FAQ for Senior Accounting & Finance Professionals 

 

1. What types of senior Accounting & Finance roles does Stanton House recruit for in the UK?

We recruit senior permanent and interim roles including CFO, Finance Director, Financial Controller, Head of Finance, FP&A Director, Transformation Director, Commercial Finance Lead, and senior roles in Internal Audit, Risk, and Treasury.


2. Which industries do you specialise in for senior finance hiring?

We partner with businesses across private equity, financial services, technology, consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors. We work with both PE-backed and listed organisations undergoing growth or transformation.


3. Do you work with both permanent and interim finance professionals?

Yes. We support both permanent leadership hires and interim assignments such as Interim Finance Director, Interim Financial Controller, Interim FP&A Lead, and Transformation specialists for short-term or project-based work.


4. What level of experience do you typically work with?

We specialise in senior appointments — typically professionals with experience from newly qualified through to C-Suite level. Most of our candidates have backgrounds in top accountancy firms, high-growth businesses, or complex international environments.


5. Do you only focus on London or do you cover the whole UK?

We recruit across the UK, including London, Reading, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, and Scotland. Many of our senior finance roles offer hybrid working or multi-site responsibility.


6. How can I register with Stanton House as a senior finance candidate?

You can submit your CV through our Send CV page or register your interest for interim or permanent opportunities. One of our specialist consultants will contact you to discuss suitable roles.


7. Do you provide support for interview and assessment preparation?

Yes. We offer tailored interview preparation, insights into employer expectations, and guidance on case studies or technical assessments used in senior finance hiring processes.


8. What salary ranges do senior Accounting & Finance professionals typically earn in the UK?

Salary bands vary by role and sector, but typical ranges include:

  • Finance Director: £100k–£160k+

  • Financial Controller: £80k–£115k

  • Head of Finance: £90k–£130k

  • FP&A Director/Lead: £90k–£140k

  • CFO: £150k–£300k+ depending on company size and structure
    Refer to our latest UK Salary Guide for full benchmarking.


9. How long does it take to secure a senior finance role?

Permanent senior finance searches typically take 4–12 weeks. Interim roles move faster — often within days. Timelines depend on your availability, flexibility, and market conditions.


10. Do you work with private equity–backed businesses?

Yes. We have a strong track record supporting private-equity portfolio companies with CFO, Finance Director, Financial Controller, and commercial finance leadership hires.


11. Can you help me transition into the private equity market?

Yes. We advise candidates from industry or practice looking to move into PE-backed companies. We provide guidance on cultural expectations, pace of change, value creation levers, and reporting standards common in PE environments.


12. Do I need PE experience to get a senior finance role in a PE-backed business?

Not always. Many PE-backed businesses look for strong fundamentals: commercial insight, ability to improve reporting, cash oversight, and experience in high-growth or change-led environments. We can advise on how your skills map to PE expectations.


13. What qualifications are most valued for senior Accounting & Finance roles?

ACA, ACCA, and CIMA qualifications are highly regarded. For leadership roles, experience in stakeholder management, business partnering, transformation, and commercial decision-making is often as important as the qualification.


14. How do I make my CV stand out for senior finance roles?

Focus on achievements, not duties:

  • Profit improvements

  • Cash management success

  • Process optimisation

  • Systems upgrades (ERP, BI tools)

  • Team leadership

  • Transformation or M&A experience

Keep it concise, quantified, and tailored to the role.


15. Do you offer career advice beyond specific vacancies?

Yes. We advise on career planning, market trends, salary expectations, and long-term development for senior Accounting & Finance professionals.


16. How confidential is the recruitment process?

We operate with complete confidentiality. Your CV is never sent to a client without your explicit permission.


17. Do you partner with candidates who may also be future clients?

Absolutely. Many of our senior candidates later hire through us when they move into leadership roles. We build long-term partnerships throughout your career.


18. Can you help if I’m considering an interim career?

Yes. We provide guidance on moving into interim work, including IR35, day rates, contracting structures, and how to position yourself for high-impact assignments.


19. What IR35 considerations should senior finance interims be aware of?

IR35 status depends on control, substitution, and mutuality of obligation. We can advise on typical finance interim roles and how they are assessed, but always recommend independent advice for complex cases.


20. How can I stay updated on senior Accounting & Finance roles?

Follow us on LinkedIn and download our annual UK Salary Guide for market insights.