VP of Finance: Role, Salary and Career Path Explained
What a VP of Finance does, what they earn, and how to reach this senior finance leadership role.
What Is a VP of Finance?
The Vice President of Finance is a senior finance leadership role most commonly found in US-headquartered companies, private equity-backed businesses, and high-growth technology firms. In European or UK-headquartered companies, the equivalent title is often Finance Director or Deputy CFO. The VP of Finance typically reports directly to the CFO and has broad oversight of financial operations, planning, and reporting.
VP of Finance vs CFO vs Finance Director
In a large organisation, the CFO is the most senior finance executive - external-facing, board-level, strategy-focused. The VP of Finance sits one level below, with operational responsibility for running the finance function. In smaller organisations (particularly US-influenced tech companies), VP of Finance and CFO are sometimes equivalent titles. Finance Director is the dominant UK equivalent - a VP of Finance role at a US tech firm in the UK and a Finance Director role at a UK corporate are functionally very similar.
Core Responsibilities
Overseeing financial reporting, management accounts, and board packs. Leading financial planning and budgeting. Managing the finance team across accounting, FP&A, tax, and treasury. Overseeing audit and compliance. Partnering with the CEO and operational leads on commercial decisions. For PE-backed businesses: managing lender relationships, covenant reporting, and M&A support.
Salary
VP of Finance in a UK-based tech or PE-backed company: £100,000-£175,000. In a US tech multinational's UK subsidiary: £110,000-£160,000. Total compensation often includes significant equity or LTIP for PE-backed roles.
Qualifications
ACCA, ACA, or CIMA - all are common. Many VPs of Finance in tech hold ACCA. ACA is common in PE-backed businesses given the practice background requirement.
Further Reading
Study with Learnsignal: ACCA courses for finance professionals targeting senior leadership. Start today.
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Johnny Meagher
Expert Tutor at Learnsignal
Qualified professional with years of experience in teaching and helping students achieve their accounting qualifications.
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