Head of Finance

Acorn Group, a fast‑growing, PE‑backed business within the Mecsia Group, is seeking a Commercial Head of Finance to play a key role in supporting continued profitable growth and strengthening commercial decision‑making across the business. Reporting to the Group Finance Controller and working closely with the Acorn and BMS CEOs, this role offers significant exposure at senior leadership level and the opportunity to shape the commercial finance agenda within a dynamic, scaling organisation. With a strong Management Accountant already in place, the focus of this role is on commercial analysis, business partnering, financial control, and leadership, rather than purely transactional finance.

Package & Benefits

• Location: Slough, Berkshire
• Salary: up to £65000
• Hours: Mon-Friday, 37.5 hours.
• Company Benefits:

• Pension scheme
• Company Events
• Wellbeing Benefits – 24 hours turnaround GP appointment for the whole family
• 25 days holiday (not including bank holidays)

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial & Operational Performance

• Partner with senior leadership to provide timely, insightful analysis on profitability and performance by service line, customer, and location
• Deliver high‑quality monthly P&L analysis to support improved commercial decision‑making
• Represent finance in commercial and operational discussions, identifying risks and opportunities

• Lead the annual budgeting process and regular re‑forecast cycles
• Provide monthly variance analysis and clear management commentary

• Own the rolling 18‑week cash flow forecast
• Actively manage working capital, including accrued income, billing, and debtor collection
• Ensure timely supplier payments and efficient cash upstreaming to Group

• Own the month‑end close process, delivering audit‑ready management accounts
• Maintain strong balance sheet control and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
• Ensure VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax submissions are accurate and timely

• Lead and develop a finance team of approximately seven, with one direct report
• Coach and mentor the Management Accountant and team leaders
• Build a high‑performing, scalable finance function aligned to business growth

• Support and manage the annual audit process
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of statutory accounts
• Maintain strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK GAAP

• Oversee transactional finance to ensure robust controls and efficient reporting
• Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements
• Contribute to Group‑wide finance initiatives and best‑practice sharing

Skills & Qualifications Required

• Knowledge & Understanding

• Essential: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or part‑qualified and actively progressing
• Strong experience producing and owning monthly management accounts
• Excellent commercial and analytical skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Solid understanding of UK GAAP and financial controls
• Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment

• Experience within Facilities Management, business services, or contract‑based sectors
• Background in a PE‑backed or acquisitive business
• Experience implementing or improving finance systems
• Understanding of long‑term contracts and work‑in‑progress accounting

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute, proactive, and delivery‑focused
• High emotional intelligence and strong communication skills
• Confident operating at senior leadership level
• A collaborative leader with a hands‑on approach

Why Join Acorn Group?

• High‑impact role within a growing, PE‑backed organisation
• Strong senior leadership exposure and influence
• Opportunity to shape the commercial finance function as the business scales
• Supportive Group finance environment with long‑term growth ambitions