Volunteer: Board Member Financial Expertise Chair of Audit Committee - EIL Intercultur

The Organisation

EIL Intercultural Learning (EIL / AFS Ireland) is an Irish not‑for‑profit educational organisation that provides intercultural learning opportunities through study abroad, youth leadership, language, scholarships, group educational programmes, and other cultural immersion experiences for over 1,800 people each year. The organisation is a company limited by guarantee (CLG) and a registered charity, regulated by the Charities Regulatory Authority (CRA) and the Companies Registration Office (CRO).

With an income of just under €6,000,000 in 2025, EIL/AFS Ireland is a large and complex charity that works with young people and international partners. The charity’s accounts are subject to SORP standards and audited by an independent auditor.

We are seeking a highly experienced and skilled board member with finance expertise to lead the Audit & Risk Committee.

• Lead the Board of Directors on all financial matters.
• Evaluate and monitor the adequacy of finance policies and procedures and ensure compliance with best‑practice principles.
• Chair the Audit & Risk Committee.

• Financial and accounting expertise: a qualified accountant with senior‑level experience.
• Governance and compliance leadership: strong knowledge of non‑profit or corporate governance, best practice in financial and governance compliance, and familiarity with SORP standards.
• Financial management and oversight: ability to interpret financial reports, budgets, and forecasts.
• Audit and risk oversight: solid experience in financial strategy, internal controls, risk frameworks, and compliance.
• Strategic planning: experience aligning financial decisions with long‑term organisational goals and financial planning.
• Communication and reporting skills: ability to communicate complex financial information effectively to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Integrity and trustworthiness: high ethical standards and commitment to the organisation’s best interests.
• Previous or current membership of a board in Ireland.
• Previous or current membership of an Audit & Risk Committee, ideally as Chair.

• Comply with the charity’s governing document.
• Ensure the charity is complying with its charitable purpose for the public benefit.
• Act in the best interest of the charity.
• Act with reasonable care and skill.
• Manage the assets of your charity.

The board meets 6 to 8 times per year. Three meetings are held online between 19:00 and 21:00, and three meetings are in person at the Cork office usually between 11:00 and 15:00. The first meeting of the year is a full‑day in‑person session.

There are two board committees:
Audit & Risk and HR & Governance. The successful candidate will Chair the Audit & Risk Committee. The committee meets online to:

• Oversee audit and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate high‑priority strategic financial risks.
• Oversee adherence to financial laws and regulations of company and charity law.
• Report audit findings and risk assessments to the full board and make recommendations.

This is a voluntary role and is not remunerated.