Planning to study in UK without a clear salary projection can make your financial planning stressful and risk the return on investment (ROI) your family is counting on. Finding credible, up-to-date data that directly addresses the real ACCA Salary in UK from a fresher’s starting pay to a senior manager’s potential, all converted into Indian Rupees is a significant challenge.
Choosing a certification without clear salary data risks years of investment for a low-paying job. However, the comprehensive and globally aligned ACCA qualification positions you perfectly to capitalize on rising UK demand. With salaries projected to rise by 6-10% across mid- and senior roles by 2026, understanding where your ACCA expertise stands is crucial for negotiating the highest possible package.
This guide is your comprehensive 2026 salary report for ACCA professionals in the UK. We break down the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) average salary in UK by experience level, city, and job role. By reading this, you will learn exactly what a fully qualified ACCA member earns and the clear path to six-figure salaries.
ACCA Salary in UK by Experience Level in 2026
Your earning potential with ACCA grows dramatically as you move from a part-qualified trainee to a fully qualified member. Employers place the highest value on practical experience combined with a full qualification.
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The overall average annual salary for a fully qualified ACCA member in the UK falls approximately between £55,000 and £70,000.
| Experience Level | Typical Role | Annual Salary (GBP) | ACCA Salary in UK in Rupees (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-3 yrs) | Assistant Accountant, Junior Analyst | £26,000 – £48,000 | ₹31.07 Lakh – ₹57.36 Lakh |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | Financial Accountant, Audit Senior | £45,000 – £74,000 | ₹53.77 Lakh – ₹88.42 Lakh |
| Senior Leadership (8+ yrs) | Financial Director, CFO | £59,500 – £103,000 | ₹71.07 Lakh – ₹1.23 Crore |
Monthly ACCA Salary in UK: The Take-Home Reality
For students planning their finances, understanding the ACCA salary in UK per month is often more important than the annual figure. This helps you determine your potential savings rate or disposable income for living expenses.
The average salary of ACCA in UK per month ranges from £2,100 to £8,500. However, projections suggest that by 2026, the average monthly salary could reach £3,000 – £7,500.
| Experience Level | Average Monthly Salary (GBP) | Monthly Salary in UK (INR Equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0-3 yrs) | £2,100 – £3,000 | ₹2.51 Lakh – ₹3.58 Lakh |
| Qualified Accountant (3-7 yrs) | £3,300 – £5,800 (Approx.) | ₹3.94 Lakh – ₹6.93 Lakh |
| Senior Director (8+ yrs) | £7,000 – £8,500 | ₹8.36 Lakh – ₹10.15 Lakh |
Top-Paying ACCA Job Roles in UK: Updated Salary Data
The ACCA qualification is highly valued because it prepares you for a wide range of high-level strategic roles, moving you beyond basic bookkeeping. The following ACCA jobs in UK with salary data reflect compensation for fully qualified or senior professionals (mid-to-late career).
| Job Title | Average Salary Range per year | Key Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | £92,500 – £148,000 (₹1.10 Cr – ₹1.77 Cr) | Oversees entire financial strategy; highest C-suite potential. |
| Financial Director | £59,500 – £103,000 (₹71.07 Lakh – ₹1.23 Cr) | Directs key financial decisions and team leadership. |
| Financial Controller | £63,000 – £92,500 (₹75.28 Lakh – ₹1.10 Cr) | Manages all accounting operations, compliance, and reporting. |
| Finance Manager | £60,000 – £85,000 (₹71.69 Lakh – ₹1.02 Cr) | Manages daily finance teams, budgeting, and forecasting. |
| Risk Manager | £70,000 – £90,000 (₹83.64 Lakh – ₹1.08 Cr) | Identifies and mitigates financial and operational risks. |
| Tax Advisor / Specialist | £40,000 – £52,000 (₹47.80 Lakh – ₹62.13 Lakh) | Navigates complex UK tax regulations for businesses. |
| Financial Analyst | £45,000 – £60,000 (₹53.77 Lakh – ₹71.69 Lakh) | Forward-looking role: market trends, investment evaluation, and strategic decisions. |
Note: Employers are willing to stretch budgets for candidates who possess high-demand, specialized skills. ACCA professionals who are proficient in FinTech, data analytics (SQL/Python), ESG reporting, and AI-driven forecasting are commanding a premium on their base salary.
ACCA Salary in UK by City: Where You Earn the Most
Location is a major factor in determining your pay, and it’s important for international students to evaluate this against the cost of living in UK.
The London Salary Premium
London, as a global financial centre, consistently offers the highest nominal salaries for ACCA professionals.
- London Average Salary (Qualified ACCA): £55,000(₹65.72 Lakh)
- London Mid-Level Range (Qualified): £45,000 – £70,000(₹53.77 Lakh – ₹83.64 Lakh)
- London Senior Potential: Can easily exceed £100,000+(₹1.19 Crore+).
However, the salary premium is necessary to offset the steep cost of living in the city, particularly for housing and transport.
