Looking for the right finance job or talent in London? You’re not alone. In a city where finance is not just a sector but a way of life, finding the right recruitment partner can be the difference between a thriving career and a frustrating search. London, as Europe’s financial epicentre, is filled with opportunities but competition is fierce. This is where specialist finance recruitment companies in London come into play.
These agencies don’t just match CVs to job descriptions they build careers and power businesses. But which ones truly stand out?
In this guide, you’ll discover the top 10 finance recruitment firms in London, and we’ll explore how these companies work, what sets them apart, and why they matter now more than ever in today’s finance job market.
What Are the Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Finance Recruitment Company?
The world of finance recruitment is more complex than it appears at first glance. From executive roles in private equity to junior accountants in fintech, the spectrum is wide and so are the agencies. Here’s how to evaluate them realistically:
Specialisation over generalisation
A good recruitment company isn’t everything to everyone. Look for those that specialise in finance or sub-sectors like accounting, investment banking, risk management, or fintech. They’re more likely to understand the nuances of roles and have access to relevant networks.
Track record and testimonials
Check online reviews, but more importantly, dig deeper. Does the firm have case studies or real testimonials? Have they consistently placed candidates at reputable finance firms? Experience matters, but so does consistent delivery.
Relationship-focused approach
Finance recruitment isn’t transactional anymore. The best agencies invest time in understanding both candidate goals and employer cultures. If a company seems more interested in numbers than people, that’s a red flag.
How Can a Specialist Finance Recruiter Improve Your Hiring Strategy?
For businesses in London, hiring the right finance professional isn’t just about filling a vacancy it’s about competitive advantage.
Access to passive talent
The top candidates often aren’t actively job-hunting. Specialist finance recruiters have relationships that go years back and know where to tap for the best passive talent those who only move for the right opportunity.
Reduced time-to-hire
With vetted candidate pools, predefined pipelines, and streamlined processes, these agencies significantly reduce hiring time. For finance roles where urgency can cost money, this speed matters.
Long-term placement success
A placement that works out for 2 months doesn’t count. Great recruiters follow up post-placement, work with both sides to ensure fit, and reduce long-term turnover rates saving companies real money.
What Are the Benefits of Using Finance Recruitment Agencies in London?
Working with a finance-specific recruiter in London offers clear advantages, whether you’re a job seeker or an employer.
For Job Seekers
- Exclusive roles: Many top finance firms in the City don’t advertise publicly they work exclusively through recruiters.
- Preparation and insights: Recruiters coach candidates through interviews, negotiate salaries, and provide feedback that typical job portals won’t.
For Employers
- Targeted access: Rather than sifting through hundreds of irrelevant applications, employers get candidates who already match the technical and cultural fit.
- Market intelligence: Recruiters know what competitors are offering and can advise on how to make offers more attractive.
Which Are the Top 10 Finance Recruitment Companies in London?
1. Robert Half – “Precision Hiring, Global Reach”
With decades of experience and offices worldwide, Robert Half brings unmatched reach and reliability to the London finance recruitment scene. They work quickly and thoroughly, connecting candidates with roles from transactional accounting to executive-level finance positions.
Specialty Highlight: Robert Half’s strength lies in placing professionals across mid to senior-level corporate finance, audit, and financial management roles.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for businesses needing multiple finance hires in a short timeframe, especially SMEs and mid-sized firms expanding operations.
Pricing: Typically 18%–25% of annual salary for permanent roles; temp rates vary.
- Website: www.roberthalf.com/gb/en
- Phone: 020 7332 8790
- Address: 107 Cheapside, London EC2V 6DN
- Email: london@roberthalf.co.uk
Review: ★★★★☆
“We needed a team of finance analysts quickly Robert Half delivered in under 10 days with quality we didn’t expect on such short notice.” – Oliver D., Finance Director
2. Marks Sattin – “Finance Talent, Sharply Matched”
Marks Sattin is known for a strategic approach and niche expertise in banking, private equity, and fintech. Their consultants have real industry knowledge and focus on aligning candidate skills with business goals, especially in high-stakes hiring scenarios.
Specialty Highlight: Expert at recruiting in areas like M&A, corporate finance, fund accounting, and transaction services.
Ideal Use Cases: A great match for private equity firms, venture-backed scaleups, or corporate development teams looking for high-calibre finance professionals.
- Pricing: Between 20%–25% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.markssattin.co.uk
- Phone: +44(0)20 7321 5000
- Address: 1 Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1BR, UK
- Email: london@markssattin.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“After months of subpar candidates from other agencies, Marks Sattin found us a Group FP&A Manager who exceeded our expectations.” – Samantha L., Head of Finance
3. Hays Finance – “People-Driven Finance Recruitment”
Hays has the infrastructure of a global firm with the personalised touch of a local agency. Their finance division is trusted by organisations of all sizes and sectors, particularly those with high-volume or specialist public sector needs.
Specialty Highlight: Strong across management accounting, financial control, and public sector finance roles.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for public sector organisations, shared service centres, or businesses needing short-term contract hires and scalable staffing solutions.
