Recruiting a Financial Controller in London sounds straightforward. Write a job description, advertise the position, review the CVs and arrange interviews.In reality, recruiting a strong Financial Controller in London can be considerably more difficult.The best candidates are often already employed, not actively looking at job boards and receiving approaches from several businesses at the same time. At the same time, the requirements of the role can vary dramatically depending on the size, ownership structure and sector of the business.In this episode, we look at the London Financial Controller recruitment market, what employers should expect to pay, why searches sometimes stall and how a specialist recruitment approach can improve the chances of finding the right person.What Does a London Financial Controller Do?The Financial Controller is often one of the most important people in a finance function.The role may involve responsibility for monthly management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, cash flow, financial controls, budgeting, forecasting and management of the finance team.But the exact requirement depends heavily on the business.A growing owner-managed company may need its first Financial Controller to professionalise the finance function.A PE-backed company may require someone comfortable with investor reporting, tight month-end processes and working to demanding reporting deadlines.A larger group may require consolidation and multi-entity experience.A Financial Controller working within financial services may also need experience of FCA reporting and the specific regulatory requirements of the sector.This is why simply searching for someone with the job title "Financial Controller" is rarely enough.London Financial Controller SalariesSalary is one of the first issues that needs to be established correctly.Current Accountancy Capital benchmarks put London Financial Controller salaries broadly between £65,000 and £135,000 depending on the business and level of responsibility.For example, a first Financial Controller appointment in an owner-managed business may fall around £65,000–£85,000.An established FC in a larger owner-managed business may be around £78,000–£100,000.A PE-backed Financial Controller may be around £88,000–£118,000.Group Financial Controller roles can reach approximately £95,000–£135,000.Financial Controllers in FCA-regulated financial services businesses can also command approximately £90,000–£130,000 where specialist regulatory experience is required.For urgent interim requirements, London Financial Controller day rates can be around £400–£650 per day.These figures demonstrate why getting the salary right before starting a search is important.If the salary is below market for the responsibilities involved, an employer may receive applications but struggle to attract the strongest candidates.The £85,000–£115,000 MarketOne particularly competitive part of the London market is the £85,000–£115,000 range.Financial Controllers at this level often have several options available to them.Some are actively looking. Others are passively open to an approach but are not applying for advertised positions.The strongest candidates may not be looking at all.That changes the recruitment process.Instead of waiting for candidates to find the vacancy, a specialist recruiter can identify relevant Financial Controllers and approach them directly with a specific opportunity.The quality of the approach matters.A senior Financial Controller is unlikely to leave a secure position simply because another company has advertised a vacancy.They need to understand the responsibilities, reporting structure, career opportunity, business situation and remuneration.Why London FC Search