Salary guide · UK
Accountant Salary in UK
Quick answer
Accountant salaries in the UK typically range from around £28,000 for trainees to £55,000 for qualified accountants, with senior and management roles exceeding £65,000. Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and whether you work in practice or industry are the biggest drivers.
Overview
Accounting pay rises sharply on qualification. Newly qualified accountants see a significant jump, and those who move into industry, financial management or specialist areas continue to progress well.
Accountant salary bands
| Level | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trainee / Part-qualified | £24,000 – £35,000 | Studying toward ACA/ACCA/CIMA. |
| Newly qualified | £40,000 – £52,000 | Significant uplift on qualification. |
| Qualified (3–5 years PQE) | £50,000 – £65,000 | Financial accountant, management accountant. |
| Senior / Manager | £65,000 – £90,000+ | Finance manager, controller and above. |
Figures are indicative market ranges for guidance, not guarantees. Actual pay varies by employer, location and individual circumstances.
What drives pay
How to negotiate
- Time moves around qualification — pay jumps sharply when newly qualified.
- Benchmark by PQE (post-qualification experience).
- Consider industry moves for higher pay after qualifying.
- Highlight specialist areas like tax or FP&A.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average accountant salary in the UK?
Newly qualified UK accountants typically earn £40,000–£52,000, with qualified accountants reaching £65,000 and finance managers exceeding £90,000.
How much does qualifying increase an accountant's salary?
Substantially — qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) usually brings a significant pay rise, which is why timing a move around it matters.
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