Salaries and Costs
CFO salaries in the UK vary by company scale and sector. In London, typical base pay ranges between £160,000 and £250,000, often rising with bonuses and equity. Across regional markets, packages usually start near £120,000 and may exceed £200,000 in larger or high-growth businesses. Recruiters and employers should also budget for performance incentives and long-term benefits which are common for these executive posts.
Qualifications
Employers tend to look for CFOs with professional accountancy status such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or ICAEW. Many have degrees in finance or economics and often an MBA or postgraduate business qualification. Broad experience across audit, corporate finance, reporting, treasury and risk control is expected, paired with strong leadership and communication abilities.
Regional or Geographic Variations
London and the South East command the highest CFO salaries because of their financial concentration. The Midlands, North West and Scotland usually present more moderate pay ranges but often offer a wider scope of responsibility within smaller firms. Roles in regional areas can attract candidates with relocation or hybrid work incentives.
Hiring Challenges
Attracting a high-calibre CFO is a demanding process since most suitable candidates are already in senior posts. Employers face challenges aligning compensation, company culture and strategic expectations. Recruitment agencies with executive search capability are key to sourcing leaders discreetly and assessing long-term fit for board-level positions.
Entry Requirements
Most CFO appointments require at least 10 to 15 years of financial leadership experience, including time as a Finance Director or Group Controller. Proven delivery in forecasting, P&L oversight, stakeholder communication and compliance is expected. Experience with M&A or private equity can be advantageous.
Regulatory or Compliance
CFOs must maintain strong knowledge of UK GAAP, IFRS and Companies Act reporting. Awareness of taxation, audit obligations and corporate governance requirements is mandatory. Those working in regulated industries such as financial services or healthcare must manage sector-specific compliance and liaise with appropriate authorities.
Roles and Career Paths
The CFO role is usually reached through positions such as Financial Controller, Head of Finance or Finance Director. Some move from public practice into industry, while others build internal corporate experience. This pathway builds both technical and strategic management capability needed for top-tier financial leadership.
Progression Possibilities
Once appointed, CFOs can progress to CEO or board director roles, particularly in firms valuing commercial acumen and strategic insight. Some move into non-executive or advisory positions, private equity, or consultancy. Many continue broadening their remit to include operations, transformation and investor relations.