ACCA Salaries 2026: £28k to £95k+ (UK Data)

ACCA Salary Guide 2026: What to Expect at Each Level

What can you earn with ACCA? This comprehensive salary guide covers expectations at every career stage for 2026. Wondering is ACCA worth the investment? These figures help answer that question.

UK Salary Expectations

Part-Qualified (Studying)

Early Stage (1-4 exams passed)

• London: £26,000 - £34,000
• Major cities: £23,000 - £30,000
• Regions: £20,000 - £26,000

Advanced (5-9 exams passed)

• London: £32,000 - £42,000
• Major cities: £28,000 - £36,000
• Regions: £25,000 - £32,000

Nearly Qualified (10+ exams passed)

• London: £38,000 - £48,000
• Major cities: £34,000 - £42,000
• Regions: £30,000 - £38,000

Newly Qualified (0-2 years post-qualification)

• London: £45,000 - £60,000
• Major cities: £40,000 - £52,000
• Regions: £35,000 - £45,000

Experienced (3-5 years post-qualification)

• London: £55,000 - £75,000
• Major cities: £48,000 - £65,000
• Regions: £42,000 - £55,000

Senior Manager (5-10 years)

• London: £70,000 - £95,000
• Major cities: £60,000 - £80,000
• Regions: £50,000 - £70,000

Director/CFO Level

• London: £100,000 - £200,000+
• Major cities: £85,000 - £150,000
• Regions: £70,000 - £120,000

For UK-specific career guidance, see our ACCA UK guide.

Sector Variations (UK)

Practice (Audit/Accounting Firms)

Big 4

• Trainee: £28,000 - £35,000
• Newly qualified: £48,000 - £60,000
• Manager: £55,000 - £75,000
• Senior Manager: £70,000 - £95,000
• Director: £100,000 - £150,000
• Partner track: £150,000+

Mid-Tier Firms

• Slightly lower than Big 4
• Better work-life balance often
• Partner faster potentially

Small Practice

• Lower starting but faster progression
• Partner opportunity younger
• More varied experience

Industry Sectors

Financial Services

• Premium of 10-20% over average
• Banks, insurance, asset management
• Bonuses can be significant

Technology

• Competitive salaries
• Equity/stock options possible
• Fast-growth companies

FMCG/Retail

• Average salaries
• Good bonuses
• Clear progression

Manufacturing

• Solid salaries
• Less bonus heavy
• Stable employment

Public Sector

• Lower base salaries
• Better pensions
• Job security

International Salary Comparison

United States (USD)

• Entry: $50,000 - $65,000
• Mid-level: $70,000 - $100,000
• Senior: $100,000 - $150,000
• CFO: $200,000 - $500,000+

For US career considerations, compare ACCA vs CPA.

Middle East (UAE, Saudi - USD)

• Entry: $40,000 - $55,000 (tax-free)
• Mid-level: $60,000 - $90,000
• Senior: $90,000 - $150,000
• Plus housing allowances often

Singapore (SGD)

• Entry: $50,000 - $70,000
• Mid-level: $80,000 - $120,000
• Senior: $120,000 - $200,000

See our detailed ACCA Singapore guide.

Australia (AUD)

• Entry: $60,000 - $80,000
• Mid-level: $90,000 - $130,000
• Senior: $140,000 - $200,000+

See our ACCA Australia guide.

Ireland (EUR)

• Entry: €40,000 - €55,000
• Mid-level: €60,000 - €85,000
• Senior: €90,000 - €140,000

See our ACCA Ireland guide.

Factors Affecting Salary

1. Location

• London commands premium
• City centres pay more
• Cost of living alignment

1. Industry

• Financial services pays most
• Public sector pays least
• Tech increasingly competitive

1. Company Size

• Large companies pay more
• But smaller may offer equity
• Progression speed varies

1. Specialisation

• Tax often pays premium
• Corporate finance high
• Audit mid-range
• Bookkeeping lower

1. Qualifications Beyond ACCA

• MBA adds value at senior levels
• Specialist certifications
• Language skills in international

1. Negotiation

• Always negotiate offers
• Know your market value
• Benefits matter too

Beyond Base Salary

Bonus Potential

• Practice: 5-15% typically
• Industry: 10-30%
• Financial services: 20-100%+

Benefits to Consider

• Pension contributions (typically 3-10%)
• Healthcare
• Study support
• Flexible working
• Share schemes

Total Compensation

• Add 20-40% to base for total package
• Senior roles have higher variable component

Maximising Your Earning Potential

Career Strategies

1. Start in high-paying sector (Big 4/finance)
2. Build specialist expertise
3. Gain international experience
4. Move strategically (don't move too often)
5. Negotiate every offer

Skill Development

• Commercial acumen
• Leadership abilities
• Technical depth
• Communication skills
• Digital/tech skills

Salary Progression Timeline

Typical 15-Year Path

• Year 0 (qualifying): £48,000
• Year 3: £62,000
• Year 5: £75,000
• Year 8: £90,000
• Year 10: £110,000
• Year 15: £140,000+

Top performers can achieve:

• CFO by year 12-15
• Salary: £150,000 - £250,000+
• Or Partner in practice: £200,000+

Conclusion

ACCA qualification provides excellent earning potential, with salaries significantly exceeding non-qualified roles. Geographic location and sector choice matter most initially, while experience and specialisation drive later earnings. Learn how long ACCA takes and how to pass exams first time to start maximising your career earnings.