Our treasurer for the past six years, Clarice Sinohan, is enjoying significant changes in her professional and personal life. One consequence is the Guild will soon be bereft of our much relied upon treasurer. We are seeking indications of interest in this volunteer position.
It comes at a time when we are transitioning to our new bookkeeper, who is fully certified, with many years of experience in a multi-generational family-founded and managed accounting business.
While certification in accounting will therefore not be a requirement for the position, experience in accounting would be a definite asset. Having served as a treasurer or finance officer in any organization would also be an asset. One of the duties of an outgoing treasurer is to orient the new treasurer, so whoever becomes our new treasurer will have an encouraging and supportive transition into the position.
The term is for two years, renewable, if mutually desired, for another two years for a maximum of four years. In special cases, that renewal may be extended a further two years. Clarice graciously volunteered her services for six years, for which we are grateful.
Here is a summary of the Guild’s Governance Manual for the duties of the Treasurer:
- Oversees all the funds of the Guild.
- Ensures all revenues are deposited into the Guild’s bank account.
- Oversees an independent audit from an outside accounting firm (already arranged for the coming year).
- Acts as a signing officer for the Guild, along with the President and Past President.
- Monitors the financial operations of the Guild to ensure they are in line with the goals of the Guild and the annual budget.
- Presents the budget, on behalf of the Finance Committee, to the Board for Approval.
- Reports monthly to the Board on statements provided by the Bookkeeper.
- Orients the new Treasurer into the position.
- Is a Director.
The Treasurer works in collaboration with the bookkeeper, who initiates all the payments and reimbursements. The bookkeeper uses Quickbooks, which produces financial reports, profit and loss statements and so on. Together they ensure all bills are paid and all revenues are deposited. They ensure our charitable tax status is maintained.
The Treasurer will also collaborate with our website designer, who receives donations via the website and is programming it to issue automatic tax receipts. Donations not made via the website will be issued tax receipts.
If you have any interest in this position or you have questions, please contact me at . I would love to talk with you.
Sharon Hamilton
President, Manitoba Writers’ Guild