Head of Finance is the senior finance leadership role in many UK businesses — typically reporting directly to the CEO or MD, with full responsibility for financial reporting, FP&A, treasury and the finance team. Salary varies significantly by company size, sector and location. This guide covers the 2026 UK market using data from Huntress, Robert Walters UK and Morgan McKinley UK.
Head of Finance Salary by Region — UK 2026
| Region | Minimum | Average | Maximum | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £90,000 | £100,000 | £16.990,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| Thames Valley & Surrey | £65,000 | £8.990,000 | £100,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| Essex & Hertfordshire | £65,000 | £8.990,000 | £90,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| Manchester | £65,000 | £78,000 | £100,000 | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| Birmingham | £60,000 | £75,000 | £95,000 | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| Edinburgh | £70,000 | £8.995,000 | £110,000 | Morgan McKinley UK 2026 |
Head of Finance vs Finance Director vs CFO — What is the Difference?
The titles Head of Finance, Finance Director (FD) and CFO are used interchangeably in many UK businesses — but they are not always equivalent. In practice:
- Head of Finance — senior finance leader in an SME or subsidiary. Full P&L responsibility, reports to CEO or MD. Typically no board directorship.
- Finance Director — board-level role in larger businesses. Statutory director with legal obligations. Combines financial leadership with strategic business input.
- CFO — Chief Financial Officer. Used in larger businesses, PE-backed companies and listed entities. Investor relations, M&A, capital structure.
What Drives Head of Finance Salary in the UK
| Factor | Impact on Salary |
|---|---|
| Company size (turnover) | £10m business vs £100m business — typically £20,000–£40,000 difference |
| PE-backed vs owner-managed | PE-backed typically pays 15–25% more + equity |
| Sector (financial services vs commerce) | Financial services 20–30% premium at equivalent scope |
| Team size managed | Team of 1 vs team of 10 — significant difference in band |
| Board reporting | Direct board / investor reporting adds premium |
| Qualification (ACA vs ACCA) | 5–10% premium for ACA at this level, narrowing with experience |
Head of Finance vs Head of FP&A — UK 2026
Head of FP&A has emerged as a distinct senior finance role in larger UK businesses, particularly in technology and financial services. The 2026 Huntress guide shows Head of FP&A commanding comparable salaries to Head of Finance in London:
| Role | London Min | London Avg | London Max | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of Finance | £90,000 | £100,000 | £16.990,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| Head of FP&A | £90,000 | £100,000 | £140,000 | Huntress 2026 |
When to Move from FC to Head of Finance
The typical move from Financial Controller to Head of Finance or Finance Director in the UK happens when: you have been FC for 3–5 years, you have managed a finance team, you have board or investor-level exposure, and your current employer has no HOF vacancy above you. The salary increase on making this move is typically £20,000–£40,000 in London. The most common route is a move to a smaller or earlier-stage business where the Head of Finance role carries the full scope of the finance function.
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Get My Free UK Salary Benchmark →Salary and benefits data sourced from the Huntress 2026 Accounting & Finance Salary & Benefits Guide, the 2026 Robert Walters UK Salary Survey, Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 and Morgan McKinley UK Salary Guide 2026. Figures are estimated market ranges for guidance only.