Board Treasurer

About GoodBot

GoodBot is a catalyst for research and practice in innovative technology governance. We envision a socially sustainable world where digital and AI tools are inclusively governed and equitably enable the best of humanity. Our mission is to advance proactive governance, inclusive innovation and responsible tech futures so communities and democratic societies can thrive.

GoodBot's mission is to advance responsible technology by:

• Researching and documenting tech harms and impacts on communities
• Developing policies and frameworks for ethical technology governance
• Supporting researchers, practitioners, and organizations in implementing responsible tech practices

About the Position

The Board Treasurer is an elected officer of the Board of Directors and a voting member. The Treasurer provides high-level financial oversight, ensures the organization meets its fiduciary and reporting obligations, and serves as the board's primary point of contact on financial matters.

The Treasurer is accountable to the Board for the fulfillment of duties outlined in this position description.

Key Responsibilities

The Treasurer is responsible for ensuring that the Board understands the financial affairs and resources of the organization. The Treasurer works with the Executive Director to provide strategic financial guidance and oversight at a governance level.

Financial Oversight & Stewardship

• Review, approve, and monitor the annual operating budget; ensure all expenditures align with approved budgets
• Review quarterly financial reports prepared by the external accountant and present them to the Board for discussion and approval; ensure income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements are accurate and complete
• Serve as the primary point of contact with GoodBot's external accountant; review their quarterly financial preparations and ensure they meet the Board's needs and organizational requirements
• Assist in developing annual fundraising plans; help identify funding opportunities (grants, donations, partnerships)
• Ensure all financial activities comply with the GoodBot Society Bylaws and the Societies Act of British Columbia
• Maintain accurate financial records; ensure timely preparation of annual returns to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

Board Financial Governance

• Act as a fiduciary, ensuring responsible stewardship of donor funds, grants, and organizational assets.
• Help develop and maintain financial policies and procedures (delegation of authority, expense reimbursement, conflict of interest)
• Coordinate annual external audits; review audit reports and recommend improvements to internal controls. Meet with the external auditor annually, or more often if needed, to identify any financial control and record keeping problems.
• Identify financial risks and help develop mitigation strategies

Committee Leadership

• Serve as the Board Treasurer, leading a sub-committee focused on financial matters
• Facilitate productive committee meetings

Strategic Financial Planning

• Help develop multi-year financial plans to ensure organizational sustainability
• Help establish and review investment policies for reserve funds

Stakeholder Communication

• Provide financial updates to major donors and funding partners as appropriate
• Ensure financial information is appropriately disclosed in annual reports and public communications
• Help educate Board members on financial literacy topics

Finance Team Oversight

GoodBot engages an external accountant who prepares quarterly financial statements. The Treasurer's role is to:

• Ensure there is appropriate segregation of financial duties to mitigate risk
• Review financial information provided by accountant; ensure accuracy before presenting to the Board
• Ensure adequate financial controls are in place and functioning effectively

Board Reporting on Finance

The Treasurer ensures the Board receives appropriate financial information to ensure long-term financial sustainability:

• Financial Health (today): Statements of financial position reflecting ability to pay short-term and long-term liabilities, sustain the organization (strategic reserve), replace assets (capital reserve), fund special items (designated reserve)
• Financial Performance (past): Statements of operations reflecting budget vs. actual to date and projected to fiscal year end
• Financial Sustainability (future): Forecasting operating budgets out three years; key performance metrics to determine financial health
• Financial Risk Identification and Management: Ensure comprehensive financial controls are in place, functioning effectively on an ongoing basis, and reviewed periodically

Required Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• Solid understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, and accounting principles; ability to read and understand financial statements
• Meticulous in reviewing financial documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Clear verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting financial information to non-financial Board members
• Unquestionable ethical standards; understanding of fiduciary responsibility

Preferred

• Degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• CPA, CFA, or other financial certification is an asset but not required for volunteer role
• Previous experience as a treasurer (board or otherwise) in nonprofit, community, or professional organization
• Understanding of the Societies Act of British Columbia and GoodBot Society Bylaws
• Familiarity with technology governance, responsible tech principles, and nonprofit operations in the tech sector is a bonus

What a Successful Treasurer Would...

• Think strategically about financial: funding model and activities, health, performance and sustainability
• Ensure the board meets all fiduciary duties
• Reduce financial risk, increase efficiency and effectiveness: protect assets and reputations of the organization and its directors; ensure financial systems are appropriate and sufficient
• Develop financial literacy of board members: interpret financial statements and reports, educate directors about relevance of reports

Time Commitment

As a Board Treasurer, you will be expected to:

• Attend all quarterly Board of Directors meetings (typically 2 hours each)
• Participate in Finance Committee meetings (typically 1-2 hours per quarter)
• Review financial documents and reports in advance of meetings
• Complete annual reporting requirements
• Occasional ad-hoc tasks as needed

Note: This is a volunteer position. We understand that Board service requires significant time commitment and appreciate your dedication.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply for this position, please

1. Send your CV to hr@goodbot.ca
2. Complete the application form for prospective volunteers at

https://forms.gle/LKCQQ9A3MF22CWBd9