Work for us
Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters UK
Learn moreLet our industry specialists listen to your aspirations and present your story to the most esteemed organisations in the UK, as we collaborate to write the next chapter of your successful career.
See all jobsTogether, we’ll map out career-defining, life-changing pathways to achieve your career ambitions. Browse our range of services, advice, and resources.
Learn moreThe UK's leading employers trust us to deliver fast, efficient talent solutions that are tailored to their exact requirements. Browse our range of bespoke services and resources.
Read moreTalent advisory
Whether you’re seeking to hire talent or a new career move for yourself, we have the latest facts, trends and inspiration you need.
See all resourcesSince our establishment in 1985, our belief remains the same: Building strong relationships with people is vital in a successful partnership.
Learn more
Work for us
Our people are the difference. Hear stories from our people to learn more about a career at Robert Walters UK
Learn moreTruly global and proudly local, our story starts in London in 1985, with our UK operation now based in 7 locations across the country.
Get in touchOur locations
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 £80,000 and £364,000 depending on the following factors.
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.
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.
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.
Larger corporations tend to have more complex financial operations and higher budgets, which in turn can provide competitive salaries for their CFOs.
A qualified CFO in Commerce & Industry within a medium enterprise (with a headcount of 50 – 250) can offer a salary range of £100,000 – £190,000, whereas a large enterprise (with a headcount of 250+) can offer a salary range of £190,000 – £300,000.
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 £100,000 and £364,000, whereas those working in Merseyside might earn between £80,000 and £220,000.
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:
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:
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 2025
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
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.
If you have an immediate Chief Financial Officer requirement, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment experts will be in touch.
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:
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:
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 2025
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
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.
If you have an immediate Chief Financial Officer requirement, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment experts will be in touch.
Hiring Manager? Benchmark your teams salaries
If you’re growing your team or simply need to retain the talent you have, the Salary Survey gives you the insights you need to have the right team in place to keep your business moving forward.
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.
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.
