Trustee Treasurer / Accounting Specialist

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

We are seeking a new Treasurer for our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances.

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas
• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.
• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.
• Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

About Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB)

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a female and community-led, grassroots organisation working alongside people affected by displacement, war, conflict, injustice and instability. Across Greece, Gaza and Cairo, we combine direct humanitarian support with advocacy and awareness-raising. We work to ensure that communities with lived experience are actively involved in decision-making and in the design and delivery of support.

Role Summary

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will:

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.
• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas
• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.
• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning
• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies
• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy
• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action.
• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.
• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.
• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.
• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants
• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero
• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report
• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation.

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information
• Knowledge and experience of using Xero accountancy package

Desirable

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations.
• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer.
• Good communication and competent IT skills
• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills.

Treasurer Roles & Responsibilities

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and provide strategic oversight of the organisation’s financial health. The Treasurer plays a key governance role, strengthening financial literacy at Board level and supporting sustainable growth. The Board is responsible for governance and strategy and does not manage day-to-day operations.

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a growing charity registered with the Charity Commission (Charity No. 1189561). For the financial year ending 31 March 2025, RBB reported a total income of £423,041 and total expenditure of £373,007. As a charity with income above £250,000, we prepare annual accounts in accordance with the Charities SORP and undergo independent examination.

We are seeking a new Treasurer for our Board of Trustees to support the growth and future plans of our ambitious small charity. Board meetings take place every 12 weeks via video call, with opportunities for in-person gatherings throughout the year. Additional meetings may occasionally be required, either more frequently, in smaller groups, or one-to-one, depending on specific needs or exceptional circumstances.

• Responsible to: Chair, Refugee Biryani & Bananas
• Purpose: To oversee the management and reporting of charity finances.
• Hours: Approximately six to eight hours a month.
• Remuneration: This is a voluntary, unpaid Trustee role. Reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our volunteer policy.

About Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB)

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas (RBB) is a female and community-led, grassroots organisation working alongside people affected by displacement, war, conflict, injustice and instability. Across Greece, Gaza and Cairo, we combine direct humanitarian support with advocacy and awareness-raising. We work to ensure that communities with lived experience are actively involved in decision-making and in the design and delivery of support.

Role Summary

The Treasurer will work closely with our team members including volunteers, other Trustees and with the CEO, advising on all financial matters including regulatory compliance. The Treasurer will be expected to attend Board meetings which last approximately an hour and a half every twelve weeks. The Treasurer will:

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.
• Act as an ambassador for Refugee Biryani & Bananas
• Oversee and analyse the development of the annual budget and cash flow forecasts, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and sustainability.
• Support with fundraising and financial strategic planning
• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies
• Advise the board on fund management and ensure an appropriate reserves policy
• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action.
• Oversee and administer financial processes including Gift Aid claims and payroll, ensuring appropriate financial controls, transparency and board oversight are maintained. (There is currently only one person on payroll.)
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Chair to ensure appropriate financial segregation of duties within the constraints of a small charity.
• Support the Board in monitoring financial risk, reserves policy and international financial compliance.
• Ensure appropriate internal financial controls are in place and regularly reviewed.
• Work with professional advisors including any contracted accountants
• Review financial transactions on a monthly basis via digital accounting software, Xero
• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Refugee Biryani & Bananas’ annual report
• Lead Trustee liaison with the independent examiner and oversee the preparation and Board approval of the annual accounts and report.

The Treasurer will play a key role in strengthening financial sustainability as RBB continues to grow its international programmes and funding base.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have innovative ideas and sound financial knowledge. All Trustees are expected to assist Refugee Biryani & Bananas to secure a sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation.

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Support for the values and mission of Refugee Biriyani & Bananas
• Familiarity with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information
• Knowledge and experience of using Xero accountancy package

Desirable

• A qualified accountant (formal qualification preferred) with financial and commercial awareness, experienced in managing finances, payroll, and the needs of smaller organisations.
• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee or Treasurer.
• Good communication and competent IT skills
• Extensive experience in senior strategic management and leadership, combined with strong analytical and evaluation skills.