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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and analysis to drive profitable growth in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Acorn Group, a fast-growing, PE-backed business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, wellbeing benefits, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive finance environment.
- Why this job: Shape the commercial finance agenda and influence senior leadership decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in management accounts.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Slough, Berkshire
Summary
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 ÂŁ65000
- 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
Head of Finance in Slough employer: Acorn Engineering Limited
Contact Detail:
Acorn Engineering Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at Acorn Group. A friendly chat can lead to insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into Acorn Group's recent projects and financial performance. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your skills can directly impact their commercial finance agenda.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with management accounts and commercial analysis. We want to hear how you've influenced decision-making in past roles—make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in commercial analysis and financial control, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in budgeting and forecasting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for finance and how your background aligns with our needs. Don't forget to mention your leadership experience and how you can contribute to our growth!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of commercial analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in both your CV and cover letter. Give us examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Engineering Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial analysis and reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as P&L statements and cash flow forecasts. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools to drive commercial decision-making in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This position involves leading a finance team, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams, mentored individuals, and contributed to a high-performing finance function. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Acorn Group and its position within the Mecsia Group. Research their services, market trends, and competitors. Being able to discuss how your financial strategies can support their growth will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a strategic partner.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle budgeting challenges, cash flow issues, or financial compliance matters. Practising these scenarios will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.