Head of Finance / Finance Director (Designate)
Hertfordshire | £100,000 – £120,000 + bonus
We are partnering with a family-owned, engineering and project-led SME in Hertfordshire on a confidential search for a senior finance leader.
The business is entering a period of planned growth, with a potential corporate event being considered within the next 3–5 years. This is the No.1 finance role from day one, with a clear pathway to Finance Director / CFO within 18–24 months.
This role would suit a qualified accountant who has operated in a hands-on senior finance role within an SME and understands the financial realities of project-led, contract-led or engineering-led environments.
Key responsibilities will include:
* Leading the finance function and taking ownership of financial control, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow
* Improving visibility across WIP, margins, project profitability and long-cycle contract performance
* Supporting commercial decisions around contract structures, pricing, payment terms, delivery risk and margin protection
* Partnering with senior leaders across engineering, commercial and project delivery teams
* Strengthening processes, controls and reporting as the business scales
* Supporting longer-term planning ahead of a potential corporate event
The ideal candidate will bring:
* ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
* Senior finance experience within an SME
* Experience in project-led, contract-led, engineering, manufacturing, construction, infrastructure or technical services environments
* Strong forecasting, modelling, cash flow and commercial analysis capability
* Confidence understanding how contract terms affect profitability, risk and cash generation
* A grounded, hands-on style with the ability to challenge supportively and influence across technical teams
Package: £100,000 – £120,000 + bonus
Location: Hertfordshire, predominantly on-site with flexibility once established
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*All candidates will be required to complete The Acuity Measure.
**Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are only able to contact shortlisted candidates. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. Please note that we reserve the right to close or withdraw this vacancy early should we receive a sufficient number of applications.
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.