Head of Finance in Slough

Acorn Engineering is seeking a Head of Finance role that will work with the Acorn and BMS CEOs and Mecsia GFC to support the development of the businesses, wider Mecsia Finance Function and a leading financial control environment in a fast‑growing PE‑backed business. The role is a great canvas for the Head of Accounts to make an impact; the company is growing profitably, the Finance Team uses Sage 200 and a stronger Group Finance Function has been established by new Private Equity backers Synova to support organic and acquisitive growth.

Location: Slough, Berkshire

Salary: up to 65K

Hours: Mon‑Friday, 37.5 hours.

Company Benefits:

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

Responsibilities:

• Main Tasks
• Transactional Finance - Oversee and support the accounting Team, ensuring their processes fit into the overall control framework and enable a smooth management accounts cycle. Identify efficiencies through automation, use of technology and centralisation of processes to achieve improved reporting timelines and more insightful management reports.
• Management Accounts - Lead the company’s monthly reporting process providing management accounts which are always audit‑ready and aligned with the financial standards followed by the Group. Own the month end process from the start through to close of accounts and handover to the Group Head of FP&A for reporting. Carry out balance sheet review and output, resolving issues picked up in the timetabled reconciliations and managing the risks and opportunities on the balance sheet through the course of the financial year. Ensure regulatory submissions and payments are made (VAT, PAYE, CT, ONS).
• Statutory Accounts - Support the group audit process. Work directly with the external audit team, providing them with high quality information, to ensure the audit is completed on time. Ensure the timely preparation, review and submission of accurate, compliant annual statutory accounts.
• Technical Accounting - Strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK GAAP accounting standards. Coach and build skills in‑house to reduce need for external advice and support.
• Working capital management - Active management of working capital, with a particular focus on prompt invoicing of WiP and timely collection of debtors. Ensure suppliers are paid on time wherever possible. Prompt upstreaming of surplus cash to Group.
• Budgeting and Forecasting - Preparation of detailed, robust draft annual budgets for approval by GFC, as well as regular reforecasts. Prepare weekly 18‑week cash flow forecasts including: Payroll and taxes, Group charges and upstreaming of surplus cash. Support the group banking facilities and all treasury activities to include cash flow management and production of 18‑week cash flow forecasts.
• Team Management - Manage a Team of c. 8, with one direct report. Support the development of a professional and high performing finance function as the business grows, through coaching and clear communication. Act as a mentor to the Management Accountant in coaching and developing the two Team Leaders.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management - Support the company CEO with timely and insightful information on profitability and key metrics. Act as part of the company Senior Management Team to maximise company performance and deliver improved commercial results. Provide timely, insightful information on potential risk areas for follow-up, such as accrued income, debtors, costs and sales pipeline. Work alongside peers on Group‑wide initiatives, such as aligning CoA, maximising cash upstreaming, developing and reporting on insightful KPIs, implementing new business and finance systems, sharing best practice.

Skills & Qualifications Required Experience:

• Essential - Recognised accountancy qualification; or part‑qualified and on track to qualify. 3 or more years’ financial management experience. Excellent knowledge of UK GAAP. Excellent understanding of processes and controls to enable robust financial reporting. Proven ability to deliver monthly management reporting and analysis. Excellent analytical skills, able to understand the business and its key drivers, explain complex requirements and processes. Results driven with the ability to deliver to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced business.
• Desirable - Experience in Facilities Management, business services or similar sector. Worked in a finance function, ensuring adherence to group policies and processes. Experience of the implementation of new accounting systems. Experience of working in an acquisitive PE backed business. Experience of working in a leveraged environment. Experience of working in a multi‑site business. Understanding and experience of long term contracts and accounting for WIP.

Skills:

• Organised, get things done attitude with a top‑level focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Confident, proactive and a good team worker.
• A natural ability and enthusiasm to train teams around the country.
• An ability to communicate at all levels and develop good working relationships, being a trusted internal consultant on technical matters.
• Self‑starter who can demonstrate initiative, with the ability to prioritise workloads of self and those in subsidiary companies.
• Be comfortable with ambiguity; be adaptable and flexible in a fast‑growing business.
• Strong IT skills including Excel; ability to understand new systems quickly.

Personal Attributes:

• Personal integrity and strong values – to support the CEO and GFC in developing the culture.
• Excellence – maintain the high standards that are delivered across the business and share what you love about your job.
• Positive, enthusiastic and honest in all aspects of the job.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to motivate others to achieve great results both within and outside of their teams.