Financial managers and directors Salary
Median salary £65,336 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £65,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For financial managers and directors, £76,447 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +96% versus the national average. Experienced financial managers and directors (top 25%) earn over £107,741.
About this role
Financial managers and directors lead financial strategy, reporting and compliance within organisations. They oversee accounting teams, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance and provide financial insight to support business decision-making.
Key responsibilities
- Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting
- Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards
- Managing treasury, cash flow and investment decisions
- Leading finance teams and developing talent
- Advising senior leadership on financial strategy and risk
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and significant post-qualification experience. Many hold additional qualifications in corporate finance or risk management.
Career outlook
Steady demand across all sectors. Growing emphasis on ESG reporting, digital finance tools and data analytics capabilities.
Key skills
Common industries
- Financial services
- All corporate sectors
- Public sector
- Professional services
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£15,555
0-2 years
Mid Level
£37,887
3-7 years
Senior
£107,741
8-15 years
Leadership
£180,401
15+ years
Potential career growth: ▲ +1060% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 30.1%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£11,111
Financial managers and directors salary: common questions
How much do financial managers and directors earn in the UK?
Is £76,447 a good salary in the UK?
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How much do the highest-paid financial managers and directors earn?
Have financial managers and directors salaries kept up with inflation?
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Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).