Stop Losing Top Finance Talent in Manchester: See What You Should Be Paying in 2025
In the competitive North West finance market, Finance Managers are becoming one of the most strategic hires — and also one of the hardest to retain. With growing demand in tech, healthcare, and professional services sectors, Manchester-based employers are now rethinking their salary strategies to stay competitive and compliant.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re hiring a Finance Manager in Manchester this year.
Finance Manager Salary Overview – Manchester (2025)
| Role | Salary Range | Most Common Salary Band | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Controller | £65,000 – £95,000 | £70,000 – £85,000 | Expectation of formal accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and 5+ years PQE. Often includes bonus. |
| Finance Manager | £55,000 – £75,000 | £60,000 – £70,000 | Typically overseeing a small team; strong systems and reporting skills essential. Some sector variation. |
| Assistant Finance Manager | £40,000 – £55,000 | £45,000 – £50,000 | Stepping-stone role; common in mid-sized businesses. Support for qualification often expected. |
Variable Pay & Bonuses
- Bonuses for Finance Managers in Manchester typically range from 10% to 20%, especially in private equity-backed or tech firms.
- Equity/stock options are rare but increasingly offered in startups.
- Profit-sharing is occasionally seen in more established private firms.
Benefits & Perks Overview
- Pension Contributions: 5–8% employer contributions are the norm for mid to senior-level finance roles.
- Hybrid Working: Nearly 80% of finance roles in Manchester now offer hybrid working (2–3 days office-based).
- Private Healthcare: Offered in over 60% of roles above £55k.
- Enhanced Leave: Some firms are offering unlimited or flexi leave to attract mid-level finance talent.
Factors Influencing Salaries
- Industry: Finance Managers in tech and life sciences earn up to 15% more than those in manufacturing or charity sectors.
- Qualification: Salaries for ACA-qualified candidates trend ~£5k higher than non-qualified peers.
- Team Leadership: Roles managing 3+ team members can demand up to £10k premium over solo contributor positions.
Hiring Trends & Market Demand
According to the REC’s May 2025 Labour Market Tracker, accounting and finance vacancies in the North West have surged 12% YoY, with Finance Manager being one of the top 10 most advertised roles in Greater Manchester. Hybrid work and ESG reporting responsibilities are now common expectations for mid-tier finance hires.
“Employers are still struggling to fill specialist roles – particularly in accounting and financial management. Businesses that delay on salary reviews risk losing out.”
— Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
Recruitment Challenges Employers Face
- Counter-offers are at an all-time high. Nearly 1 in 3 accepted offers for Finance Managers are rejected after buy-backs.
- Time to hire has increased by 2–3 weeks due to candidate shortages and higher salary expectations.
- Culture Fit & ESG alignment now play a more important role than ever, especially among candidates under 40.
Future Salary Predictions & Market Outlook
- Expected growth: Salaries for Finance Managers in Manchester are projected to increase by 4–6% into 2026, driven by economic recovery and finance digitisation.
- Roles in ESG, automation, and FP&A are expected to carry premium salary tags.
- Flexible hours and a 4-day week may soon become standard incentives to attract and retain mid-level finance professionals.
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Where this data comes from
This salary data is compiled from publicly available UK sources including:
- Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
- Glassdoor UK Finance Manager Salaries – Manchester
- TotalJobs Finance Salary Guide 2025
- Office for National Statistics (ONS) – Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE)
- Industry feedback and benchmarking conducted by RSNW consultants across Greater Manchester.
