Make a difference: search volunteering opportunities for CAs

Volunteering opportunities for CAs

ICAS fully supports members taking on voluntary roles, and if you are interested in using your skills and expertise to make a difference we have a range of volunteering opportunities for you to support.

Accountants can play a key role in making sure groups are able to raise funds, plan business strategy, and can work with bodies to ensure the smooth running of not-for-profit organisations.

Taking on a voluntary role can be a great opportunity for CAs to use their experience and skills to make a positive difference, and many finance professionals who volunteer claim giving back is one of the main perks of the role.

A list of non-profit organisations currently accepting vacancies are listed below - we hope you feel inspired to volunteer.

We also encourage non-members from the accounting and finance community to take up these opportunities.

Guidance and CPD

Members who are looking to get involved in volunteering for a charity should ensure that they keep up-to-date with charity sector developments relevant to their role, which will comply with ICAS CPD requirements. For members acting as volunteer independent examiners, ICAS has issued additional CA Scottish charity Guidance for you.

Advertise a voluntary position with us

If you're a charity or a voluntary organisation looking for a CA, and would like to place a vacancy advertisement on our website, please complete our submissions form.

Available volunteering opportunities:

Trustee, The Scottish Chartered Accountants Benevolent Association (SCABA)

About the Employer

The Scottish Chartered Accountants’ Benevolent Association (SCABA) is a charity which supports CAs, their dependants and prospective CAs who are in need. This can be for a variety of reasons such as ill health, redundancy, debt, re-training etc. We help by providing grants, loans, benefits advice and support visits.

About the Vacancy

We are looking for fellow CAs to join our current team of Trustees to support the continuous development of SCABA. It is a rewarding organisation to be part of and by volunteering with us you can make a real difference to the lives of those we support.

Skills and experience

All applicants must have strong interpersonal skills, possess the ability to work constructively as part of a team and be passionate about making a difference to people’s lives.

Time commitment

The time commitment is for 4 meetings a year which are held during the day at ICAS offices in Haymarket Yards, Edinburgh.

Expressions of interest

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee then please contact Caroline Christie CA, Charity Administrator or call 07722 932120.

Board member/Trustee, Link Community Development International

  • Employer: Link Community Development International
  • Contact: Fiona Greig, 0131 225 3076
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Closing date for applications: 29 November 2019
  • Apply now

    • About the employer

    Link Community Development International is a successful charity whose aim is to improve the quality of education for some of Africa most marginalised children. With projects in Ethiopia, Malawi, Uganda and, Rwanda, Link works directly with governments, communities and schools by providing support and training for more effective teaching, improved school management and increased community engagement.

    Link's approach combines innovation with proven methodologies to reach the most vulnerable and marginalised communities. We are committed to delivering programmes which have a high impact and provide value for money.

    Based on the evidence that our programmes deliver outstanding results the demand for Link's work is growing and we expect to increase our turnover and the number of countries in which we operate in the next few years.

    About the vacancy

    We are looking for a someone with financial expertise to join our Board as a trustee and to sit on our Finance and Risk Committee.

    Time commitment

    The Board meets quarterly as does the Finance and Risk Committee, typically ten days before Board meetings.

    Apply

    Please send a CV and covering letter to link@lcd.org.uk

Trustee, Screen Education Edinburgh

About the Employer

Screen Education Edinburgh is a charity dedicated to transforming lives through the medium of film, with a special focus on the most disadvantaged communities, teaching filmmaking and digital media skills.

About the Vacancy

The board of SEE is currently looking for a trustee who could fulfill the role of treasurer.

The Treasurer will lead on governance activities relating to SEE accounts (on behalf of the Board) and will also work closely with the team at SEE to ensure adherence to best practice and compliance with OSCR guidance.

Time commitment

Board meetings are currently quarterly and there will be time needed between meetings to liaise with SEE staff to produce management accounts and the annual report.

Expressions of interest

Please email a covering letter and CV to Julianne Reddin

We will then get in touch to arrange a time for an informal chat with representatives of the board so that you can learn more about the role and the organisation. Board members will then recommend candidates for the role to the full board.

Board Trustee - Treasurer, Sonic Bothy

About the Employer

Sonic Bothy is an inclusive new music organisation that explores, composes and performs experimental and contemporary music. Our ensemble comprises musicians with and without additional learning support needs. We work across genres to develop new ideas and directions in collaborative composition and to create original new music, which we perform. Our most recent performance was at the Tusk Festival in Gateshead in October 2019. We also run creative learning programmes, which provide opportunities for musicians with additional learning support needs to collaborate in making original experimental music.

