Shuttle Knit: Board Member / Trustee with Financial Experience
Board Member / Trustee with Financial Experience -Shuttle Knit CLG, Wicklow
Local Community Development / Civil and Human Rights / Business and Enterprise Development
Shuttle Knit is a Company Limited by Guarantee, operating out of CEART in Wicklow Town, with the following social mission: Traveller and settled people collaborate to run a knitting and embroidery enterprise to provide supported employment to Traveller women, and ultimately change attitudes towards Travellers in Ireland. Shuttle Knit is a social enterprise with both public funding and generated income. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for Traveller Women and their families through social enterprise having particular regard to the employment needs of the Traveller Community and long term unemployed in County Wicklow. We were then, and remain now, dedicated to “Knitting Communities Together”. Learn more at https://shuttleknit.ie/pages/our-story.
Shuttle Knit is undergoing a period of transition, exploring new models and directions to ensure long-term sustainability in a changing retail, fashion and heritage craft landscape. This moment of change brings both challenge and opportunity, and we are seeking board members who can help shape a resilient and inclusive future grounded in our mission.
Role and Responsibilities Overview
Shuttle Knit is seeking to recruit a board member with expertise in financial management or accountancy to provide strategic oversight of Shuttle Knit’s finances, ensure robust financial governance, and support the board in making informed financial decisions that sustain and grow the impact of Shuttle Knit as a Social Enterprise.
Ideal candidates will hold a professional accountancy qualification such as CAI/ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CPA Ireland, and will have experience in a mid or senior financial management role. They should bring expertise in budgeting, financial planning, risk management, and financial reporting, along with a solid understanding of accounting standards, grant reports/submissions, financial reporting requirements of entities subject to audits and progress reports to government/charitable entities.
As a Board Member, you will lead the Finance Committee and provide strategic oversight of Shuttle Knit’s financial policies, controls, and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and alignment with best practice. You will support the Board in understanding the financial implications of key decisions, contribute to discussions on risk management, cash flow, and long-term financial planning, and act as an authorised signatory for the organisation.
Previous experience as a board member is desirable, though not essential, provided candidates can demonstrate a strong understanding of governance in the Irish non-profit/social enterprise sector. Familiarity with public funding accounting and compliance is important, as is the ability to bring strategic financial insight to support the organisation’s sustainability. Excellent communication skills are essential, with the ability to explain financial concepts clearly and confidently to board members without a finance background.
- Governance & Strategy – Provide strategic direction, contribute to policy formation, and ensure compliance with governance requirements.
- Financial Oversight – Review budgets, financial statements, and funding applications to ensure sustainability and reporting compliance
- Organisational Development – Support strategic objectives, monitor impact, and advise on service improvements.
- Advocacy & Representation – Promote Shuttle Knit and engage constructively as a liaison between the Traveller and Settled communities.
- Ethical Conduct – Maintain integrity, confidentiality, and avoid conflicts of interest.
- Leadership & Strategic Thinking – Ability to provide direction, make informed decisions, and drive organisational growth.
- Financial & Risk Awareness – Understanding of financial management, budgeting, and risk assessment in the non-profit sector. (Shuttle Knit is part-funded through an Pobal’s Community Services Programme.)
- Advocacy & Communication – Strong ability to represent Shuttle Knit, engage stakeholders, and influence policy within the Traveler and Settled communities.
- Collaboration & Teamwork – Works effectively with board members, staff, and external partners to achieve common goals.
- Problem-Solving & Adaptability – Proactive in addressing challenges and responding to sector developments.
Board Meetings:
Board members are expected to attend meetings at CEART, Wicklow Town. Currently, meetings take place every second Tuesday of the month (early evening) with seasonal breaks. Timing can be arranged to suit members. The role requires 2 - 8 hours per month and directors are expected to; dedicate time to preparatory reading, participate in strategic planning sessions and sub-committees as required. Subcommittee meetings will be called separately by the members of each subcommittee, but are also required to submit reporting regularly to the full board at the full board meeting. The anticipated term is 3 years (renewable). We particularly welcome those with lived experience relevant to our mission.
Prospective board members will be invited to actively participate in board meetings on an interim basis, allowing time to ensure a mutual fit for both you and the organisation ahead of formal election at an AGM or EGM.