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CFO tenure drops below three years as skills gap widens – Robert Walters

Research found the CFO talent gap widened due to shallow succession pools, changing demographics and shifting skills needs.

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CFO tenure drops below three years as skills gap widens – Robert Walters
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The average tenure for UK chief financial officers (CFOs) fell below three years, as turnover stayed high across the globe, according to data from Robert Walters.

Research found the CFO talent gap widened due to shallow succession pools, changing demographics and shifting skills needs.

Howard Green, business director (head of CFO practice) at Robert Walters London, said: “CFOs sit at the strategic nerve centre of enterprises. 

“Their unique visibility across the business means they can translate financial insights into decisions that shape long-term growth. 

“The current talent gap, having ramped up over recent years, is an issue that if left unaddressed, could have serious consequences for both business health and future talent.”

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A third (34%) of UK business leaders said CFOs moving to chief executive roles was a main reason for talent shortages, down from 41% in 2024. 

The value of a financial background for CEOs also dropped from 45% to 32%, while business (35%) and technology (28%) backgrounds rose.

Two-fifths (42%) of UK business leaders pointed to early retirements and current leaders ageing out as bigger threats to the c-suite pipeline. 

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This was up from 38% in 2024. 

The Deloitte 2026 finance trends study found 35% of finance leaders would now look at candidates from non-traditional backgrounds, with 28% considering people from different departments.

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Business insight (35%) and digital literacy (32%) were ranked as the most critical skills for CFOs in 2026, with demand for AI skills up 69% in the past year.

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When asked about top priorities for CFOs in 2026, UK leaders listed strategic leadership (38%), building security and trust (29%), regulatory pressures (18%) and driving growth (15%).

In London, CFO salaries rose from £300,000 in 2024 to £350,000 and above in 2026 depending on the sector. 

Banking and financial services were highest at up to £364,000, while commerce and industry CFOs earned around 17% less. 

Fractional and interim roles became more attractive, offering higher pay and flexibility.

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Green said: “At a time when businesses are still battling uncertainty, financial executives offer the fluency in risk oversight and investor relations that can reinforce confidence in the Chief Executive role. 

“However, as transformation programmes and digital optimisation become more critical, businesses also need executives from backgrounds such as technology and business to maintain agility.

“While the seasoned, incumbent leaders take early exits or advance into broader leadership roles, the mid-tier finance bench, which traditionally acted as an incubator for future CFOs, is dwindling.”

Green added: “Today’s financial chief is expected to wear several different hats – financial head, relationship builder, strategy informer, and orchestrator of smart technology decisions. 

“While this reflects the evolution of the role, it also raises the bar for those considering entering the profession.”

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He said: “Many candidates are aware of their value in the market – with 13% of CFOs in the UK having moved positions in the past 12 months.

“As business goals shift and external pressures mount, the path for future CFOs is narrowing. 

“UK leaders must respond by strengthening internal succession planning, broadening job criteria, and starting proactive executive searches earlier to secure the leaders who will help guide growth in a still uncertain business environment.”

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