Application Guide

How to Apply for Trustee Treasurer / Accounting Specialist

at Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

🏢 About Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

Refugee Biriyani & Bananas is a unique charity that combines delicious food with social impact, supporting refugees and asylum seekers through community dining and employment opportunities. As a growing organization with a strong financial foundation, they offer a chance to be part of a mission-driven team making a tangible difference.

About This Role

As Treasurer, you'll provide strategic financial oversight and governance, ensuring the charity's financial health and sustainability. This is a high-impact role where your expertise will directly support the Board's decision-making and the charity's ambitious growth plans.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing monthly financial reports, preparing for board meetings by analyzing budget variances, and liaising with the independent examiner. You might also meet with the Chair to discuss financial strategy or support the staff with financial queries, all while working remotely and fitting this around your other commitments.

🎯 Who Refugee Biriyani & Bananas Is Looking For

  • Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent experience with strong financial management skills.
  • Experience in charity finance and knowledge of the Charities SORP and independent examination requirements.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate financial data into clear insights for non-financial trustees.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build relationships with fellow trustees and staff.
  • Commitment to the charity's mission and values, with a willingness to dedicate approximately 6-8 hours per month.

📝 Tips for Applying to Refugee Biriyani & Bananas

1

Highlight your experience with charity accounting and SORP compliance, referencing specific examples of preparing or examining accounts.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of the Treasurer's governance role, distinct from day-to-day financial management.

3

Mention any experience with charities of a similar size or growth trajectory, showing you can handle the financial complexities.

4

Show your passion for the mission by mentioning any relevant volunteer or community involvement.

5

Be explicit about your availability for board meetings and any flexibility for additional meetings.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your financial expertise and how it aligns with the Treasurer's responsibilities.", 'Your understanding of charity governance and the specific challenges of a growing charity.', "Your commitment to the charity's mission and how you can contribute to its future plans.", 'Your ability to communicate financial information effectively to a non-financial board.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review the charity's latest annual report and accounts on the Charity Commission website.
  • Follow Refugee Biriyani & Bananas on social media to understand their current activities and community impact.
  • Read about the Charities SORP and the role of a treasurer in charity governance.
  • Look into the charity's growth plans and recent news to understand their future direction.
Visit Refugee Biriyani & Bananas's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience with charity financial reporting under SORP.
2 How would you approach overseeing the budget and financial planning for a growing charity?
3 Describe a time you had to explain complex financial issues to a non-financial audience.
4 What do you know about Refugee Biriyani & Bananas and why do you want to be Treasurer?
5 How would you ensure the charity's financial controls are robust as it scales?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Treating this as a paid finance job; emphasize your understanding of the voluntary nature and governance focus.
  • Focusing solely on technical accounting without showing strategic thinking and board-level perspective.
  • Not demonstrating genuine passion for the charity's mission or failing to research the organization.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: September 30, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Refugee Biriyani & Bananas!