Sonic Bothy was constituted as a charity in 2015 and is in a period of expanding organisational capacity to meet its growing remit. We are seeking to expand our board in order to provide a broader range of support to the organisation and to allow some of our founding trustees to stand down or take on new roles at the next AGM in 2020. In addition to its governance and leadership role, the board has responsibility for the management and support of the small staff team.

About the Vacancy

The skills / positions we have identified a need for are:

  • Finance and Governance / Treasurer
  • Fundraising / Sponsorship / Income Generation
  • Marketing / Digital Marketing
  • HR
  • Chair

A passion for new music and previous board experience are advantageous but not essential (apart from the chair role, please see below).

Direct and relevant experience of working with adults with Additional Support Needs, or similarly vulnerable groups, would be advantageous, as would an understanding of how small charities operate within the confines of a restricted budget.

We are also seeking to address an under-representation of people with lived experience of disability, and therefore would encourage applications from anyone who identifies in this way.

As mentioned we are also seeking a new Chair for the board. For this role we would like to find someone with previous experience of boards, who is able to develop and lead the board and offer the time needed for such an essential role.

Time commitment

The board meets a minimum of four times per year with meetings usually falling in March, June, September and December in addition to an AGM in April. Board members may also be expected to give some extra time in support of the organisation's activities, by participating in sub-committees, research etc. Sonic Bothy performs around six times per year and board members are expected to attend a minimum of two performances.  
Cost of travel to and from board meetings from within Scotland will be paid. We cannot cover costs of travel from outside of Scotland.

Expressions of interest

"Please send a CV and covering letter to sonicbothyboard@gmail.com

Please outline your relevant skills and experience, and why you would like to be considered for the role of Trustee.

The deadline for applications is Sunday 1st December 2019 (midnight). We will notify everyone that applies as to if you have or have not been successful in gaining an interview by Saturday 7th December 2019.

Interviews will be held on either the 12th or 13th December 2019 in Glasgow between 1pm and 7pm. If you have a preferred time please let us know when you apply.

If you have any access or support requirements for the interview please lets us know by email or when you apply.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Volunteer Accountant, Accounting for International Development

About the Employer

Accounting for International Development offers every type of accountant, from anywhere in the world, the opportunity to use their skills to support a broad range of non-profit organisations globally. Volunteer Accounting Assignments of between 2 weeks and 6 months form part of our ongoing strategy to build the financial management capacity of charities in over 50 countries.

About the Vacancy

Our partner is an NGO in Laos that offers young people in Luang Prabang a chance to meet their potential, learn and develop through education and literacy, by creating and supporting libraries in underdeveloped areas.

You will begin with an internal review of their existing financial procedures, systems and controls and making recommendations for best practice, according to their resources and capacity, providing training to the local staff as needed.

They identified a specific need and challenge in making a better use of their accounting system, which currently is on Excel: it is very time consuming and not efficient, and as they are preparing for a second book-launch next year, they want to make sure they have a better system in place. You will assess, recommend and support in implementing a better system that can integrate accounting, sales and database management, able to automatize the work.

They are members of TechSoup and will have access to software at reduced prices, but they need your support in selecting the appropriate software and then receive training to make sure they are utilising it appropriately.

Affordable accommodation and stipend provided.

Time commitment

3 - 4 weeks.

Expressions of interest

Apply via this link.

Trustee, Citizens Advice Scotland

About the Employer

Are you an experienced professional, looking to utilise your skills, experience and knowledge to help others? Do you want to undertake a Trustee role where your efforts will make a genuinely positive change to people's lives?

Every year, over 300,000 people need and receive free, impartial advice on money, legal and rights issues from Citizens Advice Scotland.

The bureaux has over 60 members, and coupled with the Extra Help Unit, deliver Scotland's Largest Independent Advice Network.

Their work encapsulates the entire geography of Scotland and every demographic: they look at the problems people bring to their advice services and campaign for change where it's needed most. So when they speak out about something, it's because it matters to people whether it's limiting the damaging effects of welfare reform or making sure payday loan companies can't ruin lives.

About the Vacancy

In order that they can maintain the governance structure of the organisation, we are seeking experienced and motivated people from outside the Citizens Advice service to join their Board of Trustees.

In particular, we are keen to appoint individuals with the following knowledge and experience:

  • Significant senior management experience in a substantial organisation
  • Awareness of relationships with Government at Westminster and local level

This is a highly rewarding position, where you can help strategic decisions whilst ensuring the highest level of governance and service to those people who need independent advice the most.

