About Young Roots
Young Roots is a London-based charity dedicated to supporting young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25, many of whom have arrived in the UK without their families. Our mission is to help them enhance their wellbeing and reach their full potential through a range of tailored services, including:
✔ Intensive one-to-one Casework
✔ Youth and sports activities
✔ English language mentoring
✔ Youth leadership programs
✔ Access to specialist therapeutic and legal support
Head of Finance and Internal Operations
Salary: Up to £62,000 + benefits
Contract: Permanent
Location: Croydon – Hybrid Working
About Young Roots
Young Roots is a London-based charity dedicated to supporting young refugees and asylum seekers aged 11-25, many of whom have arrived in the UK alone. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the charity provides life-changing services, including intensive one-to-one casework, English language mentoring, and access to specialist therapeutic and legal support.
Building on years of frontline experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young refugees, Young Roots is expanding its focus to advocacy and policy influence, driving meaningful change.
The Role
As Head of Finance and Internal Operations, you will play a pivotal leadership role, reporting to the CEO and overseeing a team of five. You will provide strategic financial guidance and operational oversight across finance, HR, IT, and facilities, ensuring the charity’s continued growth and impact. You’ll be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), advising the Board and Committees while maintaining a hands-on approach to financial management.
This is a rare opportunity to shape strategy while ensuring operational excellence for a truly impactful organisation.
Key Responsibilities
🔹 Leadership & Strategy:
- Collaborate with the CEO and SLT to develop and implement the charity’s vision and strategy.
- Lead a high-performing Finance and Operations Team.
- Provide expert financial and governance analysis to guide decision-making.
🔹 Finance & Planning:
- Ensure strong financial governance and long-term planning.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and reporting.
- Lead on audit processes and ensure compliance with charity SORP.
- Partner with the Head of Fundraising to align financial strategy with income generation.
- Manage payroll, contracts, and funding partner reporting.
🔹 HR & Wellbeing:
- Develop and implement a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) and Wellbeing strategy in collaboration with the CEO and HR Manager.
- Ensure HR policies cover employee relations, recruitment, and health & safety.
🔹 IT & Digital Transformation:
- Oversee IT strategy and digital transformation in partnership with an IT consultant.
- Ensure database management and IT support are efficient and secure.
- Act as the charity’s Data Officer.
🔹 Premises & Facilities:
- Manage facilities, lease agreements, and office space.
- Represent Young Roots in negotiations with landlords and agents.
- Ensure workspaces and utilities are compliant and fit-for-purpose.
What You’ll Bring
✔ Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in charity finance.
✔ Strategic thinker with hands-on financial management expertise.
✔ Strong leadership skills, with experience motivating and empowering teams.
✔ Knowledge of SORP, restricted fund accounting, and audit processes.
✔ Ability to oversee HR, Facilities, and IT functions.
✔ Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with Trustees and staff.
✔ Commitment to Young Roots’ values and mission.
✔ Availability for monthly visits to King’s Cross and Brent offices and six Saturday Board meetings per year.
What We Offer
🎯 25 days annual leave, increasing with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
🎯 Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
🎯 5% employer pension contribution.
🎯 Enhanced leave policies (sabbaticals, maternity, special leave, and sick pay).
🎯 A strong commitment to wellbeing, inclusion, and professional development.
Application Process
⏳ Closing Date: Monday, 3rd March (Early applications encouraged as CVs are reviewed on a rolling basis).
📅 Interviews Commence: From Monday, 17th March.
📢 Recruitment is managed by Pro-Recruitment Group – all enquiries should be directed to them.