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Finance Recruitment

How to Hire a Financial Controller in the UK (2026)

Owning reporting, controls and the integrity of the numbers. Hiring a Financial Controller.
By Mark Wilkinson, Managing Director of Coburg Banks
Mark has over 30 years in recruitment, placing finance and accountancy professionals from Accounts Assistant to Finance Director across the UK.
Mark's Linkedin Profile

A Financial Controller owns the accuracy and control of the numbers - reporting, month-end, compliance and the team that delivers them. It's the safe pair of hands the whole business relies on, so technical rigour is the core requirement.

⚡ In short

A UK Financial Controller typically earns £55k-£80k plus benefits. Expect a placement in 6-10 weeks. Coburg Banks recruits Controllers with no fee until your hire starts.

£55k-£80k

Typical base salary

6-10 weeks

Time to hire

48 hrs

To first shortlist

12 wks

Replacement guarantee

What to look for in a Financial Controller

1

Technical rigour

Ask how they've tightened month-end, controls or reporting accuracy.

2

Team leadership

They lead the transactional and management accounting team. Probe how they manage it.

3

Process improvement

The best don't just run the process, they improve it. Look for evidence.

How to run the hire

1. Define the scope
Be clear on reporting, controls, team size and any group requirements.

2. Score for accuracy and control
Weight technical rigour and clean audits.

3. Source and approach
Approach qualified candidates with matching experience.

4. Test with a scenario
Use a reconciliation or control problem to hear their approach.

5. Reference reliability
Confirm the numbers were accurate and audits clean under them.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire a Financial Controller?

Fees typically run 18-22% of first-year salary, capped and agreed upfront.

Nothing is due until your hire starts.

How long does it take to hire a Financial Controller?

Usually 6-10 weeks.

Sector, group complexity and system experience are the main variables.

What does a Financial Controller do?

A Financial Controller owns the accuracy and control of the accounts - management and statutory reporting, month-end, reconciliations, compliance and the finance team.

They make sure the numbers are right and the controls are sound.

What's the difference between a Controller and a Finance Manager?

A Financial Controller is usually more senior, owning reporting, controls and a team. A Finance Manager may focus on a narrower part of the function.

We confirm the level your role sits at.

What should I ask a Financial Controller at interview?

Try: How have you improved a month-end close?
Tell me about a control weakness you found and fixed.
How do you handle audit? and How do you develop your team?

Do you recruit Financial Controllers across sectors?

Yes, across services, manufacturing, technology and property.

We match sector and system experience to your requirement.

External citations

Ready to hire your next Financial Controller?

Tell us about your role and a specialist finance recruiter will call you. No fee until your hire starts.