The Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) is seeking a passionate and experienced accountant to join our voluntary Board as a Director and Treasurer. In addition to possessing an understanding of climate change and a commitment to the role of young people in tackling it, our ideal candidate:

• Is a Qualified Accountant;
• Is or was a Chartered Accountant;
• Has knowledge and experience of Accounting and or Tax compliance relevant to Australian Charities;
• Can be any age (while AYCC is a youth-based organisation and half of our board must be under the age of 35 when appointed, age is not a precondition for this role).

The successful candidate will work alongside a diverse and passionate board.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and will close on the advertised closing date.

About the Australian Youth Climate Coalition

AYCC is Australia’s largest youth-run organisation, our mission is to build a movement of young people leading solutions to the climate crisis. AYCC achieves this mission by educating, inspiring, and mobilising young people across the country. It is young people who will face the consequences of decisions made today and so AYCC’s vision is to deliver the short-term political impact and long-term cultural change needed for a safe climate future. AYCC’s work is grounded in values and principles of climate justice and building the power of those with the most at stake.

AYCC now has more than 100,000 supporters, a growing network of local groups across the country, and dozens of youth organisation partners. Since its founding in 2006, AYCC has become one of Australia’s most effective and efficient social change organisations.

AYCC gives voice to Australian youth on climate change issues. The AYCC leadership and members regularly meet with decision-makers including federal and state Ministers, MPs, senior business people, and the heads of non-government organisations.

Our major projects and programs have included:

• Power Shift – Australia’s largest youth climate summit;
• Campaigns to leave fossil fuels in the ground – including #StopAdani and more recently work to stop shale gas fracking in the NT;
• Queensland Renewables campaign – working with unions and alliance partners to secure a $2 billion commitment for clean energy in the sunshine state;
• Youth Decide – the world’s first national youth vote on climate change ; and
• Switched on Schools – a national schools program of speakers, school conferences and mentoring.

The role of the AYCC Board AYCC Directors are responsible for:

• Protecting the mission of the AYCC and supporting the organisation in building a generation-wide movement to solve the climate crisis;
• Ensuring long term strategy is in place, including developing, evaluating and refining the organisation’s strategic plan;
• Ensuring organisational oversight, including approval of major strategic and financial decisions;
• Ensuring the organisation remains compliant to regulatory bodies;
• Selecting, supporting and reviewing the performance of the National Director;
• Driving annual organisational review and risk review process;
• Ensuring the organisation uses its finances in a sustainable way; and
• Providing expert and strategic advice to the National Director as required.

Requirements of applicants

The successful candidate will be required to:

• Review the annual budget and monthly financial reports prepared by management;
• Chair the monthly finance sub-committee meeting;
• Report at Board meetings on the financial position and performance of the Organisation;
• Responsible for identifying relevant accounting and tax compliance matters and ensuring these are addressed by management;
• Provide technical accounting assistance and feedback to management, Board and finance sub-committee;
• Informing the Board of any accounting and financial implications of Board decisions to promote fiscal responsibility;
• Sign the audited financial statements and management representation letter;
• Present audited financial statements to the Board and at the AGM;
• Bring a strong commitment to the mission of the AYCC and the broader climate movement;
• Work closely with the National Director to oversee financial matters for the organisation;
• Attend the Board’s Risk and Compliance Subcommittee to ensure financial risks are monitored;
• Attend approximately 6 board meetings per year (these are typically around 3 hours in length and occur online with occasional face to face meetings taking place in Melbourne when permitted) – each meeting requires roughly 2 hours of pre-reading/preparation;
• Attend one major annual AYCC event each year (e.g. Power Shift conference or fundraising event); and
• Appropriately manage any conflicts of interest.

We ask that all Board members commit to an availability of around 2-3 hours per fortnight for their Board duties.

Current financial resources of the AYCC

• Bookkeeper;
• Corporate management accountant/advisor – responsible together with bookkeeper and management for preparation of budget, monthly financial reports (including rolling forecast) for finance subcommittee and Board; and managing external annual audit; and
• Fundraising focused Directors – who bring a background in diverse fundraising channels, and provide support in identifying and fostering revenue streams for the organisation.

Board Member Terms

Directors serve on the Board on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Applicants who can commit to serving a minimum of 3 years (3x one year terms) on the Board will be looked on favourably.

A position description is attached.