CFO Salaries in Private Equity-Backed Businesses: What to Expect

If you're hiring a CFO into a private equity-backed business, what should you expect to pay in 2025?

Base salaries typically range from £150,000 to £220,000, depending on the complexity, stage of growth, and investor expectations.

Short-term bonuses can be 20% to 50%, and equity is often on the table — usually 1% to 3% aligned to exit or performance milestones.

But here’s the thing — PE-grade CFOs need more than technical ability. They need to handle boards, lead teams, manage exits, and communicate clearly with non-finance stakeholders.

You're hiring someone who can protect value, unlock growth, and navigate intense investor scrutiny. The salary reflects that — and so does the upside.

Need help benchmarking or hiring a CFO? Drop me a message — happy to share market insight, no strings attached.