Pricing: 15%–22% of annual salary; lower rates for contract volume deals.
- Website: https://www.hays.co.uk
- Phone: 020 3465 0010
- Address: 4th Floor, 20 Triton Street, Regent’s Place, London, NW1 3BF
- Email: london.finance@hays.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“Hays helped us hire five finance assistants within three weeks each one stayed on long-term. Impressive turnaround and solid screening.” – Jerome T., Finance Ops
4. Goodman Masson – “Brighter Thinking in Finance Recruitment”
Goodman Masson brings a people-first, culture-focused approach to finance recruitment. They’re highly rated for their candidate experience and have a loyal client base across commercial, charity, and financial sectors.
Specialty Highlight: Strong in recruiting senior finance, financial planning, commercial analysts, and charity finance roles.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for socially conscious companies, charities, and mid-sized firms wanting values-aligned, long-term finance hires.
Pricing: 20%–25% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.goodmanmasson.com
- Phone: +44(0) 2073367711
- Address: 4th Floor, 120 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4JQ
- Email: info@goodmanmasson.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“They didn’t just fill a role they found someone who fits our team’s culture and values perfectly.” – Rina K., Head of Charity Finance
5. Michael Page Finance – “Global Reach, Local Insight”
Part of the PageGroup, Michael Page Finance combines international scale with specialised financial knowledge. They’re known for recruiting across all levels of finance, including niche roles in tax and treasury.
Specialty Highlight: Skilled at filling positions in financial control, corporate accounting, and tax consultancy across sectors.
Ideal Use Cases: Best for multinational companies, large corporates, and finance departments seeking stable, mid- to long-term talent.
Pricing: 18%–25% of annual salary.
- Website: www.michaelpage.co.uk
- Phone: +44 330 390 3050
- Address: 2nd Floor, 80 Strand, London WC2R 0DT, UK
Review: ★★★★☆
“Michael Page delivered two qualified senior accountants within budget and timeline we now use them exclusively for finance roles.” – Alan J., Finance Director
6. Morgan McKinley – “Specialist Search Meets Finance Precision”
Morgan McKinley is a boutique-style recruitment firm with deep experience in finance and banking. Known for a high-touch approach, they maintain a strong reputation among job seekers and hiring managers alike.
Specialty Highlight: Leading in roles across audit, risk, compliance, and financial governance for Tier 1 institutions.
Ideal Use Cases: A solid fit for investment companies, regulatory firms, or businesses needing candidates in governance-heavy roles.
Pricing: 20%–25% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.morganmckinley.com
- Phone: +44 20 7092 0000
- Address: 15 Fetter Ln, London EC4A 1BW, United Kingdom
Review: ★★★★☆
“Their understanding of compliance and internal audit hiring is second to none. We’ve hired four critical team members through them.” – David N., Risk Manager
7. KennedyPearce – “Boutique Finance Hiring, Big Results”
KennedyPearce blends boutique-style recruitment with the rigour of a larger agency. They’re known for being responsive and especially successful in placing candidates in mid-level commercial finance and FP&A roles.
Specialty Highlight: Mid-market commercial finance, payroll, and financial analysis roles.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for growing startups and mid-size companies looking for agility, speed, and cultural fit.
Pricing: 18%–22% of annual salary.
- Website: www.kennedypearce.com
- Phone: +44 20 3846 0750
- Address: 1st Floor, 60 London Wall, London EC2M 5TQ, United Kingdom
- Email: london@kennedypearce.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“KennedyPearce was on it from day one. They understood our hiring brief better than we did!” – Luke P., Finance Business Partner
8. Investigo – “Strategic People Solutions in Finance”
Investigo stands out for their consultative approach and strong client relationships. Their consultants often come from finance backgrounds, offering added credibility when discussing senior or technical finance roles.
Specialty Highlight: Finance transformation, project finance, and senior interim roles.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for firms undergoing financial system upgrades, ERP rollouts, or strategic finance restructuring.
Pricing: 20%–26% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.investigo.co.uk
- Phone: +44 20 3808 3111
- Address: 10 Bishops Square, London E1 6EG, UK
Review: ★★★★☆
“Our CFO interim hire came through Investigo and brought immediate results. Great for transformation talent.” – Charlotte W., Transformation Lead
9. Eames Consulting – “Elevating Talent in Finance & Risk”
Eames Consulting offers premium recruitment for finance, banking, insurance, and risk markets. They’re especially trusted by financial institutions seeking high-integrity talent with strong analytical capabilities.
Specialty Highlight: Niche focus on risk, actuarial, and compliance roles in banking and insurance companies.
Ideal Use Cases: Best for banks, fintechs, or insurers looking for top-tier risk and finance professionals.
Pricing: Typically 22%–27% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.eamesconsulting.com
- Phone: +44 20 7092 3200
- Address: 131 Finsbury Pavement, London EC2A 1NT, UK
Review: ★★★★☆
“We found our entire actuarial team through Eames over 18 months they deliver consistent, high-quality hires.” – Nikhil S., Insurance Finance Director
10. Reed Finance – “Trusted Roles, Trusted Results”
A household name in UK recruitment, Reed Finance offers wide accessibility and deep experience in accounting and transactional finance roles. Their national presence adds to their reliability, especially for candidates moving to London.
