Division: Accounting & Finance
Role/Assignment: Financial Controller
The Challenge
An Engineering Company faced an unexpected leadership gap when their long-serving Finance Manager had to leave the business immediately due to a family emergency.
Rather than simply replacing the role on a like-for-like basis, the business saw an opportunity to review its finance function and assess what would best support its future growth plans. Working alongside their Accountant and a Fractional CFO, the leadership team concluded that a more strategic hire was required and decided to explore appointing a Financial Controller.
However, there was a challenge. While the role specification had evolved, the proposed salary remained at approximately £55,000. The client had also engaged with several local recruitment agencies, all of whom had agreed with the salary expectations without challenging whether the budget aligned with the level of candidate required.
Our Approach
As specialist finance recruiters, we took a consultative approach from the outset.
Using our latest salary benchmarking data, we advised that:
- Qualified Finance Managers were typically commanding salaries between £55,000 and £65,000.
- Financial Controllers were generally securing packages between £65,000 and £85,000.
- Whilst salary expectations in the area tended to be slightly lower than larger regional markets, a realistic budget for the calibre of Financial Controller required would be between £60,000 and £65,000+.
We also provided insight into the local recruitment market, highlighting the challenges of attracting experienced finance professionals in the area, particularly given the cautious attitude many candidates were demonstrating towards changing jobs.
Rather than simply presenting candidates within the original budget, we educated the client on the differences in capability, experience and commercial impact that could be achieved at different salary levels.
To support this, we introduced a range of candidates from junior to senior levels, enabling the client to clearly see the additional value a qualified, strategically focused finance professional could bring to the business.
The Solution
Following our market guidance and candidate comparisons, the client recognised the long-term benefits of investing in a more senior appointment.
We managed a streamlined two-stage interview process:
- An initial interview focused on technical capability, experience and suitability for the role requirements.
- A second-stage meeting centred around cultural fit, leadership style and a site tour.
This approach allowed the client to confidently assess both technical competence and alignment with the business culture.
The Outcome
✅ Successfully secured a highly capable Financial Controller.
✅ Candidate offered and accepted a package of £70,000.
✅ Delivered a strategic finance leader capable of supporting future business growth.
✅ Provided valuable market insight that enabled the client to make an informed hiring decision.
✅ Demonstrated the importance of salary benchmarking and specialist recruitment expertise in attracting high-calibre finance talent.
Key Takeaway
By challenging initial assumptions and providing expert market advice, Bond Williams helped this engineering company move beyond a replacement hire and secure a strategic Financial Controller who could add long-term value to the business. The result was a stronger finance function, increased leadership capability and a successful appointment in a challenging recruitment market.
