Think accounting is just about calculators, spreadsheets, and sitting quietly in a corner? Think again…
Accounting is the language of business. Without it, companies simply cannot survive. Whether you’re catching fraudsters, implementing new financial systems, or steering a multinational corporation towards record profits, accounting offers a dynamic, diverse, and incredibly lucrative career path.
We’ve looked into the latest Reed.co.uk salary data* to reveal the best-paying roles in the sector right now. Because the accounting field is so vast, we have split the list into two main sections: qualified roles (where you need official certifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) and unqualified roles (where experience, specific skills, or part-qualifications lead the way).
If you want to take your earnings to the next level, here’s what you need to know.
Key takeaways from this article
- Director and Head of positions lead the way. Qualified Finance Directors pull in an average of £105,864 per annum while Head of Finance roles are commanding average salaries of £82,752.
- You don’t always need a qualification to earn well. Non-qualified Finance Managers are taking home an average of £49,403, proving that hands-on experience and niche skills pay the bills.
- Business partnering is highly valued. Finance business Partners, who bridge the gap between finance and the rest of the company operations, earn an average of £63,021.
- Entry and support roles offer solid starting ground. Roles like Accounts Assistant and Finance Assistant offer averages around £30,000, showing strong foundational pay for those starting out.
Qualified accounting roles
These roles typically require full professional qualification from recognised bodies like the ICAEW, ACCA, or CIMA. Getting qualified takes time, exams, and dedication, but the financial payoff is undeniable.
1. Finance Director
Average salary: £105,864
In this role, you’re not just crunching numbers; you’re driving the entire commercial strategy of the business. You report directly to the board, manage investor relations, and make decisions that shape the future of the company. It’s high pressure, but the salary reflects the responsibility.
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2. Head of Finance
Average salary: £82,752
A Head of Finance oversees the daily financial operation of a company or division. You will lead the finance team, manage cash flow, oversee budgets, and provide commercial insight to the senior leadership team. You need to be a brilliant leader, a strategic thinker, and a qualified Accountant who knows the business inside out.
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3. Financial Controller
Average salary: £73,495
Financial Controllers are the operational masters of the finance department, ensuring that all accounting allocations are appropriately made and documented. You’ll manage the preparation of budget and financial forecasts, report variances, and prepare and publish timely monthly financial statements. It requires a meticulous eye for detail and strong management skills.
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How to become a Financial Controller
4. Finance Business Partner
Average salary: £63,021
Finance Business Partners bridge the gap between the finance team and other departments (like marketing, sales, or operations). They use financial data to help other teams make better business decisions. It’s a highly commercial role that requires excellent communication skills.
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5. Finance Manager
Average salary: £61,311
A qualified Finance Manager takes charge of the day-to-day financial operations. You’ll distribute the financial resources of a company, plan budgets, and support the executive management team by offering insights and financial advice that will allow them to make the best business decisions for the company.
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Unqualified accounting roles
Not fully qualified? No problem. The accounting sector is packed with high-paying opportunities for part-qualified professionals, experts qualified by experience, and those with highly specific operational skills.
1. Finance Manager (Unqualified)
Average salary: £49,403
You can absolutely manage a finance function without being fully qualified, provided you have the right experience. Unqualified Finance Managers oversee daily operations, manage ledgers, and ensure everything runs efficiently. Even without a formal accounting qualification, professionals with a sharp eye for detail and strong business acumen command excellent salaries here.
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2. Management Accountant (Unqualified)
Average salary: £43,441
Management Accountants look to the future, analysing financial data to help companies make forward-looking decisions. Unqualified or part-qualified Management Accountants perform many of the same tasks as their qualified counterparts, such as budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, and are highly valued by employers.
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How to become a Management Accountant
3. Assistant Management Accountant
Average salary: £34,168
This is an essential support role which focuses on helping to prepare financial statements, budgets, and reports. It’s an excellent stepping stone for professionals who are currently studying for their professional qualifications or building their practical experience.
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4. Assistant Accountant
Average salary: £33,684
Assistant Accountants support the senior finance team with a wide variety of tasks – such as month-end duties, bank reconciliations, and journal postings. It’s a brilliant way to gain exposure to different areas of accounting while earning a very competitive salary.
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5. Bookkeeper
Average salary: £32,202
Bookkeepers keep accurate records of all financial transactions, track sales and purchases, and manage the general ledger. It’s a highly methodical role that requires incredible attention to detail. Many Bookkeepers also enjoy the flexibility of working freelance or part-time.
What affects accounting salaries?
Your base pay in accounting often comes down to a few key factors. Here is what moves the needle:
Qualifications
Earning your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification is the most reliable way to boost your salary. While unqualified roles pay well, the top-tier £100,000+ salaries are almost exclusively reserved for fully qualified professionals.
Sector
The sector you work in changes everything. An Accountant working for an international investment bank in London will typically earn more than an accountant doing the same job for a local retail business. Financial services, tech, and pharmaceuticals tend to pay the highest premiums.
Specialisation
Generalists do well, but specialists do better. If you can master a high-demand niche – like financial systems implementation, forensic accounting, or complex tax regulations – you make yourself indispensable. And indispensable people get paid more. Simple.
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How to boost your earning potential in accounting
Want to see those numbers go up? Here’s your game plan:
- Get certified – If you’re currently part-qualified or working in an unqualified role, talk to your employer about supporting your studies. Many companies will pay for your exams and offer study leave, knowing that a qualified Accountant adds immense value to their business.
- Ask for broader experience – Don’t just stick to the sales ledger. Volunteer to help with month-end reporting, assist with budgeting, or get involved in commercial strategy meetings. The more you understand how the whole business makes money, the more valuable you become.
- Embrace technology – Automation and AI are changing accounting rapidly. Professionals who know how to leverage new software, build automated dashboards, and extract insights from big data will always out-earn those who just stick to manual data entry.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a degree to become an accountant?
Not always. While many Accountants start with a finance or mathematics degree, you can absolutely build a successful career through apprenticeships or by starting in entry-level roles (like Accounts Assistant) and studying for your AAT qualifications on the job.
What is the difference between qualified and unqualified?
A qualified Accountant has passed rigorous professional exams with a recognised body (like the ACCA, CIMA, or ICAEW) and completed a set amount of practical experience. Unqualified (or part-qualified) professionals may have years of hands-on experience but have not completed these specific certifications.
Is accounting a stressful career?
It can be, especially around specific times of the year. Month-end reporting, the end of the financial year, and tax season are notoriously busy. However, outside of these peak times, many accounting roles offer excellent work-life balance and highly structured routines.
If I don’t want to take exams, can I still earn well?
Absolutely. As our data shows, roles like internal auditing and public sector finance offer average salaries over £60,000 for unqualified professionals. Gaining the title ‘Qualified by Experience’ (QbE) carries serious weight in the sector, proving you have the practical skills to do the job perfectly.
Ready to get started? Browse all Accounting jobs on Reed.co.uk
Data source: Reed.co.uk job postings for the 30-day period ending 5 May 2026. Salaries are averages and may vary based on location, experience, and employer. For the most up-to-date salary information for specific roles, use our salary checker tool.
