Blindside Board of Directors - Treasurer role

About Blindside
Operating since 2004, Blindside is a not-for-profit, artist-run space based in the Nicholas Building in Naarm / Melbourne’s CBD. Blindside operates as a critical space for artists, writers and curators, encouraging the development and presentation of experimental and bold artwork and critical dialogue through its annual program of exhibitions, events, satellite and offsite projects.

Funded through government grants, philanthropic donations from the community and an annual artwork fundraiser, Blindside is run by two part-time staff members, a volunteer Board and committee of Artistic Directors.

In 2024, Blindside will celebrate the milestone of 20 years of continuous operation, from our home in the Nicholas Building.

Treasurer role
The Treasurer is an Executive role, and works with the Board to manage Blindside’s finances, including operational and project budgets, grant applications and acquittals, ATO and tax requirements, accounts payable and receivable schedules, and other bookkeeping duties.

The Treasurer is also responsible for OH&S and WorkSafe compliance, insurance and reporting. The Treasurer works in conjunction with a Vice Treasurer, assumes the Treasurer’s responsibilities if they are absent or on leave, and acts as an ongoing advisor in the event of a new Treasurer.

This is an opportunity for a bookkeeping or accounting professional with an interest in the arts and artist-run organisation to make a valuable contribution at a critical juncture in Blindside’s history.

Qualification
Relevant qualifications and demonstrated experience in organisational operations and general bookkeeping, with a focus on financial management, accounting, and general management. The Treasurer will be required to use Xero accounting software.

Key Accountabilities

• Weekly tasks including monitoring the Treasurer email, processing accounts payable and reconciling transactions in Xero.
• Monthly tasks including end-of-month finances and accruals
• Report to the Board and present monthly Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Expenses for review
• Quarterly tasks including GST reporting and BAS
• Bi-annual tasks including projections and budget revision
• Annual tasks including Audit preparation and annual budget reconciliation and preparation.
• Other tasks as required including grant applications and acquittals, research, quote sourcing, OH&S and general administration.
• The Treasurer is considered a Responsible Person and / or signatory on the ATO Business Portal, Australian Charities and Not For Profits Commission (ACNC), and online banking.
• Contribute to key Board discussions on the gallery’s artistic direction, public programs, fundraising and grant proposals
• Collaborate with Board members including the Fundraising Coordinator, Public Programs Coordinator, Grant Coordinator and Sponsorship Coordinator on delivering key projects
• Be proactive in recognising gallery and organisational needs, and identifying budget-relieving or revenue raising avenues to support resourcing
• Visit the gallery regularly and stay engaged with the program and artists
  

General Board Accountabilities

• Be aware of Blindside’s Strategic Plan 2021 - 2025 and be able to independently work toward specified goals in your specialised role
• Have a working knowledge of the 2015 Blindside Incorporated Rules
• Prepare for and actively participate in monthly Board meetings
• Attend at least 9 of the 11 regular Board meetings a year, and must be present at the Annual General Meeting. Attend strategic planning meetings as required
• Commit to running the bar at exhibition openings (5.30-8.00pm on a Thursday night) and/or public programming events every 6-8 weeks as required
• Participate in working bees as required. Since we are volunteer-run, all Board members are required to pitch in
• Contribute at least 15 hours per month toward assisting Blindside’s development and management
• Assist the Chair and Grants Coordinator with relevant funding applications.
• Make a serious commitment to actively participate in Blindside’s annual program of events
• Keep informed of current developments, issues and concerns in the ARI and contemporary arts sector and have an understanding of and/or experience in the contemporary arts sector

Apply
To apply please email your CV with a covering letter outlining your interest and experience to Lauren Zoric, Chair, Board of Directors at chair@blindside.org.au

Applications must be submitted no later than 11.59pm Monday 29 May 2023 with interviews being held the following week.