Volunteer Treasurer | Canberra Street Cat Alliance

About Canberra Street Cat Alliance

Canberra Street Cat Alliance (CSCA) is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to reducing the population of unowned street cats across Canberra and the surrounding region through rescue, rehabilitation, desexing and rehoming.

Over the past few years, CSCA has grown significantly. We support hundreds of cats each year, operate from our Crace facility, manage a growing volunteer base and oversee a substantially larger budget than when the organisation first began.

As the organisation has grown, so too have the expectations around governance, financial management and organisational sustainability.

About the opportunity

We're looking for a volunteer Treasurer to join our Board at an exciting time in CSCA's development.

This isn't simply about maintaining the books. We're looking for someone who wants to help strengthen the financial foundations of the organisation and support sustainable growth.

Over the next 12 months, CSCA will continue implementing recommendations from an independent strategic and operational review, improving governance, strengthening internal systems and reducing reliance on a small number of volunteers. The Treasurer will play an important role in that journey.

What you'll be doing

As Treasurer, you'll oversee the financial management of the organisation while working closely with the Board.

Responsibilities include:

• overseeing CSCA's financial records and reporting using Xero;
• preparing and lodging BAS;
• monitoring cash flow and presenting financial reports to the Board;
• paying invoices and managing routine financial obligations;
• supporting annual budgeting and financial planning;
• ensuring compliance with regulatory and reporting obligations;
• reviewing and improving financial systems, policies and processes; and
• contributing as an active Board member to governance, strategic planning and organisational improvement.

The Board meets monthly for approximately 2–3 hours. Board members also communicate regularly between meetings through an online chat.

As Treasurer, you should expect to contribute approximately:

• 2–5 hours per week undertaking Treasurer responsibilities; and
• around 5 hours per week participating as an active Board member through governance, projects and organisational improvement.

Some weeks are quieter than others, while periods such as BAS, end of financial year and strategic projects may require additional time.

Who we're looking for

We're seeking someone who enjoys improving organisations as much as managing finances.

Ideally, you'll have experience in one or more of the following:

• accounting, bookkeeping or financial management;
• Xero or similar accounting software;
• BAS and GST obligations;
• not-for-profit finance (desirable but not essential);
• governance or committee experience; and
• improving systems, processes or organisational capability.

A qualified accountant would be fantastic, but practical financial management experience is equally valued.

Just as importantly, we're looking for someone who:

• communicates well with volunteers from diverse backgrounds;
• can work collaboratively through competing priorities;
• is proactive and solutions-focused;
• enjoys building systems that make life easier for others; and
• has the capacity to actively contribute between Board meetings.

Support and handover

We recognise that stepping into a volunteer Treasurer role can feel daunting.

To support a smooth transition, we've developed a comprehensive Treasurer Operations Manual documenting our financial systems, recurring tasks and key processes. A structured handover will also be provided, and we'll continue refining the documentation with the successful applicant to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to succeed.

Our aim is to make the transition as straightforward as possible rather than expecting someone to "figure it out" on their own.

Why join CSCA?

This is an opportunity to apply your professional skills to an organisation making a tangible difference in the Canberra community.

You'll help shape the future of a growing charity, work alongside passionate volunteers and build systems that directly support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of hundreds of street cats every year.

The improvements you make won't just strengthen the organisation—they'll help ensure CSCA can continue delivering its mission for years to come.