Specialty Highlight: High success in transactional finance, credit control, and entry- to mid-level accountancy.
Ideal Use Cases: Ideal for companies needing cost-effective hiring for AP/AR, payroll, or first-time finance roles.
Pricing: 15%–20% of annual salary.
- Website: https://www.reedglobal.com
- Phone: 020 7932 2750
- Address: 9 Greyfriars Road, Reading, RG1 1NU (London branch numbers may vary)
- Email: finance@reedglobal.com
Review: ★★★★☆
“We’ve worked with Reed for over five years they’re consistent, communicative, and deliver on budget.” – Tom E., Accounts Manager
How Do These Recruitment Firms Help Job Seekers Stand Out?
It’s not just about passing your CV along top recruiters help shape your story.
Resume refinement that aligns with industry needs
London finance firms expect precision, clarity, and results in your CV. Recruiters help tailor documents to showcase quantifiable achievements and relevant skills.
Interview coaching from an insider’s view
Many recruiters conduct mock interviews based on real questions asked by their clients. This prepares candidates better than any online course or checklist.
Honest feedback and market positioning
If you’re not right for a role, these agencies tell you why and where you’d be a better fit. This insight alone is invaluable in a competitive market.
What Hiring Trends Are Influencing the Finance Sector in London?
Finance isn’t static and neither is recruitment. Here are some of the trends shaping today’s market:
Tech and fintech dominance
Roles in data analysis, cryptocurrency compliance, and fintech strategy are on the rise. Recruiters are sourcing candidates with hybrid finance-tech skills.
ESG and sustainable finance roles
With firms pivoting to sustainable investments, there’s a growing need for professionals who understand ESG regulations and impact finance.
Flexible working and remote-first hiring
Post-pandemic, hybrid and remote finance roles have increased. Recruiters help both candidates and firms navigate this evolving expectation.
What Questions Should You Ask a Finance Recruiter Before Signing Up?
Choosing a recruiter is like choosing a career partner. Here’s what you should ask:
“Do you specialise in my area of finance?”
Don’t waste time with generalist firms. Make sure your recruiter works with roles like yours whether it’s audit, risk, M&A, or payroll.
“How do you assess job fit?”
The best recruiters go beyond keywords. They match candidates and roles based on culture, values, and career trajectory.
“Who are your clients?”
Transparency matters. You don’t need the full list, but you should know the kind of companies they work with.
Why Is London Considered a Hotspot for Financial Careers and Recruitment?
London’s legacy in finance is unmatched in Europe and it’s not just historical.
Home to global finance giants
With institutions like HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds headquartered here, the city is a magnet for finance talent from around the world.
Dense startup and fintech ecosystem
From Seedrs to Revolut, London’s startup finance scene is booming, creating fresh opportunities beyond traditional banking.
Government support and infrastructure
London benefits from a supportive regulatory framework, excellent transport links, and a highly educated talent pool ideal for finance recruitment.
How Do Employers Benefit from Partnering With Finance Recruiters in London?
Recruitment firms aren’t just candidate-focused they bring strategic value to businesses too.
Cost efficiency through better hires
A wrong hire costs time and money. Recruiters help reduce risk by pre-vetting and aligning talent with long-term business goals.
Talent mapping and future planning
Top agencies don’t just react they plan. They help employers forecast hiring needs and stay competitive in talent acquisition.
Conclusion
The finance job market in London is vibrant but navigating it without the right support can be overwhelming. That’s why working with one of the top finance recruitment companies in London is not just smart it’s essential.
Whether you’re building your finance team or carving your career path, these firms offer more than access. They offer strategy, insight, and most of all results.
Choose your recruiter wisely, and they could be the catalyst that defines your next success.
FAQs About finance recruitment companies in London
How much do finance recruitment companies in London charge employers?
Fees typically range from 15% to 25% of the candidate’s annual salary, depending on the level and role type.
Can finance recruiters help recent graduates in London?
Yes, many agencies like Reed Finance and Hays offer entry-level and graduate recruitment services, especially in accounting and banking.
Do finance recruitment companies in London handle contract roles?
Absolutely. Firms like Goodman Masson and Investigo specialise in both permanent and interim finance placements.
What are the most in-demand finance roles in London currently?
Risk analysts, compliance officers, financial controllers, and fintech analysts are in high demand across London.
Should I register with more than one finance recruitment agency?
Yes but ideally not more than 2–3. Overexposure can lead to confusion and duplicated submissions.
How long does it take to land a finance role via recruitment agencies?
Depending on the role, it can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, including interview rounds and negotiations.
Are these agencies helpful for executive-level finance placements?
Definitely. Firms like Morgan McKinley and Eames Consulting offer executive search services for CFOs, Directors, and senior finance professionals.