Director of Finance role at My Death, My Decision

My Death, My Decision is a grassroots, not-for-profit campaign group seeking to influence law to allow a legal, safe, and compassionate assisted death for the terminally ill or incurably suffering. We are at the forefront of social change in England and Wales, and enjoy broad public support. We are committed to an evidence-based approach with robust safeguards, and we aim to enshrine autonomy, dignity, and compassion into assisted dying legislation.

We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our Board gender balance, and we encourage applications from all members of the community.

What are we looking for?

Ideally the candidate will have an understanding of charities and/or the voluntary sector and experience at management level in finance functions (mix of commercial finance and financial control) or a similar regulated industry such as financial services or accounting and audit. You may have taken a career break, retired, or be seeking a new voluntary role where you can contribute your skills to support an important cause. You do not necessarily have to be a qualified accountant, but we will need:

• Knowledge and experience of current finance practice.
• Experience advising at Board or senior executive level in a transformation / change environment.
• 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.
• An understanding of Xero accounting software would be useful.

What will you be doing?

My Death, My Decision’s campaign is driven by compassion for mentally competent adults who are terminally ill and/or incurably suffering, with the belief that people in the UK should have the option of a medically assisted death if that is their considered choice.

• 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, including maintaining the Xero account.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports, tax returns, accounts and audits.
• Partner with the Board to develop and implement MDMD future strategy by providing sound financial advice and independent review and challenge to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Manage cash flow to ensure liquidity, including bank accounts administration, third-party payments, and cash flow forecasting.
• Act as Company Secretary to keep the Board informed of any compliance requirement changes and to maintain annual confirmations and records with Companies House.
• Inform fellow Directors of their financial obligations and lead in interpreting financial data for them.
• Regularly report the financial position at Board and Business & Finance Group meetings (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.
• Ensure proper records and effective financial procedures and controls are in place, whether performed personally or via a bookkeeper.
• Assess the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors or an independent examiner.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time or flexible; as a senior role within a small, mission-driven not-for-profit.

Job function

Finance

Industries

Public Health / Not-for-Profit

London, England, United Kingdom – this role may be based in London or remote with occasional travel.