Most partners start as graduate or junior accountants, progress to senior auditor or senior consultant roles, then move into manager and senior manager positions. From there, exceptional performers may be invited to become a partner, often after demonstrating consistent technical excellence, leadership, and client relationship growth.
What is a partner?
The term ‘partner’ refers to a senior position within a professional services or consulting firm such as KPMG or Deliotte. Traditionally, firms were set up as legal partnerships in which partners shared the profits. The name has remained even though many firms are now incorporated as companies. However, some still use it to indicate a profit-sharing status.
As your career in the accounting industry progresses, the role and responsibilities expected of you will evolve. Most likely, you will be part of a ‘practice area’ that provides a portfolio of related services to clients. In addition to advising them, you will be responsible for developing and managing client relationships, identifying new business opportunities and contributing to growth and development. This includes making sure financial targets are met, and that the right team is in place to meet the needs of your clients.
Your day will vary greatly in such a prominent, strategic and demanding position, and could include planning the overall strategic direction of the firm. Your days will be busy and challenging, but the rewards can be exceptional.
How do I achieve it?
Partner is a career position to work up to, and is usually awarded to those with extensive experience in their chosen field of expertise. However, firms often have their own list of entry requirements for partner status, so it’s worth exploring what these are.
Whatever route you take, you will be expected to bring significant expertise and experience. This is the top of the career tree for many finance professionals, and you will need a variety of highly developed professional and mindful leadership skills. Learn more about what it takes to become a partner.
Frequently asked questions
Key skills include strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, leadership, business development, client relationship management, and decision-making. Effective communication, negotiation, and people management skills are also critical. Partners must balance delivering client work with growing the firm’s business.
The journey typically takes 12–20 years, depending on firm size, individual performance, and career progression. Larger firms often have more formalized promotion tracks, while smaller firms may offer faster progression for high performers.
Partners focus on high-level client relationships, business strategy, and firm leadership, whereas senior managers primarily handle project delivery and team management. Partners spend more time on business development, client meetings, and strategic decision-making, with less focus on day-to-day technical work.
The ACCA qualification provides a strong foundation in accounting, auditing, taxation, financial management, and ethics. It demonstrates professional credibility, equips you with technical expertise, and develops the strategic and ethical mindset required for senior leadership roles.
Partners carry ultimate responsibility for client relationships, firm performance, and compliance with professional standards. They face challenges such as managing risk, making high-stakes decisions, balancing client work with business growth, and mentoring the next generation of staff.
Partner earnings vary widely depending on firm size, location, and sector. Smaller firms may pay £80,000–£150,000, while partners in large firms or Big Four firms can earn £200,000–£1 million+ depending on profit-sharing, client portfolio, and equity stake.
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