About the Company
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
* £100,000 – £120,000 base salary (DOE)
* 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
Equal Opportunity Statement
**All candidates will be required to complete The Acuity Measure.**
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
Acuity Associates is an executive search partner, trusted by privately owned and investor-backed businesses to appoint high-impact finance and executive leaders. We specialise in roles that drive value creation, transformation, and long-term growth.
Our expertise includes:
CFOs | Finance Directors & Controllers | Group Finance | Private Equity & Exit Readiness | Strategic & Commercial Finance | Family Office Leadership | Transformation & Turnaround | Succession & Board-Level Appointments
At the core of every search is The Acuity Method™—our proprietary assessment framework delivering evidence-led insight into a candidate’s capability and potential. It forms one of three pillars—alongside cultural fit and career credibility—each assessed by experienced search professionals to ensure every hire is a precise, lasting match.