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Chief Financial Officer Salaries: UK Averages 2026
Explore the average range of a Chief Financial Officer salary in the UK by location:
- London: £120,000 - £364,000
- Midlands: £130,000 - £300,000
- North: £125,000 - £300,000
- Merseyside: £90,000 - £220,000
- South East & East of England: £140,000 - £250,000
CFO salary trends
The role of Chief Financial Officer continues to be a pivotal position in the UK, across all sectors, from small enterprises to large corporations. It is important to note that while the role is typically in high demand, the level of demand can fluctuate based on industry trends and market conditions. To stay ahead in the ever-evolving market, it is crucial to keep your skills updated and gain expertise in areas such as technology integration, data analytics, and strategic leadership, as these competencies open greater opportunities and the most Chief Financial Officer jobs.
The average Chief Financial Officer salary in the UK varies across regions, but you can anticipate salary ranges between £90,000 and £364,000 depending on the following factors.
What factors influence the salary of a Chief Financial Officer?
Experience
Highly experienced CFOs, especially those with over 5 years in the role, often command higher salaries due to their extensive expertise and the strategic value they bring to an organisation.
Qualifications
For a CFO looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing advanced qualifications, such as ACCA, ACA, or an MBA, can be beneficial. Additionally, continuous learning through workshops, seminars, and staying ahead of industry trends can also contribute to a higher CFO salary UK.
Industry
Industries such as Banking & Financial Services often have higher revenue streams, enabling them to offer competitive compensation packages to those with specialised skills. Commerce & Industry generally has broader salary ranges, covering a diverse array of businesses beyond the financial sector.
A Chief Financial Officer working in Banking & Financial Services can earn up to £364,000, while those in Commerce & Industry might earn 17% less, at £300,000.
Company size
Larger corporations tend to have more complex financial operations and higher budgets, which in turn can provide competitive salaries for their CFOs.
A CFO in Commerce & Industry within a medium enterprise (with a headcount of 50 – 250) can offer a salary range of £120,000 – £190,000, whereas a large enterprise (with a headcount of 250+) can offer a salary range of £190,000 – £300,000.
Location
Salaries are typically higher in major UK cities where the cost of living is elevated, and the demand is greater. For example, a CFO salary London might range between £120,000 and £364,000, whereas those working in Merseyside might earn between £90,000 and £220,000.
FAQs: Chief Financial Officer
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What typical perks or benefits are associated with this role?
CFOs often receive a range of benefits in addition to their base salary. This varies depending on the company, industry, and role, but common perks include:
- - Bonuses and Incentives
- - Healthcare and Insurance
- - Retirement Plans
- - Flexible Work Arrangements
- - Professional Development
- - Qualification Reimbursement
- - Paid Time Off (PTO)
- - Travel Benefits
- - Company Discounts
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Are remote or freelance CFOs paid differently?
Yes, due to different compensation structures, freelance CFOs can be paid differently compared to full-time employees. Here are some factors that influence how freelance CFOs are compensated:
- - Hourly or project-based rates
- - Flat fees
- - Value-based pricing
- - Retainer Agreements
- - Geographic considerations
- - Industry specialisation
- - Market demand
- - Experience and reputation
- - Remote work flexibility
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What resources can I use to research Chief Financial Officer salaries?
The Robert Walters Salary Survey is an excellent tool for researching Chief Financial Officer salaries in the UK and includes:
Enhanced data - salary ranges and averages across large, medium and small enterprises
Hiring Trends - See what hiring trends look like for your industry in 2026
Talent Hotspots - Learn what skill sets will be in demand for the year ahead for each sector
Expectations - Explore how to attract and retain the best talent with the right offerings
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What expertise does Robert Walters have with hiring Chief Financial Officers?
Robert Walters has extensive expertise in placing Chief Financial Officers in prestigious companies across the UK, offering insights into what attracts top talent and how to craft effective job specifications.
Our specialist CFO recruitment firm can support with your requirement, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment experts will be in touch.
Job specification template for a Chief Finance Officer position
Attracting and securing a top-tier Chief Financial Officer (CFO) starts with a compelling and strategic job description.
Our free download provides you with a best-in-class CFO job description template, expertly crafted by specialist Accounting & Finance recruiters. Designed to engage high-calibre executive talent, this template goes beyond the basics, offering structure and insights that position your opportunity as both attractive and commercially significant.
Download the template now and use the guide to tailor the specification to your organisation’s needs, ensuring you attract visionary CFOs who can lead your financial strategy and drive long-term success.
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Candidate? Find out your salary with an individual salary guide
Whether you’re looking for a new role or preparing for your end-of-year appraisal, the Salary Survey will arm you with everything you need to know to get what you deserve.
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Using a combination of our own data, publicly available insights and our recruitment experts, we build bespoke overviews of the salaries and benefits required to attract talent.