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Financial Controller Salaries: UK Averages 2025

Explore the average range of a financial controller salary in the UK by location:

  • London: £70k - £162k
  • South East & East of England: £70k - £100k
  • Midlands: £60k - £90k
  • Merseyside: £65k - £90k
  • North: £80k - £120k
     

Financial Controller Salary Trends

The financial controller role is in high demand in the UK across various industries and organisational levels. These professionals are essential for overseeing accounting operations, ensuring compliance, and contributing to strategic financial planning. They provide crucial insights that aid in decision-making, impacting a company’s growth and profitability.

Demand for skilled financial controllers can fluctuate with industry trends and market conditions. Continuous skill development is vital, especially as technology and data analytics transform financial management. Proficiency in these areas offers significant job opportunities and helps financial controllers adapt and excel in their roles.

The average financial controller salary in the UK varies by location and factors such as company size and experience. Salaries typically range from £60,000 to £162,000. In major hubs like London, salaries are usually higher due to the cost of living and the presence of large corporations. Financial controllers may also receive bonuses and incentives based on performance, enhancing their overall compensation.

What factors influence the salary for a financial controller?

Industry

Industries like Investment Management Finance typically offer higher compensation due to their lucrative nature. Financial controllers in these sectors can earn up to £162,000. Meanwhile, those in Commerce & Industry might experience a slightly lower salary range, around £70,000.

Company size

Larger companies with complex financial structures and higher budgets often provide competitive salaries. A financial controller in a medium-sized enterprise (50-250 employees) within Commerce & Industry - Qualified might earn between £70,000 and £110,000, while a large enterprise (250+ employees) could offer between £100,000 and £140,000.

Location

Salaries are generally higher in major UK cities where the cost of living and demand are greater. For instance, a financial controller salary London can earn between £70,000 and £162,000, compared to £60,000 to £90,000 in the Midlands.

Education

The educational background and certifications of a financial controller can significantly impact their earning potential. Holding advanced degrees or certifications, such as a CPA or ACCA, can enhance your qualifications and lead to a higher financial controller salary UK. Employers often value these qualifications, which can justify a higher financial controller UK salary and position candidates for senior roles with increased responsibilities. Investing in continuous professional development can also positively influence the average salary for a financial controller.

 

FAQs: Financial Controller

Financial controllers often receive a range of benefits in addition to their base salary. While these can vary depending on the company, industry, and specific role, some common perks include:

  • Bonuses and Incentives: Performance-based bonuses and incentives are frequently offered.
  • Healthcare and Insurance: Comprehensive healthcare plans and insurance coverage are typical.
  • Retirement Plans: Access to retirement savings plans, such as pensions or 401(k) contributions.
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for remote work or flexible scheduling.
  • Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing training and development.
  • Qualification Reimbursement: Reimbursement for further education or certification costs.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies.
  • Travel Benefits: Coverage or allowances for business-related travel.
  • Company Discounts: Discounts on company products or services.

Yes, remote or freelance financial controllers often have different compensation structures compared to full-time employees. Here are some factors influencing their pay:

  • Hourly or Project-Based Rates: Freelancers may charge by the hour or per project.
  • Flat Fees: Some prefer a flat fee for specific services.
  • Value-Based Pricing: Pricing based on the value delivered to the client.
  • Retainer Agreements: Regular payments for ongoing services.
  • Geographic Considerations: Rates may vary based on location and cost of living.
  • Industry Specialisation: Expertise in specific industries can command higher rates.
  • Market Demand: High demand can lead to higher pay.
  • Experience and Reputation: More experienced and reputable controllers often earn more.
  • Remote Work Flexibility: Flexibility can affect compensation expectations.

To research financial controller salaries, consider the following resources:

  • Robert Walters Salary Survey: Offers comprehensive data on salary ranges and averages across various enterprise sizes.
  • Hiring Trends: Provides insights into hiring trends specific to financial roles in 2025.
  • Talent Hotspots: Identifies skills in demand across different sectors.
  • Expectations: Offers guidance on attracting and retaining top talent with competitive offerings.

    Download the free Robert Walters Salary Survey to gain valuable insights into financial controller salaries and market trends.

Location can significantly impact the average salary for a financial controller due to variations in cost of living and demand. For example, a financial controller salary London typically ranges higher due to the city's economic environment, while regions like the Midlands might offer lower salaries comparatively. Understanding the financial controller UK salary by region helps in setting realistic salary expectations and career planning.

Download the free Robert Walters Salary Survey to gain valuable insights into financial controller salaries and market trends.

Robert Walters has extensive expertise in placing financial controllers in prestigious companies across the UK, offering insights into what attracts top talent and how to craft effective job specifications.

Job specification template for a financial controller role

Creating a detailed job specification for a financial controller 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 financial controller for your team.

If you have an immediate financial controller requirement, submit a vacancy here, and one of our recruitment experts will be in touch.

 

 

Salary Survey 2025
Developed in partnership with a market leading data provider, we assessed over 100,000 jobs posted over the last 12-months, to provide you accurate data points on UK salary ranges, averages and expectations for permanent, contract and interim positions across the UK.

Hiring a Financial Controller? Use our best-in-class job description

Stand out to finance control professionals looking for a new position with a tried-and-tested job description template. With our job description for a Financial Controller role, you can help your company stand out against competitors and ensure you attract the right talent for your business needs.

Using the expertise of our accounting recruiters, we have designed an editable template which outlines the key responsibilities and skills needed for a typical Financial Controller.

With a clear format that covers all the necessary information to attract a top finance controller, simply download a copy and edit to suit your exact requirements.

Download the template now and use the guide to customise the job specification for the position you’re looking to fill.

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.

Bespoke salary benchmarking

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.