Finance Recruitment London

Harper May is a premier finance recruitment agency in London, specialising in the identification and placement of high-calibre finance and accounting professionals. In the world’s most sophisticated financial hub, having the right leadership in place is not just a competitive advantage—it is a strategic necessity.

We act as a dedicated partner to ambitious organisations, ranging from venture-backed startups and private equity-backed scale-ups to established global enterprises. Our mission is to bridge the gap between elite finance talent and the London businesses that need their expertise to drive growth, manage complex risk, and deliver long-term value. While our primary focus is the capital, we provide specialist search services for organisations in London and across the UK.

Our Specialist Finance Recruitment Divisions

To provide truly specialist search services, Harper May is structured into dedicated divisions. This ensures that whether you are hiring for a board-level strategic role or a technical reporting lead, you are working with consultants who understand the specific nuances of that function.

CFO Recruitment London

Our Executive Search division focuses on the appointment of Chief Financial Officers. We source strategic partners who can lead fundraising rounds, manage investor relations, and steer organisations through M&A or IPO exits.

Finance Director Recruitment London

Focused on operational excellence and commercial growth. We place Finance Directors who can professionalise the finance function, implement robust systems, and act as a commercial co-pilot to the CEO.

Financial Controller Recruitment London

The technical backbone of your business. Our Financial Controller division specialises in sourcing ACAs, ACCAs, and CIMAs who excel in statutory reporting, internal controls, and audit management.

Head of Finance Recruitment London

Versatile leadership for mid-market firms. We identify Heads of Finance who can balance technical precision with commercial insight to lead growing finance departments.

Market-Leading Expertise in London’s Key Sectors

Finance recruitment in London requires a deep understanding of sector-specific challenges. We tailor our search to the specific vertical and lifecycle of your business, ensuring we identify leaders with the right industry-specific DNA:

• Private Equity & Venture Capital Finance Recruitment: We have a deep-rooted reputation for supporting portfolio companies through rapid scale-ups and high-stakes exits.

• Technology & SaaS Finance Recruitment: Sourcing agile finance leaders who understand recurring revenue, unit economics, and international expansion.

• Property & Real Estate Finance Recruitment: Specialists in project accounting, fund management, and complex capital structures.

• Financial Services Finance Recruitment: Navigating the regulatory complexities of the FCA while maintaining commercial momentum in London’s financial heart.

• Consumer & Retail Finance Recruitment: Identifying leaders who can drive profitability across omnichannel and multi-entity operations.

Our Search-Led Approach to Talent

At Harper May, we differentiate ourselves through our proactive, search-led methodology. We recognise that the top 1% of finance talent is rarely "on the market"; they are "in the market," delivering results for your competitors.

1. Talent Mapping: We conduct exhaustive research to identify the best performers currently operating in the London market.

2. Executive Outreach: We discreetly engage with passive candidates who possess the specific "DNA" and experience required for your role.

3. Rigorous Vetting: Beyond technical qualifications (ACA/ACCA/CIMA), we assess leadership style, commercial acumen, and cultural fit.

4. Long-Term Partnership: Our goal is to build finance teams that last. We stay involved through the integration phase to ensure the success of every placement.

London Finance Salary Benchmarks

To hire effectively in the capital, businesses must stay aligned with current market benchmarks. In 2026, the demand for senior finance leadership remains high, with compensation reflecting the strategic value of these roles.

• CFO Salaries: Typically range from £150,000 to £300,000+.

• Finance Director Salaries: Typically range from £110,000 to £200,000.

• Financial Controller Salaries: Typically range from £90,000 to £140,000.

• Head of Finance Salaries: Typically range from £85,000 to £130,000.

Why Choose Harper May for Finance Recruitment in London?

We combine the reach and rigour of a global executive search firm with the agility and personal touch of a boutique London agency. Our reputation is built on the success of our clients and the longevity of our placements.

• Evidence of Success: We invite you to explore our Finance Recruitment Case Studies to see how we have solved complex hiring mandates across the UK.

• Deep Talent Networks: Our proprietary database and high-level network give us access to candidates that generic agencies simply cannot reach.

Building Your Finance Function Starts Here

Whether you are looking for an Interim Finance Director to manage a period of change or a permanent CFO to lead your organisation’s future, Harper May is the specialist partner you need.

Contact Harper May today to speak with a specialist consultant and gain access to the premier finance talent available in London and across the UK.