Time commitment

Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years and are eligible to seek nomination to serve a further 3-year term after which they must retire from the Board. You will be required to attend approximately 6 Board meetings annually. In addition to Board meetings, you may be required to devote at least 1 day per month on average. You may also be a sub-committee member and will therefore be required to attend specific meetings.

Expressions of interest

There is a full information pack about the organisation, position and application process at www.aspenpeople.co.uk/CAS however if you have any direct questions or indeed want to help determine your suitability to the position, please call Steven Murray on 0141 212 7555 / 07807 074548 to discuss in complete confidence.

Trustee, The Jean Armour Burns Trust

  • Employer: The Jean Armour Burns Trust
  • Contact: Robert L Stevenson
  • Location: Glasgow
  • Closing date for applications: Ongoing
  • Apply now

    • About the employer

    As an organisation, we are committed to help spread the words of Scotland’s National Bard by funding events and projects which celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns.

    We support a range of organisations from Burns Clubs through schools to Universities Including The Glasgow and District Burns Association, Schools who cater for pupils with special needs, Colleges, Royal Conservatoire, Scottish Opera and The University of Glasgow.

    About the vacancy

    We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with the skill set to take up the role of Treasurer

  • Quarterly cash book report.
  • Update our cash book and prepare on income and expenditure for our accountants annually

    • As with all the Trustees this is a voluntary position.

    You will receive training and will be expected to attend some of the events and projects which we have sponsored.

    Time commitment

    We meet quarterly to review the funding policy of our fund managers and consider applications for funding.

    Apply

    To express an interest in this position please send your CV to Robert L Stevenson, Chairman.

Trustee, Dachaidh Community Support

  • Employer: Dachaidh Community Support
  • Contact: Bob Shorter, chair, 01479 851344
  • Location: Kingussie and Environs, south of Inverness
  • Closing date for applications: ongoing
  • Apply now

    • About the employer

    Dachaidh provides support for those with dementia who wish to remain at home. All clients are referred to us by NHS Highland's Community Health Team.

    We have 3 staff, funding to date of approx £50k pa from NHS-H which covers around 90% of our costs, and 3 years of funding from the Lottery. We are scrutinised by NHS-H, Lottery, OSCR and the Care Inspectorate.

    Dachaidh is highly regarded in Badenoch and Strathspey.

    About the vacancy

    We are always looking for new trustees and at present someone with a background as a company secretary or in accountancy would be very useful. We have assistance with our accounting from Voluntary Action Badenoch and Strathspey.

    Time commitment

    The Board meets quarterly and each trustees is allocated a responsibility e.g. finance, policies, supervision etc. Otherwise we deal with as much as possible between Board meetings by email.

    Apply

    Please contact Bob Shorter 01479 851344 or by email. Dachaidh have no website so the link given is to the Care Inspectorate

Non Executive Director, Ore Catapult

  • Employer: Ore Catapult
  • Contact: Sarah Maguire
  • Location: Glasgow
  • Closing date for applications: Ongoing
  • Apply now

    • About the employer

    Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult is one of a network of world-leading centres designed to transform the UK's capability for innovation in specific areas and help drive future economic growth.

    The vision for ORE Catapult is to be the world's leading offshore renewables technology centre.  ORE Catapult's mission is to accelerate the creation and growth of UK companies in the offshore renewable energy sector and add substantial GVA to the UK economy.

    About the vacancy

    ORE Catapult is seeking a Non-Executive Director for an initial term of three years which may be extended for a second term.  The duties as a Non-Executive Director will vary but will include as a minimum:

    a)attendance and participation at Company meetings, either in person or remotely via electronic link;
    b)service on the Company's Sub Committees as directed from time to time;
    c) participation in ad-hoc discussions between the Board and other employees of the Company and individuals as agreed from time to time; and
    d)promoting, protecting, developing and extending the business of the Company.

    We are looking for experienced Board Members who are strategic, innovative and understanding of sector. We are keen to speak to candidates from a Finance and Accountancy background as we are looking to appoint the role as Vice-Chair of the Audit Committee, therefore a recognised accountancy qualification and background in the finance and accountancy space is essential.

    The Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult appreciates the value of diversity in the workforce and would welcome applications from the broadest range of candidates.

    Time commitment

    In terms of time commitment for the role: There are 4-5 board meetings and 2 strategy meetings per year. There are typically 3 Audit committee meetings per year.

    Apply

    For a confidential discussion about the role please contact Debbie Shields or Donogh O'Brien on 0141 212 7555.

    To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV at the link above. You should receive an automatic acknowledgement - if you do not receive this, please contact Sarah Maguire on 0141 212 7555.


    To express an interest in this position please send your CV to Sarah Maguire