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Director Vacancy - Finance

Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)

Location: Exeter, Devon

Commitment: Part time (approx. 8 hours per month), voluntary (expenses reimbursed)


About Exeter Community Energy (ECOE)

Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) is a community owned cooperative established in 2014 to create practical, local renewable energy solutions that reduce carbon emissions and strengthen community resilience.


ECOE develops community owned solar energy projects, supports energy efficiency initiatives, and reinvests surplus funds into local community projects. As a registered society for community benefit, ECOE operates democratically, with each member having one vote regardless of shareholding.


Our Directors come from diverse professional backgrounds, including sustainability consulting, project management, environmental services, law, journalism, and technology.


We are now seeking an additional Director with financial leadership responsibilities to strengthen our governance and support organisational growth.


Role: Director (Finance & Strategic Financial Governance Lead)

This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on financial management experience. As Finance Director, you will take the lead on ECOE’s financial sustainability, co-ordinate finance work and provide the Board with clear, accurate and timely financial insight to support decision making.


Why Join ECOE?

  • Shape the governance of a respected community energy cooperative helping tackle climate change.
  • Strengthen the financial standards and good practice, fairness, and transparency of an organisation that reinvests local benefits into local people.
  • Work with a supportive, skilled, and purpose driven Board.
  • Make a real difference to households, community groups, and the wider Exeter region.


We’re Looking for Someone Who…

  • Has finance experience or knowledge, particularly relaying finance information to those without a finance background.
  • Can co-ordinate with multiple parties (bookkeeper, accountants and volunteers) to deliver work.
  • Is passionate about community owned energy, sustainability, or social justice.
  • Values fairness, transparency, and evidence-based decision making.
  • Believes in empowering local people to be active participants in the energy transition.

Board or non-profit experience is welcome but not required — enthusiasm, integrity, and commitment matter most.


Key Responsibilities

? Presenting information to the Board of Directors and AGM

  • Present clear regular financial reports, including income, expenditure, variances, and operational forecasts.
  • Present, or arrange presentation, to the Board on financial implications of new projects, funding opportunities, and operational decisions.
  • Present, or arrange presentation, of the annual accounts to the AGM.

? Oversight of Accountants & Bookkeeping

  • Oversee the bookkeeper, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and accountability for routine financial tasks.
  • Instruct external accountants to prepare ECOE’s annual accounts and statutory submissions.

? Financial Management & Good Practice

  • Lead on financial controls, ensuring transparency and good practice across all ECOE activities.
  • Take ownership of arrangements for internal controls, financial policies, and governance standards appropriate to a community owned cooperative.
  • Ensure policies support an organised and auditable financial trail.

? Interest Payments

  • Oversee calculation and payment of interest to ECOE’s community shareholders, ensuring fairness and compliance with cooperative rules.


How to Apply

To express interest or ask questions, please contact ECOE via: info@ecoe.org.uk