We will be opening the call of expressions of interest for the BERA Treasurer in autumn 2022. These expressions are shortlisted and interviewed by current members of Leadership Committee and the BERA Chief Executive. The elections themselves will take place in early 2023, with the successful applicant assuming the role of Treasurer in September 2023 for a four-year term. They will be invited to attend salient governance meetings from early 2023 as part of the handover and receive a full induction prior to assuming the role.

This is a crucial role to the Association, with the successful applicant succeeding Sean Hayes in September 2023. We are seeking expressions of interest from those with strong financial and management experience, be this in a financial role, or with experience of managing budgets and staff in a senior leadership role within your organisation. Knowledge and experience of governance and BERA’s current priorities and operations is desirable. This role is supported by the BERA Office through the Chief Executive and Finance and Governance Manager. BERA’s investment account is managed by a professional fund manager and an independent audit is conducted annually. BERA is currently in very healthy financial position, with reserves of over £2,000,000.

The Treasurer sits on BERA Council, the Leadership Committee, and is Chair of the BERA Finance & Operations Committee. This is a crucial role within the Association and is integral to the implementation and success of the BERA Strategic Plan. The time commitment of the role is averaged across the year at about half a day per week but with some periods of more intensive commitment.

The role of the Treasurer is to:

• Oversee, approve and present budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees, following discussion with the Chief Executive
• Being assured the financial resources of the Association are within the objectives of the charity and robust financial monitoring is in place and ensuring any delegated budgets are properly spent and accounted for
• Through their role as Chair of Finance and Operations Committee, ensuring good practice in the oversight and support of BERA’s office staff and HR functions
• Be instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial, reserves policy and investment policies

The full role description and person specification can be found here.

As part of our wider commitment to greater equality and diversity at all levels of the organisation, we continue to seek increased representation from members with a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background. In acknowledging the structural inequalities and unjust power imbalances that affect our members, we wish to be proactive in addressing this within our own structures.

At this time, we are making the membership aware of this impending opportunity and would welcome any engagement from those who wish to have an informal conversation about the role with either the current incumbent, Sean Hayes, or Nick Johnson (BERA Chief Executive).

Please contact secretariat@bera.ac.uk for the next steps in discussing this role further.  

Further information on BERA’s governance can be found here.