Board Treasurer - Tostan Canada

Tostan Canada Board Treasurer

About Tostan Canada

Tostan Canada is a registered Canadian charity dedicated to advancing transformative, community-led development in West Africa. Since 2012, we have partnered with Tostan International to mobilize Canadian resources for programs that empower communities to lead their own development and advance the rights, education, and economic participation of women and girls.

We believe in the power of local leadership, holistic education, and sustainable change. Our support helps communities gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that improve the lives of their families, their communities, and future generations.

For over 30 years, Tostan’s flagship Community Empowerment Program has fostered community-driven change in West Africa through holistic, human rights–based education. More than 3,000 communities have led initiatives that improved health, education, governance, and economic opportunity.

Through the generosity of Canadian donors, Tostan Canada has supported programs in Senegal, Mali, The Gambia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Thousands of women, girls, and community members have gained vital skills in literacy, health, and entrepreneurship—resulting in higher literacy rates, increased school enrollment, improved prosperity, and stronger women’s leadership.

Board Treasurer

Tostan Canada is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Directors. Our Board is a highly engaged, small group of volunteers that support our National Director in raising awareness for and support for Tostan’s work in Africa. The Treasurer is an officer of the board, and plays a key role in overseeing the financial management and ensuring compliance with Revenue Canada charitable requirements.

This is a hands-on, volunteer position. Tostan Canada is a small, lean organization. The Board Treasurer personally carries out the organization’s financial functions, in addition to fulfilling the fiduciary duties of a Board member. The Treasurer provides financial expertise to the board and ensures that the Board has the financial information and tools needed for effective financial governance and oversight for the organization. Tostan Canada has a budget of approximately $2 million, and fewer than 100 transactions per year. The Treasurer position requires approximately 8-10 hours per month, with a bit more during audit season.

Tostan Canada Board members hold office for three-year terms, with the possibility of renewal.

Treasurer Responsibilities

Financial Record-Keeping

• Maintain the organization’s general ledger.
• Record all income and expenses accurately and on a timely basis.
• Maintain organized financial files and supporting documentation (invoices, receipts,statements, etc.).

Banking and Reconciliation

• Monitor and reconcile bank and other financial statements on a monthly basis.
•Process deposits and oversee disbursements and payments, acting as a signing authority per Board policy.

Donation Receipting

• Oversee the issuing of official donation receipts in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements.

Financial Reporting and Oversight

• Prepare and present financial reports at Board meetings.
• Ensure that the organization maintains and adheres to appropriate financial policies, internal controls and reporting systems.
• Chair the finance committee and meet as needed.

Budgeting

• Support the National Director in preparing an annual budget
• Monitor actual spending against the approved budget throughout the year.

Audit Oversight

• Assist in selecting an auditor
• Coordinate and oversee the annual audit or financial review.
• Liaise with the external auditor/reviewer and provide requested documentation.
• Present audit findings and recommendations to the Board.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the organization’s financial records support accurate and timely completion of the CRA Registered Charity Information Return (Form T3010), due within six months of the fiscal year-end.

• Retain financial records and supporting documents for the minimum period required by the CRA (currently six years).

• Stay informed of CRA requirements relevant to a registered charity’s financial administration.

Other Board Responsibilities

• Participate in quarterly board meetings
• Provide strategic oversight and governance to ensure alignment with Tostan Canada’s vision, mission, and values.
• Communicate and promote the organization within the community, serving as an advocate.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Stay informed about issues and trends that may affect the organization.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Proven experience in financial management and accounting (CPA or equivalent is preferred).

• Strong understanding of financial reporting.
• Experience with nonprofit finance is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Board governance experience is desirable
• Knowledge of international development issues would be considered an asset in understanding the organization’s context and funding environment.

Interested in Applying?

We are looking for a treasurer to join Tostan Canada in the fall of 2026.

If you are interested or would like to talk to us about the position, please contact kellybaxter@tostan.org or sophiechampagne@tostan.org.

Tostan Canada welcomes and encourages applications from members of equity seeking groups, including people living with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals. At Tostan Canada, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic and accountable workplace. If you are excited about this position but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply, as you may be the ideal candidate we are looking for.

mailto:kellybaxter@tostan.org

mailto:sophiechampagne@tostan.org

• Financial Record-Keeping
• Banking and Reconciliation
• Donation Receipting
• Financial Reporting and Oversight
• Budgeting
• Audit Oversight
• Regulatory Compliance