The CFO runs finance, tax, reporting and often operations for the office. In larger offices the CFO also sits on the investment committee and manages a team.
Family Office CFO salary
We estimate $300K–$480K base salary for a CFO at a US single family office managing $250M–$1B, with a typical bonus of 25–50%. Smaller offices pay about 15% less and $1B+ offices about 20% more.
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Estimated base salary at US single family offices. A starting point, not an offer. How we estimate.
CFO salary by city
| City | Base salary (estimate) |
|---|---|
| New York City | $345K–$550K |
| Chicago | $310K–$495K |
| Dallas | $300K–$480K |
| Houston | $295K–$470K |
| Los Angeles | $330K–$530K |
| Miami | $305K–$490K |
| Palm Beach | $310K–$495K |
| Boston | $320K–$510K |
| San Francisco Bay Area | $345K–$550K |
| Seattle | $325K–$520K |
| Atlanta | $295K–$470K |
| Austin | $300K–$480K |
Family Office CFO job description
- Own financial reporting, tax and treasury for the family
- Lead the finance and accounting team
- Set the office budget and allocate costs to family members
- Choose and manage outside advisers and technology
- Report to the principal or family board
Skills and background
- Senior finance leadership
- Investment and tax strategy
- Family governance
- Building teams and systems
- Board-level communication
Typical background: 15+ years, often a former controller at a family office, a fund CFO or a Big 4 partner.
CFO interview questions
- How would you allocate office costs across family branches?
- What reporting would you give the family board each quarter?
- How have you chosen family office software?
- Describe a hard conversation you've had with a principal.
More in our guide to family office interview questions.
How we recruit a CFO
We run retained searches for this role: a brief with you (and the principal where it matters), a shortlist of three to five vetted candidates, confidential interviews, and support through the offer and the first 90 days. Start a search.
Questions
What does a family office cfo earn?
We estimate $300K–$480K base salary at a US single family office managing $250M–$1B, plus a typical bonus of 25–50% of base. Pay varies by city and office size.
What does a family office cfo do?
The CFO runs finance, tax, reporting and often operations for the office. In larger offices the CFO also sits on the investment committee and manages a team.
What background does a CFO need?
15+ years, often a former controller at a family office, a fund CFO or a Big 4 partner.
How do you recruit a CFO?
We usually run a retained search: a brief with the family, a vetted shortlist, confidential interviews and help closing the offer.