Accountant salary UK: How much does an accountant earn?

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If you’re considering a career in accountancy, you’re probably wondering how much you could earn. The good news is that accounting offers excellent long-term earning potential, with salaries increasing as you gain experience, professional qualifications and responsibility.

As of July 2026, accountants in the UK typically earn between £24,000 and £120,000+ a year, depending on their role, qualifications, location and experience.1 2 Entry-level accounting technicians usually start from around £24,000, while experienced finance directors and chief financial officers (CFOs) can earn well into six figures.1 2

Typical accounting careers include

  • Accounting technician (£24,000–£35,000)1
  • Auditor (£42,000–£59,000+)2
  • Chartered accountant (£30,000–£90,000+)2 3
  • Financial controller (£63,000–£93,000+)2
  • Forensic accountant (£50,000–£60,000+)1
  • Finance director (£90,000–£160,000+)2
  • Chief financial officer (CFO) (£130,000–£220,000+)2

Key takeaways

  • Accounting offers excellent long-term earning potential, with salaries increasing as you gain experience and professional qualifications.1 2
  • Studying AAT can help you start your accounting career in roles such as accounting technician or assistant accountant.1
  • Completing ACCA can open opportunities to progress into chartered accountant and senior finance roles with greater earning potential.3
  • CIMA is designed for management accounting and commercial finance careers, supporting progression into senior leadership positions.4
  • Salaries are generally higher in London and the South East than elsewhere in the UK.2

What affects an accountant’s salary?

There isn’t a single salary for accountants. Your earnings will depend on several factors, including:

  • Professional qualifications (such as AAT, ACCA, CIMA, or ACA)
  • Years of experience
  • The industry you work in
  • Your location within the UK
  • The size of your employer
  • Whether you specialise in areas such as audit, tax or forensic accounting

In general, gaining recognised qualifications and progressing into more senior roles can significantly increase your earning potential.1 2

Accounting technician

Accounting technicians prepare financial records, process transactions and support finance teams with day-to-day accounting tasks.

Typical salary: £24,000–£35,000.1

Career progression: Many people begin their careers with AAT qualifications before progressing to assistant accountant, management accountant or financial accountant roles. Some continue their studies with ACCA or CIMA to unlock further career opportunities.1

Auditor

Auditors review financial records to ensure organisations comply with accounting standards and legal requirements.

Typical salary: £42,000–£59,000+.2

Career progression: Many auditors qualify through ACCA or ACA. After becoming qualified, opportunities often include audit manager, senior manager and partner-level positions.3

Chartered accountant

Chartered accountants provide financial advice, prepare reports, oversee audits and help organisations make informed business decisions.

Typical salary progression:

  • Graduate or trainee: £30,000–£40,000
  • Newly qualified (around 2–4 years): £55,000–£60,000
  • Senior accountant (5–8 years): £80,000–£90,000+2 3

Career progression: Chartered accountants often move into finance manager, financial controller or finance director positions as they gain experience.3

Financial controller

Financial controllers oversee an organisation’s accounting operations, financial reporting and internal controls.

Typical salary: £63,000–£93,000+.2

Career progression: This role is typically achieved after several years of post-qualification experience and can lead to finance director or CFO positions.2

Forensic accountant

Forensic accountants investigate fraud, financial crime and commercial disputes.

Typical salary: £50,000–£60,000+.1

Career progression: Experienced forensic accountants often specialise further in fraud investigation, litigation support or consultancy work.

Finance director

Finance directors lead an organisation’s finance function and help shape strategic business decisions.

Typical salary: £90,000–£160,000+.2

Career progression: Most finance directors have extensive experience and hold professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA or ACA.3 4

Chief financial officer (CFO)

The chief financial officer (CFO) is one of the most senior executives within an organisation, responsible for financial strategy and overall financial performance.

Typical salary: £130,000–£220,000+, with significantly higher salaries possible in large multinational organisations.2

Career progression: CFOs usually have 10–20 years of finance leadership experience, progressing through roles such as financial controller and finance director.

Other finance careers you could pursue

Although this guide focuses on accountant salaries, accounting qualifications can also lead to a variety of careers in finance.

Financial adviser

Qualified financial advisers typically earn between £30,000 and £60,000, while experienced wealth managers may earn considerably more through bonuses and commission.1

Investment analyst

Investment analysts often start on £28,000–£40,000, with experienced professionals earning £65,000–£100,000+, plus performance-related bonuses.2

Finance trader

Finance traders can earn between £26,000 and £150,000+, although earnings vary significantly depending on the market, employer and commission structure.2

Ready to start your accounting career?

Whether you’re taking your first step into accounting or looking to progress into senior finance, professional qualifications can help you develop the knowledge and skills employers are looking for.

  • Explore our AAT courses to begin your accounting career.
  • Discover our ACCA courses if you’d like to become a chartered accountant.
  • Learn more about our CIMA courses if you’re interested in management accounting and business leadership.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average accountant salary in the UK?

Accountant salaries in the UK typically range from around £24,000 for entry-level roles to more than £120,000 for senior finance professionals, depending on qualifications, experience, location and employer.1 2

What is the starting salary for an accountant?

Many entry-level accounting roles start between £24,000 and £30,000, with salaries increasing as you gain experience and complete professional qualifications.1

Do accountants earn more in London?

Yes. Accountants working in London and the South East generally earn higher salaries than those in other parts of the UK, although living costs are also higher.2

Will AAT, ACCA or CIMA increase my salary?

Professional qualifications don’t guarantee a particular salary, but they can help you qualify for more senior roles with greater earning potential. AAT is often the first step into accounting, while ACCA and CIMA can support progression into chartered and management accounting careers.3 4

Do accountants receive bonuses?

Many accountants receive bonuses, particularly those working in financial services, commercial finance and senior leadership roles. Bonus structures vary depending on the employer and position.2

Sources

  1. National Careers Service. Explore careers – Accounting technician and related accounting careers. Available at: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/
  2. Robert Half. 2026 UK Salary Guide – Finance and Accounting. Available at: https://www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/insights/salary-guide
  3. ACCA. How much does an accountant earn? Available at: https://www.accaglobal.com/
  4. CIMA. Careers in management accounting. Available at: https://www.cimaglobal.com/