Summary
Acorn Group, a fast‑growing, PE‑backed business within the Mecsia Group, is seeking a Commercial Head of Finance to play a key role in supporting continued profitable growth and strengthening commercial decision‑making across the business.
Reporting to the Group Finance Controller and working closely with the Acorn and BMS CEOs, this role offers significant exposure at senior leadership level and the opportunity to shape the commercial finance agenda within a dynamic, scaling organisation.
With a strong Management Accountant already in place, the focus of this role is on commercial analysis, business partnering, financial control, and leadership, rather than purely transactional finance.
Package & Benefits
Location: Slough, Berkshire
Salary: up to £65000
Hours: Mon-Friday, 37.5 hours.
Company Benefits
Pension scheme
Company Events
Wellbeing Benefits – 24 hours turnaround GP appointment for the whole family
25 days holiday (not including bank holidays)
Key Responsibilities
Commercial & Operational Performance
Partner with senior leadership to provide timely, insightful analysis on profitability and performance by service line, customer, and location
Deliver high‑quality monthly P&L analysis to support improved commercial decision‑making
Represent finance in commercial and operational discussions, identifying risks and opportunities
Budgeting & Forecasting
Lead the annual budgeting process and regular re‑forecast cycles
Provide monthly variance analysis and clear management commentary
Cash Flow & Working Capital
Own the rolling 18‑week cash flow forecast
Actively manage working capital, including accrued income, billing, and debtor collection
Ensure timely supplier payments and efficient cash upstreaming to Group
Management Accounts & Financial Control
Own the month‑end close process, delivering audit‑ready management accounts
Maintain strong balance sheet control and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements
Ensure VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax submissions are accurate and timely
Leadership & Team Development
Lead and develop a finance team of approximately seven, with one direct report
Coach and mentor the Management Accountant and team leaders
Build a high‑performing, scalable finance function aligned to business growth
Statutory & Technical Accounting
Support and manage the annual audit process
Ensure timely preparation and submission of statutory accounts
Maintain strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK GAAP
Systems & Process Improvement
Oversee transactional finance to ensure robust controls and efficient reporting
Drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements
Contribute to Group‑wide finance initiatives and best‑practice sharing
Skills & Qualifications Required
Knowledge & Understanding
Essential
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or part‑qualified and actively progressing
Strong experience producing and owning monthly management accounts
Excellent commercial and analytical skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
Solid understanding of UK GAAP and financial controls
Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, evolving environment
Desirable
Experience within Facilities Management, business services, or contract‑based sectors
Background in a PE‑backed or acquisitive business
Experience implementing or improving finance systems
Understanding of long‑term contracts and work‑in‑progress accounting
Personal Attributes
Commercially astute, proactive, and delivery‑focused
High emotional intelligence and strong communication skills
Confident operating at senior leadership level
A collaborative leader with a hands‑on approach
Why Join Acorn Group?
High‑impact role within a growing, PE‑backed organisation
Strong senior leadership exposure and influence
Opportunity to shape the commercial finance function as the business scales
Supportive Group finance environment with long‑term growth ambitions
Apply now
Need more info?
Dale will be happy to help!
