Volunteer Director of Finance

What will you be doing?

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. Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, whether personally or via a bookkeeper  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. An understanding of Xero accounting software would be useful. 

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

What difference will you make?

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.  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.  We are an equal opportunities employer, proud of our Board gender balance, but focused on further improving our diversity. We therefore encourage applications from all members of the community.   What's in it for the volunteer?  If you are passionate about a humane assisted dying Law in this country, this is an organisation where you can make a huge difference.    A few more details 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. Experience of Xero accounting software would be beneficial.