Finance Directors’ Salaries: All You Need To Know in Our Guide

Published:30 September 2024

As Finance Directors play a critical role in any organisation, their salaries in the UK can differ greatly based on several factors. Whether managing financial strategy or mitigating risk, Finance Directors are responsible for a broad range of tasks, and their compensation reflects that.

The average salary for a UK Finance Director is around £71,000 per year. However, this figure can vary considerably depending on the company’s size, industry, and location. In cities like London, salaries often exceed £100,000, particularly in larger companies or sectors such as technology and finance. Expertise in niche areas can also drive compensation higher, as fewer professionals have the same specialised knowledge.

Several surveys and reports provide insights into Finance Director salaries in the UK. Some of the most valuable include:

  • FD Recruit Finance Director Salary Guide 2024: Offers a regional breakdown of salaries across the UK, with information on factors affecting pay.

  • Robert Half 2024 UK Salary Guide: Provides a comprehensive range of salary expectations for finance roles, including CFOs.

  • Michael Page 2024 Salary Guide: Covers various industries, offering useful data on hiring trends and pay scales.

  • FD Capital Recruitment Finance Director Salary Survey: Focuses on how company size and location impact Finance Director salaries.

  • Morgan McKinley 2024 Salary Guide: Gives London-based salary insights for Finance Directors and other finance roles.

Comparing the Finance Director’s salary with that of a CEO reveals a significant difference. While the average CEO salary in the UK can range from £97,000 to millions for FTSE 100 CEOs, Finance Directors usually earn less, reflecting their different roles and responsibilities. In FTSE 100 companies, Finance Directors can earn up to £2.1 million with bonuses.

Finance Director salaries in the UK are generally lower than in the US, where salaries often range between $160,000 and $198,000. Factors such as the cost of living, company size, and market competitiveness explain this gap.

If you’re a Finance Director looking for clarity on salary expectations or need help navigating accounting challenges, Aedon.Accounting is here to assist. Book a demo with us today to see how we can support your business’s financial success: aedon.co/signup

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