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Treasurer - Volunteer Position

Australian Centre for Disability Law

The Organisation:

The Australian Centre for Disability Law (ACDL) is a specialist legal centre based in Sydney which operates a disability discrimination law practice across NSW, and a disability and human rights law practice across Australia. It was established as the NSW Disability Discrimination Legal Centre in 1994 to assist persons with disability and their associates to learn about and pursue their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth).

Our vision is of a society in which persons with disability live with dignity, and in which their human rights and fundamental freedoms are recognised, respected, protected and fulfilled.

ACDL works with persons with a wide range of impairments and disabling conditions. This includes persons with physical, intellectual, and sensory impairments, as well as persons with neurological, psychosocial and some long-term health conditions. ACDL’s clients are from socially and financially disadvantaged backgrounds and rely upon ACDL for legal assistance. Legal assistance is provided free of charge.

ACDL operates on the basis of grants provided by the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments and by the NSW Public Purpose Fund. From time to time, ACDL also benefits from project grants from a number of other government and non-government donors.

ACDL has a small paid staff with a large component of work being carried out by para-legal and solicitor volunteers and under pro-bono partnerships with legal firms and legal practitioners.

ACDL is an independent, non-profit, and apolitical organisation that is incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW). It is a public benevolent institution for the purposes of Australian taxation law and is therefore capable of receiving tax deductible donations.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists be part of the Australian Centre for Disability Law.

ACDL operates under the governance of a volunteer Management Committee. Committee members have a wide range of experience and expertise. A majority of Management Committee members have direct personal experience of disability.

We are seeking a Board Member with skills and qualifications in financial management and accounting to undertake the role of Treasurer.

In accepting their positions, Management Committee members undertake to provide sound governance and effective leadership to the organisation by ensuring that the organisation has:

  • Clear strategic directions and achievable plans in line with its purpose and values
  • Adequate resources to carry out its work
  • Competent personnel
  • An effective policy framework to guide its work, implement its plans and meet its obligations
  • Adequate internal controls to ensure sound financial management, risk management and legal compliance
  • Adequate internal accountability mechanisms to ensure compliance with policies and procedures and to monitor organisational performance.

The Management Committee will be accountable to the membership ensuring that the organisation produces results, remains solvent, and complies with all its legal, financial, and ethical obligations. The key responsibilities of the Management Committee are to set the direction for the organisation, to monitor its performance and to maintain control of the organisation, ensuring that it stays on track according to agreed priorities and planned activities.

Management Committee members may be requested to formally represent the organisation in sitting on external committees, participating in consultation processes or attending delegations to politicians or government officers.

Selection Criteria

Ideal candidates will have:

  • Qualifications and experience in Accounting/Financial Management
  • An understanding of and/or interest in the disability sector
  • A strong commitment to social justice
  • A strong commitment to collaborative decision making
  • Effective communication skills
  • Experience in corporate governance in the context of a not for profit organisation

In addition we are looking for a candidate with skills and experience in, one or more of the following areas:

  • Risk and compliance
  • Fundraising
  • Human resources
  • Organisational development
  • Community engagement
  • Information technology

Commitment Required

The Board currently meets in Surry Hills every second month, alternating between Wednesday evening and Saturday morning. The Treasurer should anticipate a minimum time commitment of up to 5 hours per month, which includes preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, and providing financial advice for the Managing Principal Solicitor and the outsourced bookkeeper.

Management Committee members are expected to demonstrate their commitment to the organisation by attending all meetings.

Our volunteer Board plays a crucial governance role in the organisation and Directors are appointed for a minimum of one year.

Please note that financial membership of the organisation is a prerequisite to joining the Board.

A full Position Description is attached below.

Successful applicants for positions at the Australian Centre of Disability Law are subject to Criminal Records Checks.

Please direct any questions to the Chair of the Management Committee Jenny Green or the Centre Managing Principal Solicitor Mark Patrick on 9370 3142 or [email protected] using the subject line: Treasurer - Volunteer Position enquiry via EthicalJobs.

ACDL welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, people who are LGBTIQ and people with disability.

How to apply

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