8 Best CFO Headhunters & CFO Executive Search Firms UK 2026
Ranked comparison of the best CFO headhunters for fractional, interim, and permanent Chief Financial Officer appointments.
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Odgers Berndtson
CFO, Group FD
Global executive search firm with dedicated CFO practice. Strong in FTSE 250 and private equity portfolio companies. Deep board-level networks.
Spencer Stuart
CFO, Board Finance
Top-tier CFO headhunter with deep board-level networks and PE relationships. Specialist in PE-backed CFO placements.
Korn Ferry
CFO, C-Suite
Global leader in CFO executive search with proprietary assessment and leadership development capabilities.
The CFO Partnership
CFO Only
Boutique CFO headhunter focusing exclusively on Chief Financial Officer placements. Deep specialism in scale-up and mid-market.
Robert Half Executive
CFO, FD
Strong CFO practice in mid-market companies. Contingent model offers flexibility. Extensive UK finance network.
Heidrick & Struggles
Global CFO
Global executive search with 60+ offices worldwide. Strong CFO practice across industries with deep international networks.
Russell Reynolds
Public Company CFO
Premium CFO headhunter for IPO-ready and public company appointments. Deep investor relations expertise.
About These Rankings
Fee percentages are industry estimates. Executive search firms do not publicly disclose their fee structures. Industry-standard retained search fees typically range from 25-35% of first-year compensation for C-level roles. See MERJE's guide and TGS's pricing guide for industry context.
Placement times are estimates based on industry norms and publicly stated timelines where available. Actual timelines vary significantly based on role complexity, market conditions, and candidate availability. We recommend confirming current rates and timelines directly with each provider.
Rankings are based on our editorial assessment considering value, speed, specialisation, and market reputation. Fractional Quest is operated by the same team that produces this content — we've ranked ourselves #1 based on our pricing model, not independent verification.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
Why Use a Specialist CFO Headhunter?
The CFO role has evolved dramatically. Today's Chief Financial Officers are strategic partners to the CEO, not just number-crunchers. They drive M&A activity, lead fundraising rounds, navigate complex regulatory environments, and shape business strategy.
Finding this calibre of talent requires specialist CFO headhunting expertise. As dedicated **CFO headhunters**, we understand the nuanced requirements of the modern finance function and maintain deep relationships with proven CFOs across every sector. Our CFO executive search approach means we can access candidates who would never respond to a job advertisement—the passive talent that makes the difference between a good hire and a transformational one. Whether you need CFO recruiters, CFO recruitment agencies, or specialist CFO search firms, we deliver results.
Best Executive Search Firm in London for CFOs
As the leading **CFO headhunter** in London, we specialise in placing Chief Financial Officers across the capital's diverse business landscape. From fintech scale-ups in Shoreditch to established FTSE companies in the City, our **CFO headhunting** team has unrivalled access to London's top finance talent.
Our **CFO executive search** process combines deep market knowledge with proactive headhunting techniques. Unlike traditional **CFO recruitment agencies**, we don't wait for candidates to apply. Our **CFO head hunters** actively identify and approach the best performing CFOs in the market, including those happily employed who might be tempted by the right opportunity.
With offices in the heart of London, our **CFO search firms** division maintains close relationships with CFOs across all sectors. Whether you need **CFO recruiters** for a permanent placement, interim cover, or fractional expertise, our specialist **CFO recruitment** team delivers exceptional results faster than traditional executive search.
CFO Headhunter vs CFO Recruitment Agency - What's the Difference?
While recruitment agencies wait for candidates to apply, headhunters proactively identify and approach the best talent in the market:
CFO Executive Search & CFO Headhunting Fees
Transparency on fees helps you budget appropriately for your CFO search:
The Fractional CFO Option
Not every business needs a full-time CFO. Fractional CFOs provide the same strategic expertise at a fraction of the cost:
CFO Day Rates 2024
Current market rates for interim and fractional CFOs in the UK:
Start Your CFO Search
Whether you need a permanent CFO, interim cover, or fractional expertise, our specialist headhunting team is ready to help. Contact us for a confidential discussion.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
A CFO headhunter specialises in identifying, approaching, and recruiting Chief Financial Officers and senior finance leaders. Unlike generalist recruiters, we proactively research and contact high-performing CFOs who are not actively looking for new roles. We assess both technical capability and cultural fit, manage the entire recruitment process, and support successful onboarding.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 CFO Market Snapshot
💰 CFO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CFO roles.
