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Amid ongoing economic uncertainty, finance and accounting leaders across the UK are prioritising roles that directly support revenue growth and business resilience. There is growing demand for professionals with specialised expertise – particularly those who can support strategic decision-making, modernise financial systems, and implement emerging technologies to improve efficiency and compliance.

Hiring remains challenging, especially when it comes to aligning on salary expectations for roles linked to digital transformation and operational upgrades. At the same time, the worsening shortage of qualified accountants is placing pressure on firms, leading to compliance risks and upward pressure on salaries for in-demand professionals who can close these critical gaps.

Hiring managers: Get customised salary data and insights from a Robert Half talent solutions professional.

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Enter your city to see salaries tailored to your local market. Starting salaries can vary significantly depending on your skills and experience, the size and sector of the organisation, and the demand for the role in your area. The city you choose reflects not only the urban centre but also the surrounding region.

Finance leadership

Accounting operations

Financial and management accounting

Systems and projects accounting

Tax and treasury

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Financial Services

133250

177500

225000

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

132500

176500

220500

Group Finance Director

106750

131500

162500

Finance Director - Financial Services

99000

118750

149000

Finance Director

89750

109500

138000

Shared Service Centre Director

84250

112500

133000

Group Financial Controller

76250

85000

106500

Financial Controller - Financial Services

70000

89250

100750

Financial Controller

63000

76750

92500

Fund Controller - Financial Services

70000

77250

92000

Senior Finance Business Partner

61500

72750

82000

Finance Business Partner - Financial Services

52500

57250

71750

Finance Business Partner

54500

59750

66250

25th percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

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Next-gen skills fuel finance team growth

45% of businesses plan to grow their finance teams, focusing on roles and skills that blend financial expertise with digital and AI-driven capabilities to futureproof operations.

Accounting

Payroll

Controlling

Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)

Data analytics

Generative AI solutions use

Budgeting and forecasting

Financial reporting

Scarce skills, stronger offers: the finance hiring equation

67% of finance and accounting hiring managers are willing to pay higher salaries when there is a scarcity of qualified talent for a role.

Financial reporting

Agentic AI use

Data analytics

Industry/business know how

Financial modelling

Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)

AI-driven financial tools and automation

Generative AI for reporting

Hybrid working is still the preferred setup for most finance professionals. However, a significant number would consider a full-time office return if the financial reward justifies the change. In a sector where security, oversight and structured collaboration matter, employers may need to rethink compensation strategies to support evolving workplace models – especially when trying to secure top talent in highly skilled or regulated roles.

standard

of finance and accounting professionals say they’d be willing to work fully in-office if offered a higher salary of finance and accounting professionals say they’d be willing to work fully in-office if offered a higher salary

standard

of those said they would want a salary increase of up to 20% to work in-office of those said they would want a salary increase of up to 20% to work in-office

Top certifications, industries, in-demand roles

Professionals holding sought-after certifications often attract stronger starting pay, especially in industries with active recruitment and high demand for niche expertise. Below are some of the top recognised qualifications.

ACA

ACCA / CIMA

AAT

CTA

There is high demand for finance and accounting talent across these sectors. These industries also present strong prospects for career progression and earnings growth.

Business services

Manufacturing/Industrial Facilities

Trade/Retail

Healthcare/Welfare

Education/Research

Understanding which roles are most in demand helps organisations adapt to shifting workforce needs and stay commercially agile. Demand for these key positions is set to rise in 2026, signaling where capability gaps may emerge.

Finance Director

Financial Controller

Finance Manager

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager

Finance Business Partner

Accounts Assistant

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Navigating pay, perks and careers in finance and accounting

The salary benchmarks listed in the Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the country and over 350k third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2025 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and legal, risk and compliance. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.