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.

Accountant/Trustee, Street Fit Scotland

About the Employer

Street Fit Scotland are a not-for-profit charity and we have just completed our second Annual Report. Our main aim is to reduce social isolation and loneliness for people who are living in all types of homeless accomodation.

We deliver a comprehensive programme of sports events and activities centered on health, fitness and wellbeing. Street Fit Scotland story is one of kindness, participation and inclusion and through this dialogue we aim to guide people to see the benefits of different life choices.

The message is that the individual is valued and participation can lead to a healthier lifestyle and behavioural changes. At the moment we have a basement office in South Clerk Street and one employee, who is our founder/Chief Executive Officer - she is supported by an active Committee of six people.

About the Vacancy

Our Accounts are prepared on a Receipt and Payment basis.We require the help of an accountant to record and control our expenditure and prepare budgets for the future.


We have successfully completed our second Annual Report and have been awarded a grant from the Scottish Office which will allow us to operate well into 2020. We are also investigating other funding opportunities, but are really looking for the support of long-term funders to sustain and expand our business.

Time commitment

The Trustees meet once a month for two hours, with attendance at other meetings occasionally required. The Accountant requirement could be a few hours a month.

Expressions of interest

Please send your cv, along with an explanation as to why you are interested in this opportunity to:

Roger Eggins,
Flat 2
3 Meggetland View
Edinburgh
EH14 1 XS

Board Member/Trustee/Treasurer, Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre

  • Employer: Edinburgh Peace and Justice Centre
  • Contact: Frank Thomas, 07847440692
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Closing date for applications: 31 January 2020
  • Apply now

    • About the employer

    The Centre is a Scottish charity (SC026864) that has worked since 1980 to promote nonviolence, human rights, conflict resolution, and ecological sustainability and to create a culture of peace across Scotland.  We organise events, programmes, projects, exhibitions and workshops to this end.  One of our main current projects is running Cooperative Games and Conflict Resolution in Primary Schools.  Building on this foundation, we’re now developing a Restorative Practice course. A second main project is, with 14 other organisations, to establish a memorial to conscientious objectors and opposing war in Princes Street Gardens. Among other things, the Centre manages the finances for the project.  We also organise the making of 140,000 origami cranes (125,000 made so far) to remember those who were killed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.  It is intended to exhibit the full set in 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the dropping of the bomb.  Other activities promoting peace include challenging the militarisation of youth, supporting divestment from the arms industry – particularly by banks from nuclear weapons, and advocacy for unaccompanied refugee children.

    About the vacancy

    The treasurer reports to fellow-trustees on the Centres finances usually by means of monthly reports.  There is also a sub-group of Trustees that hold more detailed discussions about finance.  The accounts are held in the online QuickBooks system.  So far, the treasurer does most of the work in maintaining the accounts in QB as the staff haven't had time to take this on.  The treasurer tasks also include paying the two members of staff (this entails organising PAYE/NI and pension), taking part in the setting of the budgets for individual projects and the Centre as a whole, assisting the Centre's auditor in producing the annual report for OSCR, and preparing claims to HMRC for gift aid on donations.
    The Centre needs someone with accounting skills to help in its role in promoting peace and opposing war.

    Time Commitment

    Varies depending on time of year, but can be as high as 2 days a week.  Usually 1 day a week is enough.

    Apply

    Contact Frank Thomas c/o City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9BX or via 07847440692.

Treasurer/Trustee, Clackmannan Development Trust

About the Employer

Clackmannan Development Trust (CDT) has been in operation since 2012, and gained status as Registered Scottish Charity in 2014.

CDT operates on behalf of its membership in the best interests of developing the community in line with our Articles of Memorandum and our agreed outcomes with our funders.

The Trust is led by our Board of Trustees who meet on 2nd Thursday of the month (except in July) at 7pm.

CDT currently employs three members of staff: Community Development Officer (F/T), Active Travel Co-ordinator (P/T) and Administrator (P/T), who all work in our office at No.5 Main Street, Clackmannan. FK10 4JA

CDT is moving into an exciting period as we seek to grow and develop a social enterprise to ensure that the Trust is no longer grant dependent and is sustainable and seek an experienced finance professional to help guide the Trust into the next phase of our development.

About the Vacancy

This role would suit a Finance Director or Senior Finance Officer, Accountant or Business Development Manager.

Provide support and financial guidance for Board and Staff of CDT.

Provide line management support for staff on financial aspects of their roles.

Provide quarterly finance report to the Board of Trustees.

Help to develop a financial strategy for the Board (including budgets).

Work with our Accountant and Administrator to prepare annual accounts.

Assist with funding applications.

Adhere to Scottish Charitable legislation and charity regulator OSCR.

Time commitment

Estimated 8 - 10 hours per month.

Expressions of interest

If you are interested in this role please send your CV and covering letter to: Margaret Schofield (Secretary) by email: secretary_cdt@outlook.com.

Volunteer Accountant (Myanmar, 2-4 wks), Accounting for International Development

About the Employer

Are you an accounting professional looking to use your skills and experience to give something back to society and those less fortunate around the world? Perhaps swap London for Laos, Melbourne for Malawi or Boston for Belize!?

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 a social enterprise that builds and develops small scale solar systems as a source of energy, bringing access to clean electricity to remote local communities in Myanmar. They aim to replace the current systems based on diesel consumption with solar ones, having an impact both on the environment and improving accessibility to reliable and equitable sources of energy in the remote communities.

You will begin with a review of their existing finance procedures, systems and controls. You will be making and implementing recommendations for best practice, taking into account the resources and capacity of the team, and providing coaching as necessary.

They are looking to migrate all the accounting processes currently sub-contracted, to be performed in-house and you will support in this transition, setting-up financial procedures for bookkeeping, budget-to-actual comparison, accounts management and internal controls, while providing training and capacity building to the local team.

In addition, they have recently received grant funding from the Belgian provincial government and is expecting more positive results from other grant applications in 2020. They would like further guidance on making sure that their systems are set-up and compliant with quarterly and annual reporting requirements for regulatory and donor purposes.

Accommodation, meals & visa provided.

Time commitment

2 - 4 weeks

Expressions of interest

Apply via this link.

Treasurer, Accounting for International Development

About the Employer

Accounting for International Development (AfID) is looking for a Treasurer for a charity providing legal action for the community in South West London.

Our partner helps people in South West London access justice, by providing specialist legal advice on debt, housing, employment, welfare benefits and immigration.

As well offering services in social welfare law, they also offer a wide range of pro-bono clinics aimed at alleviating stress, injustice and poverty in the community.  Their catchment area includes six London boroughs, and they continue to help more than 8,000 people a year.

About the Vacancy

Their current treasurer will be standing down at their next AGM in February 2020 having served the full term, and they are looking for a replacement who believes in access to justice and helping people to uphold their rights.

Key responsibilities

Monitoring the financial standing of the charity and report to the Board and CEO regarding cash-flow forecasting, income streams, out-going expenses and the overarching strategic management of the organisation's financial resources.

Overseeing the financial risk-management process and report financial health to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals.

Acting as a counter-signatory on cheques and applications to funders ensuring that annual accounts are submitted to all relevant regulators in a timely fashion.

Liaising with external auditors on financial issues, ensuring that the finances are responsibly managed/invested for the betterment of the organisation's work and for the beneficiaries it serves.

Time commitment

The Board meets six times a year and the Treasurer is expected to be present if available. You will be a member of a Finance sub-committee which will meet 6 times in a year prior to Board meetings.

Expressions of interest

Apply via this link.

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