Head of Finance and Operations in London

Hope for the Young is looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Finance and Operations to lead the smooth running of our finance, systems, HR and office functions. This is a hands‑on role at the heart of a small, ambitious charity, giving you the opportunity to shape how we operate as we grow our support for young refugees and sanctuary‑seekers across London.

You will oversee financial management and reporting, ensuring accurate records, robust controls and clear budgeting and forecasting to support the charity’s long‑term sustainability. You will also lead on our Salesforce system and wider data practices, manage day‑to‑day office and operational matters, and take responsibility for HR across the organisation. You will also line‑manage our Finance and Administration Officer.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of responsibility and thrives in a small team environment. Working closely with the CEO and Head of Programmes, you will play a central role in ensuring Hope for the Young has the systems, processes and people in place to deliver our mission effectively, efficiently and sustainably, helping us support more young people seeking safety to build safe, hopeful futures.

We offer a flexible and hybrid working environment, however you will be expected to come to our office in Brixton for a minimum of 1 day per week (on a Wednesday, which is our office team day).

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the charity's financial management, ensuring robust controls, effective processes and compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial planning in collaboration with the CEO and Head of Programmes to support organisational sustainability.
• Oversee the delivery of day‑to‑day finance operations, including bookkeeping, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial record‑keeping, delivered by the Finance and Administration Officer, providing guidance, training, and support as necessary.
• Monitor income, expenditure, reserves and restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring accurate financial reporting and effective resource management.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, financial reports and analysis to support decision‑making by the CEO and Board.
• Maintain and strengthen financial controls, delegated authority arrangements and audit processes to ensure strong financial governance.
• Lead organisational operational planning and risk management, ensuring systems, processes and resources align with and support delivery of the strategic plan.
• Sit as a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), contributing to organisational strategy, cross-team planning and key decision‑making alongside the CEO and Head of Programmes.
• Maintain the organisational risk register, working with the CEO and Board to identify and mitigate strategic and operational risks.
• Own the organisation’s policy framework, maintaining the policy register and ensuring the timely revision, review and compliance of all policies.
• Lead the development, administration and optimisation of Salesforce, other fundraising platforms and related system integrations to support fundraising, donor engagement and programme delivery, liaising closely with the Salesforce consultant to implement system enhancements and resolve issues.
• Drive the continuous improvement of Salesforce systems, processes and data management practices, ensuring high standards of data quality, security and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the IT infrastructure, managing the procurement and ongoing maintenance of IT hardware, systems and software with support from the external IT provider.
• Provide training, guidance and user support on Salesforce, SharePoint, and all related platforms to maximise staff capability and system adoption.
• Ensure a fully functioning office base which enables Hope for the Young to deliver its operational activities in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Lead and oversee HR operations, including the recruitment, onboarding and retention of staff and volunteers.
• Oversee employee lifecycle processes, including inductions, appraisals, performance reviews and professional development planning.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and organisational policies through effective management and administration of contracts, HR records, employee benefits and people processes.
• Lead on team wellbeing, fostering a supportive, inclusive, and resilient working culture across the team.

The job description as described will be reviewed on a regular basis to respond to any changing needs of the post.

25 days' annual leave (pro rata), excluding.