Head of Finance is the senior finance leadership role in many UK SMEs and subsidiaries — typically reporting to the CEO or MD, with full P&L responsibility. Salary varies significantly by company size, sector and location.
Head of Finance Salary UK 2026
| Location | Salary Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| London (large company) | £120,000–£180,000 | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| London (SME) | £85,000–£130,000 | Morgan McKinley UK 2026 |
| South East | £75,000–£120,000 | Hays UK 2026 |
| Manchester / North West | £70,000–£110,000 | Hays UK 2026 |
| Birmingham / Midlands | £65,000–£100,000 | Hays UK 2026 |
Head of Finance vs Finance Director vs CFO in the UK
- Head of Finance — senior finance leader in an SME or subsidiary. Full P&L responsibility, typically no board directorship.
- Finance Director — board-level role with statutory director obligations. More common in larger UK businesses.
- CFO — used in larger or PE-backed businesses. Investor relations, M&A, capital structure. London CFO salary typically £150,000–£300,000+.
The typical move from Financial Controller to Head of Finance in the UK involves a salary jump of £20,000–£45,000. The most common route is a move to a smaller or earlier-stage business where the HOF carries the full scope of the finance function.
Head of Finance Salary — PE-Backed vs Owner-Managed UK 2026
| Business Type | HOF Salary Range |
|---|---|
| PE-backed (London) | £120,000–£175,000 + equity |
| Listed company (London) | £130,000–£200,000 |
| Owner-managed (London) | £85,000–£130,000 |
| PE-backed (regional) | £90,000–£140,000 + equity |
| Owner-managed (regional) | £65,000–£100,000 |
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.