Financial controller

Financial controller job description

One of the most in-demand finance roles, the Financial Controller (FC) position offers a blend of strategic oversight, leadership, and commercial impact. According to the Robert Half Salary Guide, demand is especially high across business services, retail and manufacturing — with companies seeking professionals who combine regulatory expertise with business acumen.

Financial Controllers ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance and strategic business support. As businesses evolve, the demand for experienced Controllers grows, making this a high-impact, future-ready role.

Key responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day finances

Lead financial reporting and ensure compliance with UK GAAP or IFRS

Oversee budgeting, forecasting and month-end processes

Manage internal controls, audits and risk

Supervise and develop the finance team

Partner with leadership on commercial decisions

Background and experience

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified

Strong leadership and communication skills

Proficient in ERP systems (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Xero, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics 365)

Common prior roles: Finance Manager, Group Accountant, Management Accountant, Internal Audit Manager or Financial Accountant

Team structure

Controllers typically manage 4–10 direct reports, such as:

Management / Financial Accountants

Sales Ledger Clerks / Purchase Ledger Clerks

Payroll Officers

Finance Analysts

Accounts Assistants / Assistant Accountants

They may also oversee Credit Controllers and support junior staff development.

What makes the role rewarding?

The Financial Controller role is rewarding due to its responsibility, influence and clear career progression:

You play a central role in shaping business performance and strategy

You gain visibility with senior stakeholders and executive teams

You lead and develop a finance team, making a tangible impact

You enjoy strong earning potential and a clear path to CFO or FD roles

You can work across diverse industries, from startups to multinationals

This blend of impact, leadership and upward job mobility makes the Financial Controller role highly fulfilling for ambitious finance professionals. Learn about upcoming finance trends and their implications for leadership.

How industry affects the role

The Financial Controller role can vary significantly across sectors:

Financial Services: Emphasis on regulatory, compliance, risk management, and FCA regulatory reporting.

Technology: Controllers often support rapid scaling, SaaS metrics, and investor reporting.

Manufacturing: Strong focus on cost accounting, inventory management, and production analysis.

Retail and FMCG: High volume transactional oversight, margin tracking, and supply chain finance.

Non-Profit and Education: Greater accountability for restricted funding and charity commission compliance.

Understanding industry-specific KPIs, systems, and regulatory environments is critical for success in each setting.

Role differences by company size

SMEs: More hands-on, broader duties across compliance and operations

Large firms: Strategic oversight, larger teams specialist functions (e.g. tax, treasury)

Sought-after benefits

Increasingly, Financial Controllers value benefits that support work-life balance, long-term wellbeing and personal growth. Highly sought-after perks may include:

Flexible or compressed working hours

Enhanced parental leave policies

Mental health and wellbeing support

Financial coaching or retirement planning resources

Opportunities for international travel or secondment

Leadership mentoring and executive coaching

These benefits help employers attract and retain top finance talent in a competitive market.

Career progression

Common next steps include:

Finance Director

Group Controller

Learn more about career progression for finance professionals.

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Salary for Financial controller

63000 - 92500

25th percentile

63000

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

50th percentile

76750

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

75th percentile

92500

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

Projected salaries for related positions

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

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

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Your guide to negotiating salaries and offers

Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.