Finance Leader
Hiring Trends & Salary Insights

Finance Leaders Role & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Senior finance leaders oversee financial planning, budgeting, risk management, audits, compliance, and corporate governance. They often work closely with the CEO or executive team to align the company’s financial strategy with its broader business goals.

They typically work in industries such as:

  • Banking & Financial Services
  • Tech & SaaS
  • Manufacturing & Engineering
  • Retail & E-commerce
  • Pharmaceutical, across all commerce & industries

Company Stage


Start-Ups & Scale-Ups

Usually hire their first finance leader when scaling up, often focusing on operational financial control and fundraising support. Scale-Ups require experienced finance professionals to manage cash flow, fundraising rounds, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.


MNCs

Typically have large finance departments, with multiple levels of finance leadership, including VP Finance, CFOs, and regional heads of finance.


SMEs

Similar to start-ups and depending on the industry, as the company structure is usually leaner, the HR & Finance tend to combine.

Global Hiring Trends for Finance Leaders

Global Demand for CFOs and Finance Leaders: The need for skilled finance leaders is growing, especially in regions undergoing economic recovery and digital transformation.

Remote Leadership in Finance: The pandemic has accelerated the shift toward remote and fractional CFOs or finance directors, with companies opting to hire fractional finance leaders to manage financial operations without the full-time overhead.

Focus on Tech-Enabled Finance: Companies increasingly require finance leaders with strong expertise in financial software, automation, and data analytics to drive operational efficiency.

Regions Nuances &  Insights for
Finance Leaders

REGION
NUANCES & INSIGHTS
HIRING TRENDS
Eastern EU
Demand for finance leaders in Eastern Europe has been growing, especially in Poland and Romania, as companies establish regional financial hubs for cost savings. Many multinationals prefer these regions due to their strong analytical skills and fluency in multiple European languages.
Multinationals hire Finance Directors and Controllers in Eastern EU to manage regional operations, while CFO roles are more often retained in global headquarters. Outsourcing of financial reporting and compliance support is also common in these markets.
Central Europe
Switzerland remains a hub for global finance due to its robust banking system and expertise in wealth management. Finance leaders here are expected to have deep knowledge of international finance regulations and private banking. However, salaries are among the highest in Europe, reflecting the high cost of living.
Senior finance roles such as CFOs and Heads of Finance are typically in-house, while routine financial operations are outsourced to lower-cost regions like Eastern Europe. Demand is strong for finance leaders with expertise in navigating complex regulatory environments.
North Asia
Japan remains a critical market in North Asia for finance leadership, with a strong focus on managing complex domestic regulations and navigating Japan’s unique business culture. Despite being a high-cost location, it offers opportunities for expat leaders, especially those with experience in digital finance transformation and managing international operations.
CFOs and senior finance roles in Japan are often filled by candidates with a deep understanding of Japanese corporate practices and language skills. However, there is increasing demand for leaders who can drive digital transformation and implement global best practices in finance.
South Asia
India has become a key destination for establishing shared service centers and regional financial hubs due to its large talent pool and cost advantages. The demand for finance leaders with expertise in M&A, financial analysis, and compliance is high, especially within the tech and manufacturing sectors.
Multinationals often recruit Finance Directors, Controllers, and Heads of FP&A to oversee regional operations from India. There is also a growing market for remote CFOs and fractional finance leaders who can support global operations while being based in India, providing significant cost savings.
Southeast Asia
Countries like Singapore and Malaysia are preferred locations for regional finance hubs in Asia, with a focus on overseeing markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Singapore, in particular, attracts top-tier finance talent due to its favorable business environment and strategic location.
CFOs and Finance Directors are in high demand, especially those with experience in fast-growth sectors like fintech and e-commerce. Companies also seek leaders with skills in cross-border financial strategies and compliance with diverse regulatory frameworks.
Latin America
Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are leading markets in LATAM for finance roles, particularly as regional hubs for international companies. There’s high demand for leaders who can manage volatile economic conditions, currency fluctuations, and cross-border operations. Spanish and Portuguese language skills are often required.
Finance leaders, including CFOs and regional controllers, are sought after for their ability to navigate the complexities of the LATAM markets. Many companies look for finance heads who can balance regional regulatory requirements with global financial strategies. Remote CFOs are also becoming more common as companies seek cost-effective ways to manage LATAM operations.
North America
The US and Canada are major markets for finance leaders, with a strong focus on roles in digital transformation, M&A, and corporate strategy. There’s growing demand for CFOs who can leverage data analytics and automation to drive business growth. Canada also serves as a regional hub for North American operations, with Toronto and Vancouver attracting top finance talent.
Many finance leaders are recruited from top-tier business schools or poached from high-performing competitors. Demand for fractional CFOs has surged, particularly among startups and mid-market firms, as businesses seek flexibility and cost efficiency. Senior finance roles like CFOs and VPs of Finance remain in-house, with a focus on strategic planning and investor relations.
Nordics
The Nordic region, including Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, is known for its stable economies and innovative tech landscape, making it an attractive region for finance leaders with expertise in digital finance, sustainability reporting, and complex tax structures.
Finance leadership roles like CFOs and Heads of Finance are often kept in-house due to the region’s high standards for compliance and reporting. However, routine financial tasks are frequently outsourced to shared service centers in Eastern Europe. Leaders with skills in sustainability and digital transformation are highly valued.
South Africa
South Africa serves as a gateway to the African continent, attracting multinationals looking for a regional hub in Africa. The country has a strong demand for finance leaders who can navigate complex regulatory environments and currency fluctuations. There is also a need for leaders who understand local market dynamics and can manage regional operations efficiently.
CFOs and Finance Directors are in demand, particularly in sectors like mining, renewable energy, and financial services. Many firms look for leaders with experience in managing financial risks in volatile markets and those with skills in both regional and global compliance. Expats with international finance experience are valued, but there is a growing push to promote local talent into senior roles.
Middle East
The UAE, particularly Dubai, and Saudi Arabia are emerging as key financial hubs in the Middle East. The UAE attracts multinational headquarters with its tax-friendly policies and global connectivity, while Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan is driving major investments in non-oil sectors. Both countries are seeing increased demand for finance leaders to support rapid economic growth and diversification efforts. While the UAE remains a preferred destination for expat finance professionals, Saudi Arabia is emphasizing localization of senior roles, creating opportunities for Saudi nationals with international exposure.
CFOs, Finance Directors, and Heads of Treasury are in demand, especially in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and tech. Finance leaders with skills in capital management, strategic investments, and regulatory navigation are highly sought after. In both markets, there is a strong focus on candidates who can align with local economic visions while maintaining global financial standards. However, client decision-making can be slower in these markets due to cultural nuances, requiring patience and adaptability from candidates.
UK & Ireland
CFOs, Finance Directors, and Heads of Treasury are in demand, especially in sectors like infrastructure, real estate, renewable energy, and tech. Finance leaders with skills in capital management, strategic investments, and regulatory navigation are highly sought after. In both markets, there is a strong focus on candidates who can align with local economic visions while maintaining global financial standards. However, client decision-making can be slower in these markets due to cultural nuances, requiring patience and adaptability from candidates.
In the UK and Ireland, finance leaders like CFOs are in high demand, especially those with skills in M&A, compliance, and digital finance. Ireland attracts multinationals due to favorable tax policies, creating opportunities for finance heads with experience in international tax planning and regional finance management.

Salary guide coming soon**