Factors influencing accountant salaries
Simply put, accountancy is a brilliant career choice. An exciting, yet stable, truly rewarding profession with consistently high levels of job satisfaction and remuneration, with strong salary averages across the globe. The profession is incredibly broad in terms of the industries and sectors it serves, and this is a big factor in determining the compensation packages offered by employers.
According to the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026 guide, accountancy and finance salaries range from around £22,000 for trainee-level roles to £500,000 for senior CFO positions, demonstrating the significant earning potential available across the profession. The salary of an accountancy or finance professional depends not only on location - including the town/city and country they work in, but also their experience and specialist knowledge. The size and nature of an employer, alongside the industry it operates within, will also influence salary levels.
Of course, salaries vary by region, sector and level of experience, but ACCA-qualified accountants typically earn more than the average accountant. ACCA finalists earn between £35,000 and £70,000 across the UK. Newly qualified accountants can expect salaries ranging from around £45,000 to £65,000, while accountants with five or more years of post-qualified experience commonly earn between £65,000 and £110,000 depending on location and organisation size. As professionals progress into senior leadership roles, earning potential increases significantly. Financial Directors can earn between £85,000 and £300,000, while Group CFO salaries range from £150,000 to £500,000, reflecting the substantial rewards available at the top of the profession
Salaries for accountants by region / market
The high salaries commanded by ACCA finalists and members are driven by the demand of the world’s top companies, who actively seek accountancy professionals with those 4 highly respected & recognised letters behind their name, ACCA. The country these employers are based plays a large part in determining the salaries and compensation packages offered, primarily due to variations in the cost of living, socio-economic conditions, regulatory frameworks governing accounting practices, the demand for accounting skills in that region, and of course the level of professional qualifications required to operate in any given country.
Global ACCA accountant salaries, be it part or fully qualified with the ACCA designation, consistently earn more than the national average salary.
Why do ACCA members command such high salaries?
Employers who elect to hire ACCA trained/qualified students or members are not just looking to hire accountants. They are seeking bright finance professionals who think bigger, who can push the strategic narrative forward and solve big world issues be they environmental, ethical or supply chain dilemmas. All whilst embracing the latest tech such as generative AI. ACCA is the qualification to supercharge your career – visit AB magazine to read interviews from members who are actively changing the world.
Average London salaries 2026
ACCA
- Finalist: £60,000
- Part-qualified: £48,000
CIPFA
- Finalist: £48,000
- Part-qualified: £39,000
ACA
- Finalist: £46,000
- Part-qualified: £39,000
CIMA
- Finalist: £60,000
- Part-qualified: £48,000
AAT
- Student/trainee: £30,000
Differences in earnings for various accounting roles
Accounting specialisms are numerous and wide-ranging; from auditing to management, bookkeeping to forensics. The profession has many roles and job titles that quite often command different salaries. You can easily compare salary levels for different roles by using the Role Insights feature on our careers website. It publishes up-to-date, estimated salary levels and required expertise by role title.
Unsure what the right role for you is? Check out our Career Navigator website to review the different roles which form part of the finance function. It will help you identify the combination of exams, skills and experience you will need to progress in your chosen sector.
Impact of qualifications on accountancy earnings
The type of qualifications achieved through accountancy studies, combined with job title and the nature of the work you will be doing, are significant factors in terms of determining your wage or compensation package.
Progressing through the ACCA Qualification will see you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers are looking for within the workplace today. As your knowledge deepens, you can progress within your area of specialism, and see your earnings rise as your job titles advance.
For example, an entry-level financial accounting role is that of the accounts assistant (who record the varied day-to-day transactions of the organisation). As you build your knowledge and skills throughout your learning and experience, you can progress to become a financial accountant, CAPEX accountant, or group (consolidation) accountant – being responsible for all aspects of the financials, including the preparation of the financial statements for your organisation, as well as likely managing a team. And post qualification, by undertaking continuing professional development (CPD), you could move forward to become a finance director and move onwards to C-suite roles like the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Typical salary ranges 2026
Assistant accountant
£24,000 - £36,000
Tax accountant
£40,000 - £60,500
Audit manager
£55,550 - £76,000
Financial director
£75,000 - £104,000
Chief financial officer
£91,500 - £146,000
