Head of Finance Recruitment London

Harper May is a leading specialist Head of Finance recruitment agency in London, dedicated to identifying versatile leadership talent for high-growth SMEs and established mid-market organisations. In many businesses, the Head of Finance is the most pivotal hire within the department—acting as the primary link between transactional accounting and executive decision-making.

As an organisation scales beyond the startup phase, the need for a dedicated Head of Finance becomes critical. This role provides the oversight necessary to transition from external bookkeeping to a robust, internalised finance function. Our experienced recruitment consultants work closely with private equity-backed companies and independent businesses to secure leaders who can professionalise finance operations and support sustainable growth.

The Role of a Head of Finance: Strategic & Operational Versatility

A Head of Finance is often the "all-rounder" of the senior finance world. Unlike a CFO, who may focus heavily on external fundraising and investor relations, or a Financial Controller, who is deeply technical, a Head of Finance must balance both worlds.

Core Responsibilities We Recruit For:

  • Financial Oversight: Complete management of the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow forecasting.

  • Commercial Insight: Partnering with sales, marketing, and operations teams to improve margins and ROI.

  • Process Improvement: Overhauling legacy systems and implementing scalable ERP solutions.

  • Leadership: Managing and mentoring the finance team, from AP/AR clerks to management accountants.

  • Reporting & Compliance: Ensuring all statutory obligations are met while providing the board with actionable monthly insights.

Specialist Sector Knowledge

The London economy is diverse, and a "one-size-fits-all" approach to recruitment does not work for a role as central as Head of Finance. We maintain active talent pools across:

  • Technology & SaaS: Sourcing leaders who understand unit economics (CAC/LTV) and the nuances of venture-backed scaling.

  • Property & Construction: Specialists in project-based accounting, WIP management, and complex capital structures.

  • Retail & E-commerce: Identifying leaders capable of managing high-volume transactions and omnichannel supply chain finance.

  • Private Equity: Providing "heavyweight" Heads of Finance for portfolio companies requiring rigorous reporting and exit preparation.

  • Professional Services: Placing commercially-minded leaders in fee-earning and consultancy environments.

Our Search-Led Recruitment Methodology

We do not believe in generic database matching. For a role that requires such a specific blend of leadership and technical skill, we utilise a proactive search methodology:

  1. Requirement Scoping: We define the specific balance of "commercial" vs "technical" skills your business needs.

  2. Market Mapping: We identify high-performing candidates currently working in similar-sized firms in London.

  3. Proactive Engagement: We approach proven professionals who are not currently on the open market, ensuring you see the top 1% of talent.

  4. Rigorous Interviewing: Each candidate is assessed on their professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and their ability to act as a commercial partner to the business owner or CEO.

Head of Finance Salary Benchmarks (2026)

The London market for mid-market finance leadership is exceptionally competitive. For 2026, we observe the following base salary benchmarks for a Head of Finance in London:

  • Small SME / Series A Startup: £85,000 – £105,000

  • Mid-Market / PE-Backed Portfolio: £100,000 – £130,000

  • Large Corporate / Subsidiary: £120,000 – £150,000+

In addition to base salary, packages in London frequently include performance bonuses (15-30%) and, in the high-growth sector, equity participation or share options.

Where the Head of Finance Fits: Navigating Your Hire

It is essential to distinguish the Head of Finance role from other senior positions to ensure your website visitors find the right service:

  • Head of Finance vs CFO: A Head of Finance is typically the most senior person in a business with £10m–£50m turnover. A CFO is usually required once a business reaches the stage of IPO, major M&A, or complex international expansion.

  • Head of Finance vs Financial Controller: While the Financial Controller focuses on the "past" (reporting and controls), the Head of Finance focuses on the "present and future" (strategy and commercial growth).

For an overview of how we support the entire finance function, visit our Finance Recruitment Agency London hub.

Proven Success in Finance Leadership Placement

Our track record is built on the longevity of our placements. We specialise in finding the "right fit"—leaders who not only have the technical skill but also the cultural alignment to thrive in your organisation.

  • Case Studies: Explore our Finance Recruitment Case Studies to see how we have successfully placed Heads of Finance in transformational roles across London.

  • Expert Insights: Our reputation as a specialist search firm allows us to access talent that generic agencies simply cannot reach.

Explore Our Specialist Recruitment Services

Harper May provides a complete suite of finance leadership search services in London and across the UK:

Speak to a Specialist Head of Finance Consultant

Are you looking to hire a Head of Finance who can drive your business forward? Harper May provides the specialist search capabilities and London market knowledge needed to secure the best talent.

Contact Harper May today to initiate a confidential search for your next finance leader.