Job Description

Chair of Finance Committee

Post: Member of Council, trustee of AA Inc. and Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee

Remuneration: The role is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed.

Location: The Architectural Association 36 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3ES.

Term: Trustees are appointed for a term of 3yrs with an option for a 2nd term. A trustee may be appointed to a committee on a fixed or ongoing basis as long as they remain a trustee.

Time commitment: 5 Council meetings per year and 4 Finance & Resources Committee meetings per year. Meetings usually take place at the end of the working day to allow attendance of trustees with existing work commitments. Trustees are also encouraged to represent the Architectural Association at events from time to time.

Introduction

The AA is made up of countless projects, personalities and audiences. The AA is unique in that we are more than just a school but a worldwide association, made up of members and visitors and an unrivalled public programme of lectures, exhibitions, publications and special events, all of which set the backdrop for full-time foundation, undergraduate - and graduate-level study at our campuses in London and Dorset. In addition, each year short courses and global schools in the AA Visiting School bring together students and teachers in more than 50 locations across five continents. Whether at Bedford Square or abroad the AA’s teachers and staff provide students with expertise, encouragement and support across all levels of education. Given the fact that 85 per cent of our students (and a similar percentage of tutors) come to London from abroad every autumn, we really are a school unlike any other

General Trustee responsibilities

• Participating in Council meetings and other committees and working group meetings as agreed
• Setting the strategy and undertaking the strategic management of the AA.
• Ensuring the AA complies with the terms of its Articles of Association and all applicable legislation
• Ensuring the AA complies with Charity Commission, Companies House, Office for Students, QAA, HMRC, Pensions Regulator and all other applicable regulations.
• Ensuring the AA pursues its objects as defined in Articles of Association and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of those objects.
• Ensuring the financial health of the AA.
• Ensuring the protection and management of property of the AA.
• Approving the AA’s key policies.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the AA.

• Exercising due care and attention and using reasonable skill in dealing with the AA’s affairs.
• Using own skills, knowledge and experience to help Council reach sound decisions.

Finance & Resources Committee responsibilities

The role of the Committee is to monitor the financial management of the AA and oversee the commitment of financial resources reporting to Council on its state of financial health in line with good practice, and in compliance with the governing documents and legal requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing and presenting budgets and annual financial statements to Council;
• Ensuring  proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements;
• Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves policy and cost management;
• Monitoring and advising on the financial health of the AA;
• Overseeing the specific financial controls and adherence to systems;
• Overseeing the AA’s financial risk management process; and
• Liaising with the external auditors on specific issues such as the Auditors’ Management Letter and the related Council representations.

Chair responsibilities

(With the support of the Company Secretary)

• Planning schedule of committee meetings for a year;
• Setting an agenda ensuring accounts and other papers are circulated;
• Chairing meetings, ensuring effective time management, that everyone contributes, and clear decisions are made;
• Reviewing draft minutes and ensuring an accurate version is agreed;
• Liaising with other members of the committee outside of meetings as needed;

• Liaising with other committees in particular with Audit, Risk, Estates and Infrastructure;
• Liaising with the Interim Director of Finance
• Liaising with the President.

Person Specification

Chair of Finance Committee should:

• Hold a recognised accounting or financial qualification and/or have relevant senior financial experience; and
• Experience of higher education finance and/or charity finance.

The trustee of the AA should have:

• A commitment to the aims and values of the Architectural Association;
• Integrity;
• Strategic vision;
• Good, independent judgement;
• Ability to think creatively;
• Willingness to speak their mind;
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and directorship*;
• To work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the Architectural Association;
• Experience as a member of another council or a board of trustees/directors; and
• Experience of at least one relevant area (e.g. Architecture, Higher Education, Charity, Finance, Development/Fundraising, Law).

The Architectural Association is registered as a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Every trustee is also a director of the company and has legal responsibilities and potential liabilities in that capacity.

How to Apply:

Please apply by email by the closing date of Friday 1st of June 2018 using the "Apply" button, stating the role title in the subject heading.

Please include in your application:

• CV
• Covering letter/email describing your interest in the role and the skills and experience you would bring to the role.
• Contact details of two referees

Please note only successful candidates will be contacted.

The Architectural Association School of Architecture aims to create conditions that ensure staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of their gender, race, religious/political beliefs, ethnic or national origin, disability, family background, age, sexual orientation, or other irrelevant distinction.