Introduction
St Pancras Almshouses, a registered charity, is a long-established almshouse in North London.
We provide housing accommodation for persons who are aged 60 and over when admitted; have a housing need; are able to demonstrate a strong connection with the local area; and are capable of living independently.
And, in addition, other such charitable purposes for the benefit of those beneficiaries of St Pancras Almshouses.
The accommodation provided consists of 39 independent flats, of which 28 are for single occupancy and 11 are doubles. The property is built around an attractive tree-lined garden and provides accommodation to some 43 persons in all.
The charity is financially strong and has substantial reserves built up over recent years.
The day-to-day operations and support to the residents are managed by two staff: a General Manager and an Assistant Manager.
The Board of Trustees is limited to a maximum of ten members and meets regularly on a quarterly basis or exceptional if required.
Charity Treasurer:
The current Treasurer is retiring after administering the Charity’s finances over a substantial number of years. The Board of Trustees is seeking to recruit his replacement for this key role and to ensure that the financial stability of the Charity continues to be well managed. It is envisaged that there will be a hand-over period.
The post involves the following tasks: -
- Overall supervision of the accounting records.
- Preparation of the Annual Budget.
- Preparation of a quarterly Financial Report and presentation to the Trustee Board.
- Supervision of the preparation of the Annual Financial Report including liaison with the external Auditors.
- Propose to the Board of Trustees the annual increase in the Tenants Weekly Maintenance Charge and separate charge for Electricity & Water.
- Assist Staff in ensuring Tenants are paying the Weekly Maintenance Charges & additional charges and calculate provisions for bad debts where necessary.
- Supervision of Banking Relationship and ensure the mandates are correctly set up.
- Overall management of the Charity’s investment portfolio, including liaison with external investment managers.
- Assist management in negotiation of supplier contracts (Electricity, Water, Fire & Alarm systems, Gardening, etc.)
- Ensure Charity is Correctly insured.
- Ensure that all repairs and property maintenance identified in the Quinquennial Report together with any urgent repairs are completed on timely basis and within budget.
- Control all Capital expenditure including financial management of building projects in agreement with Trustees and agree appropriate rates of depreciation.
Profile of candidate
- Candidate must have a recognised accounting qualification.
- Must have sufficient time available to be able to devote an average of two to three days a month to overseeing the Charity’s finances.
- Preferably should reside locally.
- Should have good leadership qualities.
- Must have a strong empathy for supporting elderly members of society, who are disadvantaged and on low income.
- Some knowledge of the Almshouse movement would be preferable.
Conditions of appointment:
- The position is not remunerated.