Finance Director is a board-level role in UK businesses — carrying statutory director obligations alongside full financial leadership responsibility. Salary varies widely by company size, sector and whether the business is PE-backed, listed or owner-managed.
Finance Director Salary UK 2026
| Company Type | FD Salary Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FTSE 250 / large plc | £180,000–£300,000+ | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| PE-backed (£50m–£200m revenue) | £140,000–£200,000 | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| UK SME (£20m–£100m revenue) | £100,000–£160,000 | Hays UK 2026 |
| Start-up / scale-up (Series B+) | £120,000–£170,000 + equity | Morgan McKinley UK 2026 |
Finance Director Salary by Sector — UK 2026
| Sector | FD Salary Range (London) |
|---|---|
| Financial Services / Banking | £160,000–£300,000+ |
| Technology | £140,000–£220,000 + equity |
| Pharma / Life Sciences | £150,000–£220,000 |
| Commerce / Industry | £110,000–£170,000 |
| Professional Services | £120,000–£180,000 |
Finance Director vs CFO in the UK
In the UK, Finance Director and CFO are sometimes used interchangeably. The distinction typically comes down to company size. In a business with £50m turnover, the most senior finance person is usually called Finance Director. In a PE-backed or listed business, the same role is typically called CFO. The CFO title in the UK typically commands a 15–25% premium over Finance Director at equivalent scope.
Salary data sourced from the 2026 Robert Walters UK Salary Survey, Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026, Morgan McKinley UK Salary Guide 2026 and Huntress 2026 Accounting & Finance Salary Guide. Figures are estimated market ranges for guidance only.