ACCA Salary in the UK with Highest-Paying Jobs

As an ACCA-qualified professional in the UK, you can benefit from job security, a wide range of roles, and competitive salaries. It is a globally recognized qualification that provides you with a wide range of job opportunities in accounting and finance and also helps you advance your career by demonstrating your skills and qualifications. ACCA not only provides you a job security but also earns you a competitive salary. In this blog, we’ll explore the average ACCA salary in the UK, top job opportunities, and the essential skills needed to thrive in this rewarding field. Dive in to see the average annual ACCA Salary in the UK catering to different job roles and how ACCA can elevate your career in one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

If you are willing to settle in the UK, then you must read: PR in the UK: Eligibility, Requirements, and Advantages

Scope of ACCA in the UK

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) offers a wide array of career opportunities in the UK, ranging across various sectors, promising strong job prospects and competitive salary packages. The recognition and versatility of ACCA make it a valuable qualification for those seeking to advance their careers in finance and accounting. The average ACCA salary in the UK  ranges from £25,000 to £60,000.

As an ACCA-qualified professional, you have numerous career paths to pursue, such as a Financial analyst, Management Accountant, Auditor, and more.

ACCA Jobs in the UK with Average Annual Salary 

As transitioning into the ACCA field provides you with various career paths, here are some of the ACCA Jobs in the UK with their average annual salary that you can pursue as a qualified professional:

Job	Job Role	Annual Salary
Management Accountant	As a Management Accountant, you are responsible for providing essential financial analysis and planning services to organizations.	£50000 – £60000
Financial Controller	As a Financial Controller, you will oversee an organization’s accounting operations, ensuring that accurate financial reporting and compliance are maintained.	£50000 – £55000
Indirect Tax Manager	As an Indirect Tax Manager, you will be ensuring compliance with tax laws and identifying financial risks.	£78000 – £83000
Commercial Finance Analyst	As a Commercial Finance Analyst, you will be conducting in-depth financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.	£45000 – £50000
Audit Assistant Manager	As an Audit Assistant Manager, you will be supervising multiple audit assignments and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations.	£54000 – £62000
Revenue Accountant	As a Revenue Accountant, you will be tracking and managing an organization’s revenue streams, ensuring the accuracy of financial reporting.	£55000 – £60000
Development Accountant	As a Development Accountant, you will play a key role in helping organizations manage their finances during growth phases.	£55500 – £60500
Senior Finance Manager	As a Senior Finance Manager, you will be taking on leadership roles, overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and financial strategy.	£75000 – £85000

Best Cities to Work in As an ACCA Professional in the UK

​The best cities for ACCA professionals in the UK combine high salary potential, abundant job opportunities, and a conducive work environment.​ The following are cities with the average ACCA Salary in the UK: 

Cities	Why They Are Popular	Average Salary
London	London, the financial capital city, benefits from a vast array of job opportunities in finance and accounting, hosting numerous global firms and financial institutions.	£52,500
Manchester	A city with a thriving business scene with accounting firms and multinational corporations boasts a strong financial sector.	£42,500
Cardiff	Cardiff offers a perfect balance of quality of life and career opportunities for ACCA professionals. The average accountant salary in Cardiff is above the UK national average, with a reasonable cost of living compared to bigger cities.	£37,500
Birmingham	As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham has a robust financial sector with various job opportunities for ACCA professionals. The city combines career potential with a relatively lower cost of living compared to London.	£42,500
Edinburgh	Edinburgh’s reputation as a financial hub makes it an attractive location for accounting professionals. This is notable for its high quality of life and competitive salaries.	£47,500

Top UK-Based Recruiters for ACCA 

The following are some of the best recruiters for ACCA jobs in the UK:

BDO UK – BDO UK is a public accounting, tax, and advisory firm that offers a range of services, including audit, assurance, tax, advisory, and business outsourcing.

Azets – Azets is an international business services company that helps businesses of all sizes achieve their goals by providing accounting, tax, audit, advisory, and payroll services.

Menzies LLP – Menzies LLP is an accountancy and business advisory firm that offers a variety of services like financial planning, audit and tax advice, financial planning, and more.

Morgan Stanley – Morgan Stanley is a global financial services firm that offers a range of services to institutions, governments, families, and individuals.

Alter Domus – Alter Domus is a company that helps businesses with alternative investments by providing administrative and technology services.

