Treasurer — Role description

The Opportunity

Common Nature is being established to make nature connection a national priority. As our founding Treasurer, you will join a high-calibre, collaborative, cross-disciplinary Board during our vital establishment phase. As well as establishing a solid financial governance foundation for Common Nature, you will have the opportunity to:

  • influence the development of the framework for a national nature connection index, and policy guidance to embed the index in Treasury wellbeing budgets;

  • contribute to our transition from a small startup as a Public Company Limited by Guarantee into a robust, DGR-status organization capable of attracting large-scale philanthropic and government investment.

Key Responsibilities

As Treasurer, you will provide financial oversight and strategic guidance during the establishment phase (Years 1-2) of Common Nature. You will ensure the organization’s financial integrity and help build the systems required to unlock philanthropic and government investment.

You will be responsible for:

  • Financial Governance: Establish the foundational financial policies, risk management frameworks, and compliance systems required for a Public Company Limited by Guarantee.

  • Strategic Budgeting: Collaborate with the Managing Director to develop and monitor the Phase 1 budget, focusing on "low-cost, high-leverage" activities.

  • Fundraising Support: Provide financial data and oversight for grant applications and "seed" philanthropic pitches aimed at securing early-stage funding.

  • Audit & Compliance: Guide the application process for Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, oversee the Environmental Public Fund and ensure the organization meets ACNC requirements.

  • Reporting: Present quarterly financial reports to the Board and lead the financial component of the "Establishment Phase" strategic workshop.

About You

We are seeking a strategic leader with:

  • Professional Qualification: CA/CPA status or equivalent experience in financial management is preferred.

  • Governance Experience: Previous experience in a board or committee role is preferred, ideally within the Australian NFP sector.

  • Compliance: Experience in establishing and overseeing financial controls for a non-profit entity.

  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to pressure-test the financial viability of programs and pilot interventions to ensure they are ready for large-scale investment.

  • Values Alignment: A genuine commitment to building a nature-connected Australia.

Commitment

Term: Initial 2-year term as a voluntary member of the Founding Board.

Time: Approximately 1-2 days per month.

Meetings: Attendance at quarterly board meetings (2-3 hours) and one annual half-day strategic workshop.

Remuneration: Common Nature is in its Establishment Phase and roles are currently voluntary while we seek operational funding. Common Nature intends to review remuneration models in the future.

To apply

Click here to apply via our online form. Feel free to contact us at contact@commonnature.org.au if you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further.