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- Tasks: Lead the finance function and drive strategic planning in a growing engineering SME.
- Company: Respected family-owned engineering firm in Hertfordshire with exciting growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, and clear path to Finance Director/CFO role.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on the company's evolution.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior-level experience in project-based environments.
- Other info: Hybrid work flexibility after establishment and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A highly respected, family-owned engineering and project-led SME in Hertfordshire is entering a new phase of planned growth – with a potential corporate event anticipated in the next 3–5 years.
About the Role
To support this journey, we are partnering with the business on a confidential search for a senior finance leader to take full ownership of the finance function and help prepare the organisation for its next stage of evolution. This is a rare opportunity for a commercially minded, hands-on senior finance professional to join as Head of Finance / Finance Director (Designate), stepping into the No.1 finance leadership role from day one.
Responsibilities
- Lead the entire finance function within a growing, technically complex SME.
- Play a key role in strategic planning, long-term forecasting and commercial decision-making.
- Strengthen financial controls, reporting quality and project-level visibility across long-cycle engineering contracts.
- Drive operational and commercial improvements across costing, WIP, margins and cash flow.
- Partner with senior leaders to influence planning, performance and investment decisions.
- Progress into the Finance Director / CFO role within 18–24 months, aligned to the company’s growth trajectory.
Qualifications
- A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with senior-level SME experience.
Required Skills
- Strong grounding in project-based, engineering, manufacturing or contract-led environments.
- Excellent forecasting, modelling, commercial analysis and operational finance capability.
- A hands-on, grounded leader comfortable working predominantly on-site in Hertfordshire.
- Someone able to challenge supportively, communicate clearly, and influence across technical and project-led teams.
- Strategic mindset.
Pay Range and Compensation Package
- Annual performance bonus
- Clear path to Finance Director/CFO within 18–24 months
- On-site in Hertfordshire (with hybrid flexibility once established)
- Additional benefits + long-term value/incentive potential
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Project Management, Strategy / Planning, Finance
Industries: Engineering Services, Manufacturing, Construction
Equal Opportunity Statement
All candidates will be required to complete The Acuity Measure. Acuity Associates and our clients are committed to equal opportunities. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to fostering inclusive environments where individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.
Head of Finance (FD Designate) in England employer: Acuity Associates
Contact Detail:
Acuity Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (FD Designate) in England
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your experience in project-based environments and your strategic mindset. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've driven operational improvements and influenced decision-making.
✨Prepare for the Acuity Measure
Since all candidates need to complete The Acuity Measure, take some time to understand what it entails. Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to showcase your analytical skills. This could be your chance to shine!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and help us grow.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (FD Designate) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in project-based environments and any relevant qualifications like ACA/ACCA/CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this senior finance leader position. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational improvements or influenced strategic decisions in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a hands-on leader, it's important to convey your leadership style in your application. We’re looking for someone who can challenge supportively and communicate clearly, so don’t hesitate to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acuity Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the engineering and project-led sectors. Be ready to discuss how you've improved financial controls or reporting quality in previous roles.
✨Showcase Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset, so prepare examples of how you've contributed to long-term planning and forecasting. Think about specific projects where your commercial analysis made a significant impact on decision-making.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be influencing senior leaders and technical teams, so practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Use clear, concise language and be prepared to answer questions that require you to explain your thought process.
✨Demonstrate Hands-On Leadership
The company is looking for a grounded leader who can work on-site. Share experiences where you've led teams through challenging financial situations, highlighting your ability to supportively challenge and motivate others while driving operational improvements.