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Finance Director Salaries: UK Averages 2026
Explore the average range of a Finance Director salary in the UK by location:
- London: £100k - £230k
- South East & East of England: £120k - £160k
- Midlands: £90k - 140k
- North: £100k - £220k
- Merseyside: £80k - £160k
Finance Director salary trends
The role of a Finance Director continues to be a crucial position within the UK across various sectors, from growing startups to established enterprises. While the role is consistently in demand, levels can shift based on market dynamics and industry-specific trends. To excel in this competitive landscape, it is vital to enhance skills in financial technology, data interpretation, and strategic financial planning. Expertise in these areas can open doors to the most lucrative Finance Director positions.
The average salary of a Finance Director in the UK fluctuates by region, with expected ranges between £90,000 and £230,000 influenced by several factors.
What factors influence the Financial Director salary?
Experience
Finance Directors with significant experience, particularly those with more than 5 years in the field, tend to earn higher salaries due to their in-depth knowledge and strategic impact on a company.
Qualifications
For those aiming to increase their Finance Director pay, pursuing further qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or an MBA is advantageous. Continuous professional development through seminars and workshops also contributes to a higher Finance Director salary UK.
Industry
Sectors like Fintech and Challenger Banks typically offer robust compensation packages due to their high revenue potential. In contrast, the Commerce & Industry sector presents a wide finance director salary range, reflecting a variety of business models beyond the financial landscape.
A London-based Director of Finance salary in Fintech and Challenger Banks can reach up to £230,000, whereas those in Commerce & Industry might see a 15% reduction, capping at £200,000.
Company size
Larger companies, due to their intricate financial frameworks and substantial budgets, often offer competitive salaries to their Finance Directors.
A skilled Finance Director in a medium-sized enterprise (50 – 250 employees) based in London within Commerce & Industry can expect a salary range of £100,000 – £160,000, while a large enterprise (250+ employees) might offer between £120,000 – £180,000.
Location
Salaries are generally higher in major cities where living costs and demand are elevated. For instance, a finance director salary London may range from £100,000 to £230,000, in contrast to Merseyside where earnings could be between £80,000 and £160,000.
FAQs: Finance Director
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What typical perks or benefits are associated with this role?
Finance Directors often receive various benefits alongside their base salary. These can vary by company and industry, 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 Finance Directors paid differently?
Yes, freelance Finance Directors may have different compensation structures compared to full-time employees. Factors affecting freelance compensation include:
- 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 Finance Director salaries?
The Robert Walters Salary Survey is a valuable resource for exploring Finance Director salary UK data, offering insights into:
- Enhanced data - salary ranges and averages across varying enterprise sizes
- Hiring trends - Discover what hiring patterns look like for your sector in 2025
- Talent hotspots - Identify in-demand skill sets for the coming year
- Expectations - Explore how to attract and retain top talent with compelling compensation packages.
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What expertise does Robert Walters have with hiring Finance Directors?
Robert Walters has extensive experience in placing Finance Directors in prominent companies across the UK, providing deep insights into what attracts top-tier candidates and how to create effective job descriptions.
Job specification template for a Finance Director role
Creating a detailed job specification for a Finance Director is essential for attracting top professionals to your organisation. Our customisable template, developed by expert finance recruiters, provides a comprehensive guide to crafting an effective job description that highlights key responsibilities, required skills, and alignment with company culture.
By using this template, you can streamline your recruitment process, ensuring that your job advert reaches the right candidates, saving time and resources while enhancing the appeal of your role.
Download the template now to elevate your recruitment strategy and secure a skilled Accounts Payable Manager for your team.If you have an immediate requirement for a Finance Director, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment specialists will get in touch.
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