Community Action Board Treasurer

Community Action Partnership of Washington & Ramsey Counties is looking for an experienced individual to fulfill the role of Treasurer of the Board of Directors. Community Action seeks to develop a Board of Directors that has a combination of personal attributes, knowledge/experience and competencies that ensure our Board has a diversity of perspectives, skills and connections to carry out its governing function.

Community Action Program of Ramsey and Washington Counties (CAPRW) was established 59 years ago and is a 501c (3) nonprofit organization serving Ramsey, Washington, and Anoka counties. CAPRW is governed by a 15-member volunteer Board of Directors with administrative offices located at 450 Syndicate Street North, St. Paul, Minnesota.

The mission of CAPRW is to reduce the causes of poverty and its impacts on people’s lives in our community. CAPRW’s vision is that there would be a society where poverty is abolished and human dignity exists for all. Our core programs include Head Start/Early Head Start, Energy Assistance, Energy Conservation, and Community Engagement, with satellite locations throughout Ramsey and Washington counties. CAPRW is committed to providing services that address the root causes of poverty and enhance the self-sufficiency of low-income people.

CAPRW has an annual budget of over $30 million dollars. The agency has extensive experience in providing services for federal, state, and local funding streams and utilizes an accounting system that meets statutory and regulatory requirements of these government funding sources.

EXPECTATIONS OF THE BOARD TREASURER

• Ensure that the financial records of the Agency are maintained: Oversee the management of the financial affairs of the organization. Ensure the Agency’s ongoing solvency and oversee the organization’s financial policies. Be aware of who has access to the organization’s funds and any outstanding bills or debts owed.
• Arrange for the preparation of the financial reports and agency financial audits required by the Board, the State of Minnesota and other funding sources: Regularly assess risks and whether and how such risks should be mitigated. Oversee a calendar of filing requirements and ensure they are all met in a timely manner. Have the Agency’s financials audited annually as required by funding sources.
• Present the Agency’s financial statements to the Board at regular Board and/or special Board meetings: Keep the board apprised of key financial events, trends, concerns, and assessments of the Agency’s fiscal health. Facilitate the preparation of an annual budget, as well as regularly monitor and compare the actual revenues and expenses incurred. Facilitate and encourage the board’s strategic thinking about the short and long term financial vitality of the organization in relation to its advancement of the Agency’s mission.
• Sign all required financial reports and documents: Ensure the completion of required financial reporting forms in a timely manner. Provide signature when reports and documents have been reviewed and approved by the Board.
• Serve as Chairperson of the Finance Committee of the Board: Develop financial goals and the measures to achieve them. Ensure financial goals are aligned with the Agency’s mission. Monitor the Agency’s current and future financial health. Define and follow statutory and regulatory financial deadlines and responsibilities.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Be aware of non-profit accounting requirements and principles.
• Be aware of CSBG Organizational Standards and Head Start Performance Standards as they relate to agency financials.
• Be able to translate financial concepts and information for board members who do not have financial backgrounds or substantial financial experience.
• Be aware of check signing authority and Agency financial policies and procedures.
• Be aware of laws that the Agency must follow, both federal and state, as well as funder requirements.
• Be able to thoroughly understand financial reports and important financial ratios.
• Possess technical accounting skills to oversee the management of funds collected and distributed.
• Understand investment management to grow the funds and expand the organization’s community reach.
• Possess organizational leadership skills to strategize and direct the Agency’s financial future.

The governance structure of Community Action Agencies is legislatively mandated through the Quie Amendment of 1978. This legislation requires that Community Action Agency boards be composed of at least one-third low-income representatives selected by a democratic process; one-third elected officials; and the balance from the private sector. No matter which sector you represent, these are your responsibilities and expectations:

EXPECTATIONS OF INDIVIDUAL BOARD MEMBERS

• Preparation: RSVP, read written materials, ask questions and prepare in advance for Board and Committee meetings.
• Advocacy: Represent the interests, and provide a perspective that is respectful of the group of residents they represent (private, public, community) and promotes racial equity.
• Attendance: Attend monthly board meetings and participate in committee work, training and retreats (approximately 4-6 hours per month, 10 months of the year, mostly weekday evenings)
• Participation: Serve on at least one sub-committee that is assigned by the Board Chair. Additionally, members are asked to attend Board retreats, orientation, workshops and training.
• Service: Members are elected to three year terms, renewable for two additional terms for a maximum of nine years. A former member may return to serve on the Board for up to an additional two terms for a total of six additional years. This return is subject to a wait period of at least twelve months.
• Work Together: Listen respectfully to other points of view.
• Skills: Contribute skills, knowledge and experience when appropriate, while understanding the difference between governance and management.

Salary: Unpaid

Schedule: Meetings 4-6 hours/month, 10 months of the year.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

COVID Vaccination: As a condition of employment Community Action requires all employees to be fully vaccinated or have an accepted exemption form completed upon hire.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.