At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a mission-driven charity supporting veterans.
- Company: Join Royal British Veterans Enterprise, a top charity with over 100 years of impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to make a real difference in veterans' lives.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team transforming disability employment and community support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of veteran support while driving commercial innovation and growth.
- Qualifications: Full accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) is one of the UK’s most ambitious and impactful charities, supporting Armed Forces veterans and people with disabilities through employment, housing and community. With over 100 years of heritage, RBVE combines social impact with commercial enterprise — operating one of the UK’s largest social manufacturing organisations while delivering life-changing support to thousands of veterans across the country.
As the organisation enters a transformational period of growth, RBVE is seeking an outstanding Chief Financial Officer to join the Executive Leadership Team and help shape the next chapter of its journey.
RBVE supports over 1,000 veterans annually through employment programmes, housing initiatives and community support services. Its operations include Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, employing a workforce made up of more than 70% injured or disabled people. The organisation is currently delivering a number of major strategic initiatives, including:
- A £28m Centenary Village expansion delivering 100 new homes for veterans
- A £15m investment into a state-of-the-art manufacturing enterprise in Kent
- National growth of its social procurement and manufacturing operations
- Expansion of the award-winning Lifeworks programme across the UK
- Development of a long-term endowment and sustainability strategy
This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-led organisation at a pivotal moment in its evolution.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the CFO will provide strategic financial leadership across RBVE, ensuring long-term financial sustainability, robust governance and commercial excellence. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the CFO will play a central role in shaping organisational strategy, supporting growth initiatives and delivering transformational projects across the charity and its commercial operations.
The successful candidate will operate at Board level, partnering closely with Trustees, Executive colleagues and external stakeholders to drive performance, manage investment strategy and support the delivery of RBVE’s ambitious long-term vision.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and Board to shape and deliver RBVE’s long-term strategic plan
- Lead the organisation’s three-year financial and strategic planning process
- Provide commercial insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making
- Support organisational growth, transformation and sustainability initiatives
- Financial Stewardship
- Oversee all aspects of financial management, reporting, forecasting and control
- Ensure robust governance, compliance and risk management frameworks
- Lead budgeting, cashflow forecasting and performance analysis across all divisions
- Develop long-term financial sustainability and reserves strategies
- Investment & Capital Projects
- Lead the development of RBVE’s endowment and investment strategy
- Provide financial oversight for major estates and capital development projects
- Support strategic property transactions, investment decisions and commercial partnerships
- Oversee funding structures and financial modelling for key projects
- Leadership & Operational Excellence
- Lead and develop a high-performing finance function
- Drive systems and process improvements across the organisation
- Strengthen commercial finance capability and data-driven decision making
- Build collaborative relationships across the Executive and wider organisation
About You
RBVE is seeking an inspirational and commercially astute finance leader with the credibility and gravitas to operate at Executive and Board level. You will bring:
- Full accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Significant senior finance leadership experience within a complex organisation
- A strong track record of strategic financial planning and organisational growth
- Experience influencing Boards and senior stakeholders
- Exceptional leadership and people management capability
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance purpose and performance
- The ability to thrive within a dynamic, mission-driven environment
Why Join RBVE?
This is more than a CFO role. It is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of the UK’s most respected veteran-support organisations — combining social impact, commercial innovation and transformational growth.
You will play a leading role in:
- Transforming disability employment in the UK
- Expanding national social enterprise operations
- Delivering major housing and manufacturing developments
- Supporting veterans and their families to rebuild their lives
Please get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Chief Financial Officer in Kent employer: HW Finance
Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of Armed Forces veterans and individuals with disabilities. With a strong commitment to social responsibility, RBVE fosters a collaborative and mission-driven work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, alongside competitive compensation. Located in Kent, this role not only provides a chance to lead financial strategy in a transformative environment but also to be part of a legacy that supports thousands of veterans each year.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with charities or social enterprises. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a high-level role like CFO.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching RBVE's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you understand their mission and how your financial expertise can help drive their ambitious goals forward. Tailor your responses to highlight your strategic leadership experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your vision for financial sustainability and growth. Think about how you can balance purpose with performance, and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership and strategic planning, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements in similar organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for RBVE. Share your passion for supporting veterans and how your skills can contribute to our mission. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a CFO, your leadership style matters! Use your application to demonstrate how you’ve led teams and influenced stakeholders in the past. We want to see your ability to inspire and drive change.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at HW Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to RBVE’s operations and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Align with the Mission
RBVE is all about supporting veterans and people with disabilities. Make sure you understand their mission and values. Be prepared to share how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their transformational growth.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires exceptional leadership. Think of examples from your past where you’ve led teams through change or improved financial processes. Be ready to discuss your approach to building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic financial planning and governance. Prepare to discuss your experience with long-term financial sustainability and how you’ve influenced boards in the past. This will show that you’re ready to partner with the CEO and Trustees effectively.
