Job Description

Could You Be This Assisted Dying Campaign's Next Finance Director?

My Death, My Decision wants the law to allow those who are terminally ill or incurably suffering the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. We need a dynamic Director of Finance to join us in the cause.

Who we are 

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign group that wants the laws of our country to allow those who are terminally ill or incurably suffering the option of a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death. 

We were founded in 2009 to represent the interests of those facing constant and unbearable suffering, at a time when no other right-to-die organisations would, and to advocate on their behalf to secure a lasting change in the law. 

Since then we have quickly become one of the leading assisted dying organisations in England and Wales, and are at the forefront of social change: nearly 90% of the public now favours a change in the law to allow assisted dying for those who are incurably suffering or terminally ill. 

We are committed to an evidence-based law which would balance individual choice alongside robust safeguards, and we are not afraid to confront uncomfortable truths or expose specious arguments. 

Through the work of our members, supporters, patrons and activists we help to broaden the assisted dying debate and seek to enshrine the values of autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation. 

Could you be My Death, My Decision’s next Director of Finance?

As the organisation grows, we want to recruit an accountant or someone with a similar background to take on the role of Director of Finance.

We need someone who combines a strategic view with an eye for detail to ensure that we remain in a position of financial strength and so can pursue our goal of humane assisted dying legislation with continued vigour.

• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional, and within accepted accounting practice.

• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.

• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.

• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports, tax returns, accounts and audits.

• Liaise with Chair, Director of Operations and other Directors to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.

• Make fellow Directors aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data for them.

• Regularly report the financial position at Board and Business & Finance Group (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).

• Oversee the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.

• Oversee the work of our retained Bookkeeper to ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.

• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.

What are we looking for?

Ideally the candidate will have an understanding of charities and/or the voluntary sector and a minimum  of three years’ experience in finance or a similar regulated industry such as banking, accounting, financial advice etc. 

You may have taken a career break, retired or be seeking a new voluntary role where you can contribute your valuable skills and experience to support an important cause, helping make a real difference.

You do not necessarily have to be a qualified accountant however, we will need:

• Knowledge and experience of current finance practice.

• Understanding of bookkeeping and financial management.

• A thorough understanding of profit and loss and balance sheet accounting and managing budgets.

• Good financial analysis skills.

• An excellent communicator who is clear, concise and considered.

• Strong collaboration skills.

• Strategic expertise and understanding of good governance.

We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our Board gender balance, but focussed on further improving our diversity. We therefore encourage applications from all members of the community.

Time Commitment

The role should not involve more than 3 hours a week on average. This appointment will initially be for three years, with the opportunity for re-election.  Directors are unpaid, but reasonable out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The Board meets quarterly, as does the Business & Finance Group of which you would be a member.  Currently the meetings take place remotely, however we hope in the future to return to face-to-face meetings which usually take place in London.

Interested?

If you would like to be considered for the position, please submit a brief CV and covering letter to Director of Operations, Simon Menneer. Simon will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday, October 6th.