Who we are

The Don't Forget My Pet Foundation is a registered charity committed to helping individuals in need of support keep their beloved pets. With particular focus on supporting those facing financial difficulties, people over 65, and individuals dealing with illness, disability, or mental health challenges.

Thereby preventing isolation and loneliness, and improving mental and physical well-being for all.

The human-animal bond is so important for people experiencing isolation and loneliness. It is well known that people will delay their own health care needs, for fear that something will happen to their animals. It can also be incredibly disruptive for animals to be removed from their homes, when people need to go into hospital, rehab and/or respite.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced professional proficient in finance and risk management and not-for-profit finance strategy to join our organisation as Treasurer of the Board.

Knowledge of Aged Care, Disability, Mental health and or animal welfare/veterinary services, community services, and nonprofit or public sector involvement would be an added bonus. The Treasurer of the Board has an overview of the financial status of DFMPF. This role ensures financial planning is undertaken and financial viability and growth of the organisation is achieved. The Treasurer is seen as the caretaker of DFMPF finances.

The Treasurer undertakes the financial planning, recording and reporting role in collaboration with the Board or other committee established to oversee the financial position of DFMPF.

Roles and Responsibilities

As a non-executive board member, in addition to adhering to the ACNC Governance Standards, you will have the responsibility to:

• Attend and actively participate in board meetings and events;

• Work collaboratively with Board members and the Senior Leadership team; &

• Proactively identify, communicate and work to resolve governance and strategic challenges as we grow.

As Treasurer you will also have responsibility over the governance of DFMPF’s finances, including:

• Overseeing financial planning, management, reporting and auditing. This includes ensuring the adequacy of financial controls, including the financial delegations and the annual financial audit process.

• Co-authorise payments and sign-off financial statements.

• Liaise with the contract bookkeeper to oversee the accuracy of reports.

• Communicating financial issues to the board.

• Proactively, clearly and simply communicate financial issues to the board, and where appropriate provide your informed recommendation.

• Regularly communicate the financial position and performance, as well as relevant financial KPIs to the board.

• Ensure responsible management of finances and lead the organisation's finance strategy.

• Ensure fund use and financial reporting complies with conditions set by funding bodies, regulators and the agreed financial plan. Work with the senior leadership team to review the annual budget.

Required Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Accounting qualification (CPA or CA)

• Financial management experience Preferred

• Previous experience with Boards, understanding of corporate governance, and proven leadership/management skills

• Effective communicator and collaborator, strong attention to detail, good commercial acumen

• Passionate about DFMPF mission, and human and animal welfare issues generally

Time Commitment

As DFMPF is a very young organisation, the Board consists of ‘working’ Directors who commit a generous amount of time to optimise the performance of the organisation and ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements.

Board members are expected to attend six Board meetings and six Strategy meetings each year via digital communication channels, attend major fundraising events when possible, donate time to support delivery of initiatives (where required), and advocate and actively help raise funds for DFMPF. An individuals own time is also required to complete the key responsibilities outlined above.

Ideally, we would like the successful candidate to commit to a minimum term of two years on the Board.

What you can look forward to

The opportunity to shape and grow DFMPF and work with like-minded, passionate professionals dedicated to making a real difference for the people and animals we support and the wider community

How to apply for this role We welcome expressions of interest from committed individuals motivated by our vision. We are an inclusive organisation and value the experience people bring with them from various industries. Our values and organisational culture are very important to us and will continue to be a focus as we grow.

Please submit a cover letter with your resume outlining how your skills and experience are a great match for DFMPF to hello@dontforgetmypet.org.au.