Head of Finance
đź“Ť West Sussex (Hybrid)
💰 £70,000 – £80,000
🏠Privately owned UK manufacturing business
A true number one role in a growing, profitable SME with real influence on the direction of the business.
Acuity Associates are supporting a well-established, family-owned manufacturing business in the search for a commercially minded Head of Finance.
This is a key hire at an important stage of growth. With turnover currently at ~ÂŁ6m and clear plans to scale to ÂŁ15m by 2030, the business is investing in its finance capability to support that journey.
You’ll take full ownership of the finance function, working closely with the Managing Director and shareholders to improve visibility, drive performance, and build the financial infrastructure needed for scale.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone stepping into their first number one position or already operating at this level within an SME.
You’ll be at the centre of the business not just reporting numbers, but shaping decisions.
* Partner directly with the MD and shareholders on commercial and strategic decisions
* Build clear visibility of profitability across both projects and products
* Strengthen financial control, reporting and processes to support growth
* Play a key role in preparing the business for its next phase of scale
The business operates across both project-based work and product-led manufacturing, so experience in margin, costing, and operational finance will be key.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver accurate monthly management accounts with clear, actionable insight
* Improve profitability reporting across project and product revenue streams
* Oversee manufacturing cost analysis, BOM valuation and margin performance
* Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
* Manage cash flow, working capital and financial stability
* Embed robust controls and scalable reporting processes
* Oversee statutory compliance and financial governance
* Support leadership with performance analysis and commercial decision-making
* Take ownership of financial performance, cost control and margin improvement
About You
* Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA)
* Experience within SME environments (c. £5m–£20m turnover)
* Background in manufacturing, stock-led or distribution businesses
* Strong grasp of management accounts and end-to-end financial ownership
* Commercially minded, with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders
* Hands-on, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast-moving environment
* Motivated by building and improving, not just maintaining
What’s on Offer
* £70,000 – £80,000 base salary
* Direct exposure to the Managing Director and shareholders
* A stable, profitable business with clear growth ambitions
* Genuine progression to Finance Director as the business scales
Additional Information
All candidates will be required to complete The Acuity Measure as part of the recruitment process.
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 days of submitting your application, please assume you have not been successful on this occasion. We reserve the right to close or withdraw this vacancy early should a sufficient number of applications be received.
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.
About Acuity Associates
Acuity Associates is an executive search partner trusted by privately owned and investor-backed businesses to appoint high-impact finance and executive leaders.
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 alongside cultural fit and career credibility.