Voluntary Finance Trustee and Chair of The Finance & Audit Committee

Voluntary Finance Trustee and Chair of The Finance & Audit Committee

The Organisation

Sensational Kids is a social enterprise and charity dedicated to making vital therapy services accessible and affordable for children with additional needs across Ireland. Our mission is to ensure that no child is left waiting for life-changing therapeutic support. We believe every child should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of financial or geographical barriers.

Sensational Kids supports children with additional needs, including those children who are autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic or have Downs syndrome, ADHD, sensory processing differences or developmental delays that might require additional support or accommodations at home or at school. We identify and support developmental differences at a young age allowing a child to truly realise their potential in all environments.

Sensational Kids operates four provincial child development centres across Ireland, offering subsidised occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, psychological assessments and play therapy in counties Kildare, Mayo, Cork and Monaghan.

Sensational Kids also operates a non-profit play, develop and learn store, an online learning platform and also fundraises, with all proceeds helping to fund therapy services for children.

Sensational Kids is currently embarking on its most ambitious project to date, to build a 17,000 square feet National Child Development Centre on a greenfield site in Kildare Town.

Mission

To transform the lives of children through therapy, toys and training

The Role

Sensational Kids is seeking a voluntary Finance Trustee

The key responsibilities of the Finance Trustee include:

  1. Financial Oversight: Monitor and review financial performance, including budgets, financial statements, and cash flow, to ensure accuracy and integrity.
  2. Chairing the Finance and Audit Committee: Lead the committee in evaluating financial policies, overseeing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations and best practices. Report to the board with financial updates from the Committee. The Chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda, ensuring the meetings are conducted effectively, and overseeing the follow-up on action items. Approve monthly payroll.
  3. Strategic Financial Planning: Contribute to the creation and implementation of long-term financial strategies that align with the organisation’s mission and goals.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that financial practices and reporting adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and standards.
  5. Risk Management: Identify financial risks and recommend strategies to mitigate them, safeguarding the organisation’s financial stability.
  6. Financial Reporting: Oversee the preparation and presentation of clear and accurate financial reports for the board and stakeholders.
  7. Budget Oversight: Review and approve annual budgets, ensuring they align with the organisation’s priorities and strategic objectives.
  8. Audit Oversight: Manage the external audit process, review findings, and ensure that any issues are addressed and resolved.
  9. Support and Advice: Provide financial expertise and guidance to the board and senior management to support informed decision-making.

Skills and Experience Required:

  • Qualified Accountant: Holds an ACA qualification, demonstrating a strong grasp of accounting principles and practices.
  • Financial Management: Experienced in budgeting, financial reporting, and cash flow management.
  • Audit Experience: Skilled in internal and external audits, addressing findings effectively.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of recognised financial regulations and compliance, knowledge of Charity SORP FRS 102 would be beneficial but not essential.
  • Strategic Planning: Contributes to a financial strategy and aligns it with organisational goals.
  • Risk Management: Identifies financial risks and develops mitigation strategies
  • Leadership Skills: Proven leader with experience chairing committees or financial teams
  • Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities with attention to detail in financial reporting.
  • Commitment to Mission and Values: Dedicated to aligning financial practices. 

Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee

  • Comply with the Charity’s governing document.
  • Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
  • Acting in the best interest of the charity
  • Act with Reasonable Care and Skill
  • Manage the assets of your charity.

Board Meetings

Board meetings are scheduled to take place every month in a hybrid format at Sensational Kids, Unit C2 Kildare Business Park, Melitta Road, Kildare Town and at other times in Dublin. The Chairperson is responsible for setting the agenda, ensuring the meetings are conducted effectively, and overseeing the follow-up on action items.

Total Time Commitment: one meeting per month of approximately two hours duration plus time to review documents in preparation for meetings.

Occasionally shorter single item agenda board meetings may be held between regular scheduled board meetings if the need arises to progress a particular matter.

Applications 

Applications by email to CEO & Founder, Karen Leigh by email Karen@sensationalkids.ie