The Organisation:
The Association for Criminal Justice Research and Development Ltd (ACJRD) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity. It was founded in 1996 with the goal of promoting understanding, insight, communication, and cooperation within the criminal justice community in Ireland. Initially inspired by the Scottish model, ACJRD has since grown to become a vital resource within the field, particularly in contributing to policy dialogue, encouraging critical debate, and thought leadership through conferences, seminars, and supporting research.
Mission: The mission of ACJRD is to inform the collaborative development of effective evidence-based policy and practice in criminal justice.
Vision: The vision of ACJRD is to ensure the fair and effective operation of the criminal justice system.
Values: The core values of ACJRD encompass independence, inclusivity, active engagement, collaboration, and a commitment to evidence-based practices.
The Role: The ACJRD is actively seeking an experienced treasurer to assist the governing body in its duty to ensure sound financial management and to meet its obligations to account for its finances. ACJRD is in search of an individual with a keen understanding and proficiency in navigating the intricate landscape of charity and company law financial regulations.
Charities Regulator’s General Duties of a Charity Trustee
- Comply with the Charity’s governing document.
- Ensuring charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
- Acting in the best interest of the charity.
- Act with reasonable care and skill.
- Manage the assets of the charity.
CLG responsibilities
Overseeing the filing financial statements/auditor’s report in the companies registrations office (the “CRO”)
The Treasurer will be tasked with providing oversight and expert advisory support for ACJRD's financial affairs. The key responsibilities encompass:
- Providing insights and ideas on funding options for the charity.
- Ensuring an effective and sound system of internal controls operates within the organisation.
- Signing off on the draft budget for presentation to the Council.
- Immediately notifying the Council of any financial concerns.
- Reporting to the Council on all financial matters.
- Supporting the presentation of comprehensible financial reports, ensuring accuracy and clarity in budget presentations and financial statements for all Trustees.
- Recommending strategies for aligning financial resources with operational needs.
- Offering insights and recommendations into the financial implications of new projects.
- Supporting informed decision-making through comprehensive financial analysis.
- Supporting the CEO when the annual audit is due.
- Ensuring adherence to accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Presenting annual accounts during the AGM.
- Acting as an authorised signature for the charity.
- Approving expenditure in line with financial policy.
Desired Skills/Qualities required for this role:
- A qualified accountant with experience of being a charity trustee and working with public sector organisations and NGOs/charities.
- Treasurer Experience: Demonstrated proficiency in managing financial operations, budgeting, and reporting in previous treasurer or similar roles.
- Charity Financial Regulations Knowledge: Familiarity with the regulatory framework governing financial practices within the charity sector.
- Financial Policy Experience: Proven track record of developing, implementing, and enforcing financial policies and procedures to ensure transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
- Risk Management: Ability to identify financial risks, assess their potential impact, and implement effective strategies to mitigate them, safeguarding the organisation's financial health.
- Team Player: An ambitious and adaptable individual who pays attention to detail, communicates effectively, and collaborates well with others.
- Mission and Values: Understands and is committed to ACJRD’s mission and values.
Board Meetings/Committee Meetings:
Annually, there are eight board meetings, which alternate between in-person and online formats. These meetings are scheduled for Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30, with in-person meetings usually taking place at the Carmichael Centre, Dublin 7, though the venue is subject to change.
The Treasurer will be a member of the Human Resources and Business Sub-Committee. There are six committee meetings at present but the structure of the meetings is to be reviewed going forward.
While attendance at ACJRD events is not obligatory, it is strongly encouraged. Key events include the annual ACJRD Conference (June) and annual Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference (October). Details of these and other events can be found at https://www.acjrd.ie/news/events
Annual General Meeting
The Treasurer is expected to attend ACJRD’s Annual General Meeting which is usually coincides with the Irish Criminal Justice Agencies Conference in October.