Chartered Accountant Salary UK

A chartered accountant is one of the most respected roles in the UK accounting profession. With high standards, recognised qualifications, and wide-ranging responsibilities, it’s a career that offers strong earning potential and job security across industries.

This guide breaks down what a chartered accountant does, what qualifications they need, how their salary compares to other types of accountants, and what factors influence their pay.

What Is a Chartered Accountant?

A chartered accountant is a fully qualified finance professional who has completed recognised training, passed professional exams, and met the membership standards of a UK chartered body. The title is protected and only those certified by one of the UK’s chartered bodies can use it.

These include:

• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales)

• ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland)

• Chartered Accountants Ireland

• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

Chartered accountants can work in public practice, industry, financial services, the public sector, or as independent consultants. Their work includes auditing, tax, advisory, and strategic financial management.

What Is the Average Salary for a Chartered Accountant in the UK?

According to recent data, the average salary for a chartered accountant in the UK is between £50,000 and £65,000 per year. However, this can vary significantly depending on experience, location, and sector.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Entry-level (post-qualification): £35,000 to £45,000

• Mid-level (5–10 years): £50,000 to £70,000

• Senior roles (Finance Director, Head of Finance): £80,000 to £120,000+

• London salaries are typically higher than the UK average, often by 10–20%

Bonuses, benefits, and private healthcare are also common at more senior levels.

What Are the Qualifications a Chartered Accountant Must Have?

To become a chartered accountant in the UK, you typically need:

1. A university degree (in any subject, though finance and business degrees are common)

2. A training contract with an approved employer, lasting 3–5 years

3. Completion of professional exams from ICAEW, ACCA, ICAS or Chartered Accountants Ireland

4. Practical work experience in areas such as audit, tax, or corporate finance

5. Continuing professional development (CPD) once qualified

The title “chartered accountant” is not the same as just being an accountant — it’s a regulated, professionally recognised status.

What’s the Difference in Salary Between a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Accountant and an Unqualified Accountant?

The salary gap between a chartered accountant and other roles in finance can be significant.

• Chartered Accountant (ACA/ACCA/ICAS): £50,000–£65,000 average

• Certified Accountant (AAT Level 4 or similar): £28,000–£40,000

• Unqualified Accountant / Bookkeeper: £22,000–£30,000

AAT-qualified accountants can earn well, especially with experience, but chartered status usually brings higher pay, better seniority, and broader career progression.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Chartered Accountant?

Chartered accountants typically take on a strategic and advisory role within an organisation. Their responsibilities may include:

• Preparing and signing off financial statements

• Managing audits and ensuring regulatory compliance

• Advising on tax planning and business structure

• Forecasting and budgeting

• Reviewing internal controls and financial risk

• Supporting M&A, investment or fundraising processes

• Representing financial information to stakeholders, boards, and regulators

Their work goes beyond bookkeeping — they act as key decision-makers and risk managers across businesses.

What Factors Influence the Salary of an Accountant?

Several factors impact how much a chartered accountant earns:

• Location: Roles in London and the South East usually pay more

• Sector: Financial services and consultancy tend to offer the highest salaries

• Size of employer: Larger companies typically pay more than SMEs

• Experience: Time since qualification, and seniority in the business

• Specialism: Tax, audit, forensic, and advisory roles may command higher rates

• Practice vs industry: Accountants in industry may progress more quickly in-house, while practice roles offer exposure to many clients early on

Networking, performance, and additional qualifications can also help fast-track pay increases.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a chartered accountant opens the door to strong salaries and wide career options. It's a route that requires commitment and training, but it pays off in terms of earning potential and job flexibility.

Whether you're planning your career or hiring talent, knowing the distinctions between roles and qualifications helps you understand what chartered status truly means — and what it’s worth.