About the Mental Health Council of Tasmania:

The Mental Health Council of Tasmania (MHCT) is the peak body representing the mental health and wellbeing needs of all Tasmanians, and the community organisations that work with and support them. We work closely with the government to amplify the voices of our members and Tasmanian communities, to provide input into public policies and programs. We advocate for reform and improvement within the Tasmanian mental health system.

Our purpose: Strengthen and advocate for our communities and service providers to support the mental health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.

Vision: Every Tasmanian has access to the resources and support needed for good mental health and wellbeing

Values: Compassionate and respectful, collaborative, and supportive, responsive, and adaptive, leading, and engaging

Position Details:

Title: Treasurer

Organisation: Mental Health Council of Tasmania

Employment type: Volunteer

Location: Tasmania (in person in Hobart, or online)

Time Commitment:

• Bi-monthly board meetings: 2 hours every 2 months
• Preparation for meetings: 2 hours every 2 months
• Bi-monthly Audit and Risk Committee meeting: 1 hour every 2 months
• Board planning: 5 hours per year
• Annual General Meeting: 2 hours per year

Period: 2 years

Reports to: The Board Treasurer reports to the Board

Roles and responsibilities:

Governance:

• Ensure that the Board maintains the degree of financial literacy necessary to conduct the business of the organisation
• Advise the Board on matters of finance and accounting.
• Ensure that MHCT satisfies its legislative requirements regarding financial reporting and compliance.

Planning:

• In partnership with the CEO and MHCT Board, contribute to the development of the strategic plan, taking primary responsibility for any finance-related priorities.
• Liaise with MHCT staff and Agility Accounting to assist in the annual audit of financial accounts.

Meetings:

• Report to the Board at each meeting on the financial position and performance of MHCT.

• Report to the Board at each meeting on significant variances from the approved budget.

• Report to the Annual General Meeting on the financial situation of MHCT.

• Chair the Audit and Risk Committee and attend scheduled meetings with the other committee members.

Administrative & Management:

• Work with MHCT staff and Agility Accounting to ensure MHCT financial records are accurate, protected and backed up.
• Work with MHCT staff and Agility Accounting to ensure there are sufficient cash reserves and regularly report to the Board on MHCT’s cash position.

Finance:

• Ensure that risk management strategies (including appropriate insurances) are in place
• Oversee the organisation’s investment strategy and report to the Board
• Work with the CEO and Agility Accounting in the preparation and review of annual budgets.
• Review income and expenditure against the budget on a continuous basis

Required Skills:

Our collective Board capability is strengthened by members with diverse abilities, cultural backgrounds, gender identities, life experience, life stages and physical locations in Tasmania.

• Qualification in accountancy and/or finance. CA or CPA preferred but not required.
• Experience in the management of budgets and the production of financial reports
• Up to date knowledge of the financial obligations of not-for-profit organisations
• Ability to communicate financial information to a range of audiences
• A good understanding of directors’ duties and responsibilities in the not-for-profit sector

Personal Attributes

• A genuine passion and interest to strengthen and advocate for our communities and service providers to support the mental health and wellbeing of all Tasmanians.
• Qualifies as a Responsible Person under the Australian Charities & Not-for-Profits Commission Act 2012
• A strong reputation for personal and professional integrity
• Independent judgement and decision making.
• Alignment to the MHCT vision, purpose, and values.
• Capacity to devote energy and time to the role.