Role Profile

Job title: Chair of Finance Committee/Treasurer (non-executive)
Term of office: Three years, renewable
Remuneration: Travel and subsistence expenses
Time commitment: An estimated two days per month in meetings and preparation, some of which will be on campus, government guidelines permitting
Method of appointment: By Council, on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee

Job Purpose

The role of Treasurer is defined in the Charter and Statutes of the University. In practice, the Treasurer’s primary functions are to chair the Finance Committee and to act as one of three senior lay members of the University Council.

As the governing body of the University, the Council has a collective responsibility to ensure the University’s sustainability, promote its wellbeing, protect its reputation, and ensure that the highest standards of corporate governance are adhered to. Council determines the strategic direction of the University, is accountable for the proper use of funds, and – working with Senate, which is responsible for directing and regulating academic matters – oversees the quality of every aspect of the institution’s business.

Lay members of Council contribute their skills and their experience in a non-executive capacity, and their roles are unremunerated. They are expected to ensure that Council operates to high standards of governance by personally demonstrating their integrity, objectivity and accountability in every aspect of their work.

Council believes that diversity is fundamental to sound decision-making and is seeking to broaden the range of backgrounds that its members are drawn from.

Candidates must hold a recognised financial qualification such as ICAEW, ACCA, CIPFA.

The University is currently transitioning from a management structure with a high degree of central control to a more devolved structure and increased delegation of authority. Applications from candidates with experience of supporting a transformation of this nature in a large, complex operating environment would, therefore, be particularly welcome.

Key Responsibilities

As Treasurer

Chair the University Finance Committee, which is responsible to Council for overseeing the finances of the University, including financial strategy, budget-setting, annual accounts, monitoring of investment activity and consideration of capital expenditure.
Alongside the Chair and Senior Independent Director, to act as one of three senior lay members of the University Council, exercising emergency decision-making authority as appropriate.
Act as an ambassador for the University, promoting its activities in the wider community, including through participation in some ceremonial occasions, such as graduations.

As a lay member of Council:

Promote and safeguard the interests of the University, supporting the development of its mission and strategic vision such that these meet the needs of stakeholders.
Ensure that governance structures and processes are fit for purpose by referencing them against recognised standards of good practice.
Hold the Executive to account for its leadership and management of the University, ensuring the institution’s performance is monitored and evaluated against its strategic objectives, providing constructive challenge and support and respecting executive responsibility whilst doing so.
Promote equality and diversity throughout the institution, including in relation to the operation of Council itself.
In addition to Finance Committee, to sit as a member on one or more committees or working groups, subject to time commitments.
Be conversant with the current higher education landscape to enable appropriate challenge and relevant assurance.

Like all members of Council, the Treasurer expected to conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life, which embrace selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Person Specification

The Treasurer will demonstrate the following qualities and attributes