When your business reaches a certain size, bookkeeping is no longer enough. You need forecasting, cash flow control, reporting, and strategic oversight. That is usually when the question comes up: how much can an outsource solution save me?
The answer is not just about cost. It is about what you get for that cost.
The real cost of hiring a Financial Controller
Hiring an in-house Financial Controller is a major investment. UK salary data shows that Financial Controllers typically earn between £65,000 and £120,000+, depending on location and experience, with some roles exceeding that range.
That figure does not include:
- Employer National Insurance
- Pension contributions
- Bonuses and benefits
- Recruitment costs
- Ongoing training and software
In reality, the total cost to the business can easily exceed £90,000–£140,000 per year. Hiring also remains difficult. According to the Robert Half 2026 Salary Guide, 67% of UK finance hiring managers are willing to increase salaries due to talent shortages, pushing costs even higher.
At the same time, demand for finance talent is still increasing. The same research shows that 45% of businesses plan to grow their finance teams, particularly in areas such as financial planning, financial control and reporting, and data-driven decision-making.
Why businesses are rethinking finance hiring in 2026
The hiring market is shifting. Many growing businesses are becoming more cautious about adding permanent senior finance roles, particularly where flexibility and speed are critical.
According to the ONS Business Insights survey (February 2026), around 1 in 6 UK businesses reported ongoing recruitment difficulties, highlighting continued pressure in hiring skilled roles.
At the same time, cost pressure remains a key concern. The British Chambers of Commerce (January 2026) found that labour costs are the biggest pressure for the majority of businesses, reinforcing the need to carefully assess fixed headcount decisions.
In this environment, many companies are choosing to access senior financial expertise without committing to a full-time hire.
Comparing outsourcing at Financial Controller level
Outsourcing gives access to the same level of expertise, but with more flexibility.
Instead of paying a full salary, businesses can:
- Scale support up or down
- Access broader expertise across a team
- Avoid recruitment and employment risk
- Implement systems and reporting faster
For example, services like a remote Financial Controller from around £700 per month provide financial oversight, reporting, and strategic insight at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
That difference can translate into tens of thousands of pounds saved annually, particularly when combined with improved efficiency and better decision-making.
A more flexible approach to financial control
For businesses that have outgrown bookkeeping but are not yet ready to build a full in-house finance team, outsourcing offers a practical middle ground.
It allows access to senior financial expertise while maintaining flexibility, improving visibility, and avoiding the fixed cost burden of hiring.
If your business is at the stage where stronger financial control is needed but hiring feels like a significant commitment, Sanay can help. With remote Financial Controller support and fully integrated finance services, Sanay provides the structure, insight, and flexibility needed to support growth.
Contact Sanay today to see how your business can strengthen its financial function without the overhead of a full-time hire.
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