Finance Director Jobs in Leeds, UK🇬🇧 | High Pay, Visa Sponsorship Available

You are a senior finance leader ready for a bigger stage. Finance Director jobs in Leeds offer the kind of scope, impact, and high pay that move your career forward fast. If you want to shape strategy, steer risk, and advise boards at pace, Leeds is a smart place to land in 2026.

With salaries from £110,000 to £150,000+, these full-time roles put you at the heart of decision making. You will lead budgeting and reporting, drive performance, and keep governance tight. Many employers run hybrid models, so you can combine time on site with focused days at home. If you are overseas, several Leeds employers are licensed to sponsor Skilled Worker visas for the right candidate. Your experience is valued here.

Why these roles are in demand in Leeds

Leeds is one of the UK’s most dynamic financial hubs. Large corporates, high-growth scaleups, and innovative SMEs all compete for proven finance leaders who can navigate volatility, control risk, and fund growth. That creates steady demand at Director level. Boards want Finance Directors who partner closely with CEOs, lift margins through sharper insight, and ensure full compliance with UK reporting standards. If you bring that toolkit, you will be in the conversation.

Job overview

What the job involves

• Develop and execute financial strategy that aligns to company growth, profitability, and cash objectives.
• Own risk management across liquidity, credit, market, and operational risks, with clear mitigation plans.
• Lead corporate governance to ensure compliance with UK GAAP or IFRS, Companies Act requirements, and internal controls.
• Budgeting and forecasting including rolling forecasts, scenario planning, and board-ready packs.
• Stakeholder management with CEOs, boards, investors, lenders, and auditors to drive confident decisions.
• Team leadership to develop a high-performing finance team and a culture of accountability.
• Performance and cash excellence improving margins, working capital, and cost discipline across the business.
• Investment and funding support for M&A, debt facilities, capital allocation, and return on investment tracking.

Salary and benefits

Finance Director roles in Leeds typically pay £110,000 to £150,000+ per year, depending on company size, sector, and scope. Packages commonly include:

• Performance bonuses tied to company and personal outcomes.
• Pension and long-term retirement benefits suitable for senior leaders.
• Private healthcare, mental health support, and wellness programs.
• Flexible working with hybrid options where the role allows.
• Generous paid leave to support balance and recovery.
• Professional development with leadership training and funded qualifications.
• Recognition and visibility at exec and board level, plus strong external network access.

Requirements and eligibility

• Proven senior finance leadership with a track record in strategy, FP&A, risk, and governance.
• Deep knowledge of UK financial regulations, reporting standards, and statutory compliance.
• Commercial acumen to translate data into actions that lift revenue, margin, and cash.
• People leadership with evidence of building and motivating high-performing teams.
• Communication and influence with execs, boards, lenders, and auditors.
• Qualifications such as ACA, ACCA, or CIMA are highly valued and often preferred.
• Right to work in the UK or eligibility for Skilled Worker sponsorship via a licensed employer.

Visa sponsorship in the UK explained

If you are applying from outside the UK, many Finance Director roles can be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets Home Office criteria. Key points:

• Eligible occupation: Financial managers and directors are typically covered under an eligible SOC code for Skilled Worker sponsorship. Always confirm the correct SOC code and requirements with the employer and the latest Home Office guidance.
• Salary threshold: Your offered salary must meet or exceed the Skilled Worker minimum for the role’s SOC code and going rate. FD packages in Leeds usually surpass general thresholds, but verify for your exact role.
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer assigns a CoS to you once the offer is made and internal checks are complete.
• English language: You must meet the English requirement for Skilled Worker applications.
• Fees and IHS: You will pay application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge unless exempt.
• Processing times: Timelines vary by location and service level. Apply as early as possible.

Useful official links:

• UK Skilled Worker visa overview
• Register of licensed sponsors

How to apply

1. Refresh your CV and LinkedIn: Highlight strategy impact, board reporting, controls, and measurable wins such as EBIT lift, cash conversion improvements, or cost reductions.
2. Target suitable employers: Look at Leeds-based corporates, PE-backed scaleups, and high-growth SMEs. Prioritise those on the sponsor register if you need a visa.
3. Search and shortlist roles: Check LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed UK, Glassdoor, Reed, and Totaljobs. Use filters like Finance Director, Leeds, Hybrid, and Salary £110k+.
4. Customise your cover letter: Show you understand the business model, challenges, and how you will drive value in year one.
5. Apply via company careers pages or through specialist senior finance recruiters. Submit a crisp, metrics-led CV.
6. Follow up in 1 to 2 weeks if you have not heard back. Keep it polite and value-focused.
7. Prepare for executive interviews: Expect deep dives on cash, forecasting accuracy, controls, audit readiness, and leadership style. Bring case studies and a 90-day plan.

Interview preparation essentials

• Strategy and execution: Be ready to walk through how you set and delivered a multi-year financial plan and what moved the needle.
• Risk and governance: Explain specific control enhancements, audit outcomes, and how you remediated issues.
• Performance turnaround: Share a story where you improved gross margin, SG&A leverage, or working capital with clear numbers.
• Leadership: Show how you built a high-trust culture and scaled the finance team.
• Board communication: Bring a concise board slide sample or outline to show your clarity and influence.

FAQs

Are there clear growth opportunities from Finance Director level?

Yes. Strong FDs in Leeds often progress to Group Finance Director, CFO, or take on portfolio non-exec and advisory roles, especially in PE-backed environments.

Can I work fully remote as a Finance Director?

Fully remote is rare at this level. Most roles are on-site or hybrid due to leadership presence, board interaction, and collaboration needs.

Do I need ACA, ACCA, or CIMA to be competitive?

While not always mandatory, these qualifications are highly valued. For board-facing FD roles, an ACA, ACCA, or CIMA can be a strong differentiator alongside proven impact.

Is visa sponsorship available for foreign candidates?

Some Leeds employers are licensed sponsors and can support Skilled Worker visas if the role and salary meet Home Office rules. Always confirm sponsorship availability, SOC code alignment, and salary compliance before applying.

What salary should I target when negotiating?

Use £110,000 to £150,000+ as your baseline range, then negotiate based on scope, team size, PE exposure, bonus structure, equity or LTIP, and transformation workload. Trade fixed pay against meaningful variable upside where appropriate.

Final thoughts

Ready to lead from the front? Finance Director jobs in Leeds give you high pay, real influence, and a fast-moving market that rewards results. Shortlist roles today, tailor your pitch, and step toward a bigger seat at the table.