Imagine you’re sitting in the dark of a theatre, enjoying a show.

Two people talk, their voices becoming heated. Suddenly – there’s a bang and a thump.

Then – silence.

What just happened?!

This is often the experience of theatre for people who are Blind or have low vision. You could lean over to your friend and ask, but that’s just going to annoy everyone else. And besides, why should your friend have to spend the whole show whispering in your ear?

Description Victoria is an exciting young service provider working at the intersection of the arts and cultural sector and the Blind and low vision community to solve this problem. We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Treasurer to help take the organisation to the next level, with a sustainable business model and solid revenue base that will enable more impactful inclusive practice across the state.

The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial affairs in line with its Rules and objectives. The Treasurer will approve payroll payments, invoices over certain limit, and budgets for grant applications and acquittals.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a savvy and socially-conscious business or finance professional with an interest in governance. The right applicant will be an integral player in our success story, and offers an opportunity to get hands-on with a nimble, impact-minded enterprise.

About the organisation.

Description Victoria provides professional description services for art and media. Audio description adds live or pre-recorded verbal information to performances, events, exhibitions, and moving images. Designed for people who are Blind or have low vision, this information is delivered through a variety of means that complement the work - eg. in theatres, audience members receive a device with headphones, allowing them to privately listen to a live description of the visual action happening onstage.

Our describers come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines in art, performance and media, combining their own expertise with expert training in description. We have described for theatre shows, exhibitions, documentary videos, films, fireworks displays and live art experiences. Audio description can be adapted to any work in any medium.

We also provide comprehensive advice and support on marketing to audiences with low vision, and consider the experience of patrons from the first moment they hear about the work, to the time they step out of the venue.

Description Victoria a registered charity governed by a Board with a majority of members who have a lived experience of Blindness or low vision. The purposes stated in its Rules are:

• To provide access and inclusion services for people who are Blind or have low vision.
• To advance culture by developing access and inclusion services for people who are Blind or have low vision in cultural contexts.
• To advocate for the inclusion of people who are Blind or have low vision in Australia’s cultural, artistic, social, and recreational life.
• To support creative and artistic practice by and for people with Disability.

The Association currently earns most of its income from fee-for-service activities and occasional project grants from Federal, State and Local government, and has an annual budget of less than $100k.

Key responsibilities & duties

The incumbent will be required to:

• Approve certain expenditures through an online banking system on a fortnightly basis.
• Attend quarterly remote Board meetings and present on financial performance.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports for annual reporting.
• Advise the Board on strategies for financial management and improving financial performance.
• Identify opportunities for improvement in financial management, new opportunities for revenue generation and improving efficiency.
• Chair the Governance, Risk and Finance Committee.
• Participate in general Board business to advance the Association’s interests.

Academic or trade qualifications:

• Relevant qualifications in accounting, commerce, business or bookkeeping – essential.

Work experience, attributes, and skills:

• A passion for empowering people with Disability to participate fully and meaningfully in Australia’s cultural life – essential.
• An interest in the arts and culture – essential.
• A brain for business, with a growth and development mindset – essential.
• Strong communication and people skills – essential.
• Prior experience working as a Treasurer for a not-for-profit organisation – desirable.
• Prior experience working within the Google Workspace ecosystem – desirable.
• Prior experience with Xero accounting software – desirable.

How to apply

Please send an message introducing yourself and outlining your interest in the role to Secretary Will McRostie via Seek. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis with applicants until we find the right fit.