Finance Salary Guide

Finance Director Salary UK: How Much Do They Earn? (2026)

What a Finance Director earns in the UK in 2026, broken down by experience, region and the factors that move the numbers.

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 Finance Director's salary is shaped mostly by qualification, the sector, and the complexity of the reporting. If you're hiring or benchmarking, the figures below give a realistic picture of what a Finance Director costs in the current market.

⚡ In short

A Finance Director in the UK typically earns a base salary of £75k to £120k, with a median of around £98k, plus bonus and often equity.

Pay rises with experience, sits higher in London and in stronger sectors, and the total package can be above base once incentives are included.

£98k

Median base salary

£75k-£120k

Typical range

+10-20%

London premium

+ equity

Bonus & equity

What affects a Finance Director's salary

Qualification

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified candidates command more than part-qualified or by-experience.

Sector and complexity

Financial services, listed groups and complex reporting pay above SME roles.

Location

London commands a clear premium over the regions.

Finance Director salary by experience

Experience Level

Typical Salary

Entry-level / Newly Appointed

£75k-£90k

Experienced

£90k-£105k

Senior / Lead

£105k-£120k

How to benchmark and set the salary

1. Start with the market range
For a Finance Director, that's roughly £75k to £120k base. Pitch too low and you won't get replies; too high and you overpay.

2. Adjust for experience
Use the bands in the table above - entry, experienced and senior - rather than one figure, and match the level you actually need.

3. Factor in location
London and the South East add 10-20%. A regional or remote role can be pitched a little lower for the same calibre.

4. Add the incentive
At this level, bonus and equity often add 20-40% or more to base, especially in investor-backed businesses where the exit upside matters. Candidates compare total earnings, so lead with the package, not just the base.

5. Move at the right speed
Strong candidates have options. A competitive offer made quickly beats a slightly higher one that drags.

How much does a Finance Director earn in the UK?

A Finance Director typically earns a base of £75k to £120k, with a median around £98k, plus bonus and often equity.

Total earnings are usually higher than base alone once bonus or incentives are included.

What's the starting salary for a Finance Director?

Entry-level or newly qualified Finance Directors usually start around £75k-£90k.

The figure rises with experience, specialism and location, so a strong background commands more from the outset.

Do Finance Directors earn more in London?

Yes. London and the South East typically add +10-20% to base for a Finance Director, reflecting higher costs and competition for talent.

Regional and remote roles can be pitched a little lower for the same calibre.

What affects a Finance Director's salary?

The main drivers are experience, sector, location and company size, plus any bonus.

For a Finance Director specifically, qualification tends to move the numbers most, so weigh that when you benchmark.

What bonus does a Finance Director get?

At this level, bonus and equity often add 20-40% or more to base, especially in investor-backed businesses where the exit upside matters.

Always compare the total package rather than base alone, since the extras can be a meaningful share.

How do I set a competitive salary to attract a Finance Director?

Benchmark against the range above, pitch at the right experience band, add a clear incentive, and factor in location.

If you'd like a live read on what your Finance Director role should pay to attract strong candidates, we benchmark it for free as part of the search - no fee until your hire starts.

External citations

Sources:
- REC
- ONS Labour Market
- Coburg Banks Trustpilot

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