Treasurer (Voluntary)

The vision of the national City of Sanctuary (CoS) movement is that our nations will be safe and welcoming places for all, and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. In order to realise this vision, CoS supports anetwork of over 100 groups which includes villages, towns, cities and regions across the UK, and others engaged in Streams of Sanctuary , Sanctuary Awards and activities intended to welcome people seeking sanctuary.

In Bradford our vision is for a city where people seeking sanctuary are not only welcomed and included but recognised for the valuable contribution they make to, and able to fully participate in, our community. Our work is informed by our Advisory Group of people with lived experience of the refugee journey. Our work includes:

Building and resourcing the local network of projects supporting people seeking sanctuaryAdvocating for sanctuary seekers, informed by our Advisory Group

Working with local media to enable accurate reporting on asylum and refugee issues

We currently have three employees, all part time: our recently appointed Director (21hrs), our Administration and Communications Officer (15hrs) and our Schools and Colleges of Sanctuary Project Coordinator (20hrs). We have no office premises and each is home-based.Our income for the financial year ending 31 st March 2025 was £56,000

SUMMARY OF THE TREASURER ROLE

The role of the Treasurer is vital to our work and an important contributor to our highly dedicated and friendly team. Key components of the role are:

Maintaining an overview of the charity's financial affairs.

Regular liaison with the Director and Chair

Working with the Director and trustees to make strategic plans, advise on the financial impact of these and prepare budgets.

Ensuring that the charity operates its finances within legal and financial guidelines, maintaining proper records and procedures.

Together with the Director and trustees, overseeing expenditure and ensuring the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.

Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy.

Ensuring that payments and income are efficiently processed and recorded

Preparing regular accounts and financial statements for the board.

Ensuring that Gift Aid is regularly claimed

Ensuring that the annual accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the Charity Commission.

Ensuring that the annual accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.

Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

Treasurer Person Specification

Commitment to the vision and objectives of the charity

The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

Familiarity with Microsoft Excel or equivalent

Willingness to make time to attend our Finance Sub Group and trustee meetings on request, and to make unpopular recommendations if needed

Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

Ability to to work from home, with a reliable internet connection

Ability to commit 1-2 days per month with a willingness to be available for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

Willingness to join our board of trustees and attend quarterly online meetings

Experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes

Understanding of the financial aspects of charity law