Head of Finance and Internal Operations

Head of Finance and Internal Operations | up to £60,000 + benefits

Permanent | Croydon – Hybrid Working

A truly inspiring place to work, Young Roots partners with young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25 (mostly alone in the UK without their families) to improve their wellbeing and fulfil their potential. With a dedicated team providing life-changing services including intense one-to-one casework, English language mentoring, and access to specialist therapeutic and legal advice, Young Roots are proudly celebrating their 20th anniversary. 

Using their years of frontline work and deep understanding of the challenges faced by young refugees and asylum seekers, Young Roots are now focusing on campaigning and influencing policy to bring about positive change. The Head of Finance and Operations will support significant growth and associated transformation of their Finance and Operations to underpin their ability to provide these vital services to support young refugee’s increasingly complex needs.

Reporting to the CEO and leading a team of 3, the Head of Finance and Internal Operations is a critical leadership role providing advice and analysis to the Board and its Committees. This role will drive the vision and direction of Young Roots as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and will set the strategy for Finance, HR, IT and Facilities. This role offers a rare opportunity to contribute at a big-picture strategic level, whilst maintaining the ability to manage their finances in a hands-on way for a genuinely amazing charity.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Leadership: As part of the Senior Leadership Team, support the CEO to develop, implement, and drive the vision and strategy for Young Roots; Develop and lead a first-class Finance and Operations Team; Support the SLT in its decision-making by providing expert analysis across finance, governance, HR, IT, risk, and facilities perspectives.  
• Finance & Planning: Provide robust financial governance and long-term financial planning; Lead financial reporting, production of management accounts, budgeting, reforecasting, and cashflow monitoring; Partner with Head of Fundraising and the SLT to ensure income generation and fundraising strategy is fit-for-purpose; Ensure statutory responsibilities are delivered in compliance to charity SORP; Lead the audit process; Ensure finance systems and controls are fit-for-purpose; Manage all contracts, ensuring services and bids are valued robustly and reflect ROI; Manage payroll; Ensure funding partners receive insightful financial reporting.
• HR: With the CEO and HR Manager, develop and implement a DEI and Wellbeing strategy; Ensure HR policies and procedures are fit-for-purpose, including ER, recruitment, and H&S.
• IT: With IT Consultant, develop and lead the implementation of IT and Digital Transformation strategy; Ensure database and day-to-day IT support is in place; Act as Data Officer.
• Premises: Oversee facilities function; Lead on lease and building issues; Support CEO, SLT, and Trustees with premises options and represent Young Roots with landlord and agent; Ensure all facilities including IT, office space, and utilities are fit-for-purpose and compliant.

What you’ll offer us:

• Qualified Accountant. Track-record of providing financial information, annual reports & accounts to Senior Leaders, Board and Trustees within the charity sector
• Hands-on and strategic. Ability to think strategically about the future director of the charity and translate that vision into a financial strategy and operational plans and changes. Ability to communicating effectively to Trustees and operations staff
• Ambition. Young Roots are open to someone stepping into their first SLT role.  
• Leadership. Ability to contribute to a values-based and ambitious culture and experience motivating, and empowering staff
• Charity Expert. Strong knowledge of SORP, and expertise in restricted fund accounting.
• Audit leadership
• Desire to oversee HR, Facilities, and IT functions.
• First-class collaboration, time-management, and communication skills, with the ability to work autonomously with strategic guidance from the CEO  
• Ability to visit the King's Cross and Brent offices / activities on a monthly basis and a monthly all-staff away day in central London.
• Ability to attend Saturday morning Board meetings 6 times per year.

What we’ll offer you:

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 with length of service) + bank holidays, and closure days over Christmas and New Year
• Hybrid and flexible working
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Sabbatical, enhanced maternity leave, special leave, and sickness policies
• Range of generous policies to support wellbeing and promote DEI.

Application Process:

• Although the closing date is Sunday 16th June, CVs will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are encouraged.
• Young Roots interviews are planned to commence from Monday 24th June.
• Please note Pro-Recruitment group are acting on a retained basis for this role, and Young Roots kindly request all enquires, and contact, is via Pro-Recruitment.