Overview:
The Finance Officer is responsible for managing the club’s financial affairs, including budgeting, accounting, reporting, and financial analysis. They play a crucial role in ensuring the club’s financial stability, transparency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities:
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Work with the committee to develop the annual budget, forecast, and financial strategy. Work with the Grounds Secretary to assess the costs associated with lawn maintenance, equipment, and general grounds upkeep, establishing an annual budget and monthly payment schedule. Recommend adjustments to tournament fees, green fees (e.g. U3A), clubhouse fees (e.g. Polling), as well as pricing for lunches, drinks, and snacks. Coordinate with the Croquet England Tournament Secretary and Match Secretary to determine tournament fees and income. In February of each year, propose subscription fee levels for various membership categories for the upcoming year. Once approved, prepare calculations for new members joining part way through the year. Guarantee the accuracy of membership fee information on the club website before they become due.
- Accounting and Bookkeeping: Maintain current accounting records for the club, tracking income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Maintain detailed records of all cash deposits, cheques, and bank transfers. Promptly settle all authorised invoices, contractual obligations, registrations (e.g. CqE & EACF), and expense claims, and maintain comprehensive documentation of these transactions, including bank direct debits and standing orders. Regularly reconcile accounts to ensure accuracy and integrity. Work closely with the Membership Secretary to guarantee consistency between membership subscriptions and payment records.
- Cash Management: Collect all monies due to the club. Monitor cash flow projections, make transfers between the Current Account and Savings Accounts as necessary to maximise interest received whilst maintaining a balance on the Current Account to meet operational needs and financial obligations.
- Budget Monitoring and Control: Track actual financial performance against budgeted targets and forecasts. Identify variances, investigate discrepancies, and recommend corrective actions as needed to achieve financial objectives.
- Financial Reporting: Generate routine financial reports and present a budget variance assessment at the committee meetings. Additionally, compile a detailed Treasurer’s Report and budget proposal to be presented at the AGM, providing stakeholders with a transparent overview of the club’s financial performance and outlook.
- Financial Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and tax requirements related to financial reporting and taxation. Maintain a register of all insurance policies, Fire and PAT testing certificates held by the club and ensure that they are current and displayed on the club notice board.
- Audit and Internal Controls: Cheques are to be countersigned by two committee members, one being the treasurer and the other as determined by the committee. Close books at the end of the financial year, submit accounts for an independent audit and prepare a report for the committee and then the Annual General Meeting. Implement and maintain internal controls to safeguard club assets and prevent fraud or misappropriation. Review the list of signatories and bank account primary users each year and update as necessary, ensuring that the Committee minutes register any changes.
- Grants and Funding: Identify opportunities for grant funding, sponsorships, or donations to support the club’s activities and initiatives. Prepare grant applications, funding proposals, and sponsorship packages in collaboration with the committee.