Head of Finance; FD Designate

This range is provided by Acuity Associates. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

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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.

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.

• 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.

• A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with senior‑level SME experience.

• 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.

• 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

• Director

• Full‑time

• Project Management
• Strategy / Planning
• Finance

• Engineering Services
• Manufacturing
• Construction

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.