The Yorkshire CFO market has softened over the past 12 months.

There are fewer opportunities than we have seen in recent years and many businesses are taking longer to make hiring decisions.

So finding a CFO should be easier.

Yet across conversations with business owners, CEOs, investors and Boards throughout Yorkshire, I am hearing quite the opposite.

"We are struggling to find the right CFO."

The challenge is not a shortage of finance leaders.

It is a shortage of finance leaders who have the blend of skills that businesses now need.

The CFO Role Has Changed

‍Today, CFOs are expected to do far more than lead the finance function. They are being asked to drive growth, support M&A activity, lead transformation programmes, improve data and insight, manage stakeholders and act as a strategic sounding board to the CEO and Board.

The Best CFOs Are Becoming More Selective

At the same time, many of Yorkshire's strongest CFOs are becoming increasingly selective about the opportunities they pursue.

Salary still matters, but it is rarely the deciding factor.

The conversations I am having are increasingly focused on:

• The quality of the leadership team
• The ambition of the business
• Culture and values
• Ownership structure
• Flexibility and work-life balance
• The opportunity to genuinely influence outcomes

We are also seeing more experienced CFOs choosing portfolio careers, fractional assignments and non-executive roles, reducing the pool of executives actively seeking permanent positions.

Expectations Are Rising Faster Than Remuneration

Perhaps the biggest challenge is that expectations have risen faster than remuneration.

Many businesses are seeking private equity experience, transformation capability, international exposure and M&A expertise, yet are often competing within salary bands that do not reflect the scarcity of those skills.

The result is a market that feels quieter on the surface, but remains highly competitive when it comes to securing the very best talent.

One thing is becoming increasingly clear:

The best CFOs are not looking for a job. They are looking for the right leadership team, the right challenge and the right opportunity to make a difference.

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Gillian McBride

Partner

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