Lloyds Banking Group – Lloyds Banking Group is a company that offers financial services to retail and commercial customers.

 

Necessary Skills Required to Practice ACCA in the UK

Practising as an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) professional and securing a high ACCA salary in the UK requires a diverse set of skills, blending technical expertise with interpersonal and strategic capabilities. ACCA members are expected to remain adaptable and knowledgeable about the ever-evolving financial environment.

The following are necessary for you can develop and secure a high ACCA salary in the UK:

• Technical Expertise

As technical knowledge is vital in accounting, ACCA professionals should continuously build their technical knowledge in accounting, finance, and auditing.

• Practical Experience

To practice ACCA in the UK, you must complete a minimum of 3 years of relevant practical experience in finance or accounting roles. The practical knowledge allows you to apply theoretical knowledge and develop professional skills in a real-world environment. 

• Strong Communication Skills

You must possess exceptional communication skills to convey complex financial information effectively. This skill set enhances collaboration and effectiveness in team-based settings.

• Analytical Skills

Developing analytical skills is necessary as these skills allow you to interpret and communicate accurate financial information.

Comparative Analysis: Which ACCA jobs in the UK or India are worth it?

When comparing ACCA job opportunities in the UK and India, several factors must be considered. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual career goals and preferences regarding location, lifestyle, and long-term aspirations.

The following are some points to provide you with a broad overview of ACCA jobs in the UK and India:

• Demand Growth

UK and India have been noticing growth in ACCA professionals for the past few years. What’s mainly increasing ACCA demand is its global recognition and need for expertise in international finance. 

• Job Availability

The UK encompasses a mature job market for ACCA professionals across various industries like accounting, finance, and consultancy. The UK’s economic stability and robust financial sector generate a higher demand for ACCA professionals. Meanwhile, India is also witnessing a noticeable increase due to increased demand from MNCs, which has contributed to over 5,000 job openings this year.

• Growth Opportunities

The UK offers training and development opportunities to ACCA professionals. Universities in the UK offer specialized programs and courses that lead to continuous learning, skill development, and career advancement. At the same time, India is also emphasizing professional development and upscaling continuous learning opportunities by promoting various programs and training institutions that cater to the needs of ACCA professionals.

• Professional Recognition

ACCA is recognized as a gold standard for accounting professionals in the UK. This recognition facilitates easier mobility across various global markets. Conversely, while ACCA is recognized in India, the CA (Chartered Accountant) qualification still holds significant weight, potentially limiting opportunities within domestic firms. ACCA members in India are well-positioned for roles in multinational corporations, aligning with global financial practices.

• Work-Life Balance

The work culture in the UK tends to emphasize work-life balance, with many organizations offering flexible working conditions and supportive environments. In contrast, while India’s job market is growing, the traditional work culture may involve tedious hours and a more strenuous pace, especially in competitive sectors.

Both countries have their unique opportunities and challenges. As the ACCA industry is still emerging in India, the UK has a much more established market for it. However, the decision hinges on individual career goals and preferences regarding location, lifestyle, and long-term aspirations.

Summary

This blog provides an overview of ACCA salary prospects and career opportunities in the UK. With an average ACCA salary in the UK ranging from £25,000 to £60,000, ACCA professionals can pursue roles like Management Accountant, Financial Controller, and more. The guide covers top cities for ACCA jobs in the UK, key recruiters, and essential skills for success, such as technical expertise and communication. A comparative analysis between the UK and India highlights growth potential, job demand, and professional recognition, helping ACCA aspirants make informed career choices.

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FAQs

• Why is ACCA valuable in the UK?

In the UK, ACCA-qualified professionals are highly sought after due to their versatile skills and the credibility the certification brings.

• What is the average salary for ACCA professionals in the UK?

ACCA salaries in the UK typically range from £30,000 to £60,000 annually. However, salaries can go higher depending on the role, experience, and location.

• Which cities offer the best job opportunities for ACCA professionals in the UK?

London, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are among the top cities for ACCA professionals in the UK. These cities have high salary potentials, strong job markets, and diverse opportunities in finance and accounting.

• What are the growth opportunities for ACCA professionals in the UK?

ACCA professionals in the UK benefit from continuous learning and development programs offered by universities and organizations. These opportunities enable skill enhancement, career advancement, and even specialization within the finance field.