Reach Skills, an organisation that pairs volunteers with suitable charities, is calling for more finance professionals to volunteer as treasurers.

Janet Thorne, director of services at Reach, says there is currently a particularly high demand for treasurers to sit on trustee boards, and a large dearth of trustees in general. To combat this she is appealing to accountants and finance professionals to use their expertise in a voluntary role.

“It’s a chance to be a crucial part of a board and is about much more than just finance, being a role that draws on a whole range of broader business skills,” said Thorne. “Being a charity’s treasurer can be incredibly rewarding – both in terms of the satisfaction that comes from helping a worthwhile cause and for the added experience that will enhance any CV.”

Thorne believes that the deficit – she estimates that half of charities have one or more vacancies on their board – is largely down to misconceptions about a trustee’s role.

“You don’t have to be retired – it’s a position that can fit around a working life. It can be very beneficial for your career, and it’s a role that suits a range of people. Boards are, in fact, actively looking to become more diverse; medium-sized charities and above specifically want qualified accountants.

“If people thinking that they aren’t a typical charity treasurer, then in fact they’re probably perfect.”

For trustee roles and other vacancies, see civilsocietyjobs.co.uk.