management:

  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and financial best practices, keeping abreast of relevant legislation and guidelines.
  • Work closely with the Chair and Secretary to uphold the society’s governing documents and policies.

Reporting Structure:

  • Report directly to the Chair, providing regular updates on financial matters and performance.
  • Collaborate with the Secretary and other committee members to ensure alignment and coordination in financial management and event planning.

Access to Society Bank Accounts:

  • Possess dual payment rights alongside the Chair and a select committee member or members.

Desirable Characteristics:

  • Strong financial acumen and analytical skills.
  • Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a volunteer-based organisation.
  • Familiarity with MS Excel or similar.
  • Dedication to the mission and values of the society.
  • Availability to attend committee meetings and society events as required.

Benefits of the Treasurer Position:

  • Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful and impactful organisation.
  • Development of financial management skills in a voluntary sector setting.
  • Recognition within the alumni community and potential engagement with global alumni groups.
  • Access to stimulating environments and networking opportunities.
  • Engagement with a motivated and dedicated committee, fostering collaboration and camaraderie.

How to apply

A small subcommittee will take a first look at anyone who does show interest, so if you are of that mind please fill in the form below with some sentences saying why you’re interested and what skills and experience you think you can bring.  If you would like to send a CV/résumé in addition to the form below please do so to society@camsoclon.org, our Secretary, Tim, will pass that on to the subcommittee and then all being well they will discuss things with you in more detail.

We’d like to receive any input in the next four weeks, by end of Sunday 7th July 2024.

Register your interest