Competitive Regional Hubs
For students aiming for a higher disposable income or better work-life balance, major regional cities offer strong salaries with lower living costs.
| City | Average Annual Salary (Qualified ACCA) | Typical Job Roles in this Range |
|---|---|---|
| London | £55,000 (₹65.72 Lakh) | Financial Analyst, Audit Senior (Big 4), Management Accountant (Banking) |
| Manchester | £45,000 (₹53.77 Lakh) | Financial Accountant, Corporate Auditor, Tax Specialist |
| Edinburgh | £44,000 (₹52.57 Lakh) | Investment Fund Accountant, Audit Manager, Finance Business Partner |
| Birmingham | £43,000 (₹51.37 Lakh) | Senior Reporting Accountant, Financial Analyst (Manufacturing) |
| Belfast | £40,000 (₹47.80 Lakh) | General Ledger Accountant, Assistant Financial Controller |
If your primary goal is to maximise savings or remittances back to India, a lower nominal salary in a regional hub like Manchester or Birmingham may result in a higher effective disposable income.
ACCA vs. Indian CA: Salary Comparison for Indian Students
This comparison is vital for you as an Indian student evaluating the financial commitment of studying abroad. The UK market, generally, offers significantly higher earning potential, especially at the mid-to-senior level, largely due to currency arbitrage.
| Experience Level | India (approx. per year) | United Kingdom (approx. per year) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning / Entry-Level (0-3 yrs) | ₹4,00,000 - ₹8,00,000 | £25,000 – £35,000 (₹29.87 Lakh – ₹41.82 Lakh) |
| Mid-Level (3-7 yrs) | ₹10,00,000 - ₹20,00,000 | £40,000 - £55,000 (₹47.80 Lakh – ₹65.72 Lakh) |
| Senior-Level (8+ yrs) | ₹20,00,000 - ₹30,00,000+ | £59,500 - £103,000 (₹71.07 Lakh– ₹1.23 Cr) |
ACCA vs. Other UK Qualifications
The ACCA qualification is highly competitive against other major UK accounting bodies, such as ACA, CIMA, and CIPFA.
In the London market, ACCA finalists earn an average of £58,000, which is identical to CIMA finalists. This figure significantly surpasses the average earnings of ACA finalists, who average £45,000. This confirms that ACCA offers equal or superior remuneration at the critical finalist stage in the UK.
Is the ACCA Qualification Worth the Investment? (ROI)
For students and parents, the Return on Investment (ROI) is a key concern. The ACCA qualification offers an exceptional ROI due to its modest cost compared to the UK salary potential.
| Category | UK Value (GBP) | INR Equivalent (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Estimated Qualification Cost | £2,000 – £3,000 | ₹2.3 Lakh – ₹3.5 Lakh |
| Annual Earning Potential (Qualified) | £40,000 – £100,000+ | ₹47.80 Lakh – ₹1.19 Crore+ |
This investment-to-return ratio is estimated to deliver an exceptional ROI of over 15–20 times the total investment within just a few years of attaining practical work experience. The ACCA sets you up for a secure, lucrative, and globally mobile career.
Conclusion:
If you are aiming for a rewarding global finance career, the UK is the ultimate launchpad. With the ACCA Salary in UK for qualified professionals ranging from ₹47.80 Lakh to over ₹1.2 Crore, this qualification guarantees career growth, global recognition, and financial freedom.
Top employers across London, Manchester, and Edinburgh are actively seeking ACCA-qualified professionals who can lead with expertise in digital finance and strategic insight. The path to Financial Controller, Finance Director, or even CFO is clearly defined for ACCA members.
The ACCA starting salary in UK provides a strong foundation, but the true value lies in the senior ACCA job salary in UK that comes with experience and specialisation.
Ready to invest in the qualification that pays you back for life? Start your ACCA journey in the UK today.
Need guidance on applications, visas, or university shortlisting? Book a free consultation with LeapScholar now, and let our experts help turn your study abroad dreams into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the average ACCA salary in UK per month?
The ACCA salary in UK per month ranges from £2,500 to £6,500 (approximately ₹2.98 Lakh – ₹7.77 Lakh), depending on your experience and role. Entry-level ACCA professionals typically earn around £2,100–£3,000 per month.
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What is the ACCA average salary in UK?
The acca average salary in UK for a fully qualified professional is approximately £55,000 to £70,000 per year, but this figure is highly dependent on location, industry, and specific job title.
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Is ACCA a high-paying job in the UK?
Yes, ACCA is one of the highest-paying finance qualifications globally. In the UK, a qualified professional earns between £38,000 and £60,000 per year (₹45.40 L – ₹71.69 L), with senior leadership roles paying significantly more.
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Which country pays the ACCA's highest salary?
The highest ACCA salaries are typically in the UK, UAE, and Switzerland. The UK offers the best structured growth and senior-level pay packages, often exceeding £100,000 (over ₹1.2 Crore) annually for top-tier finance roles.
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How much does an ACCA fresher earn in the UK?
The ACCA fresher salary in UK (or part-qualified trainee salary) generally ranges from £25,000 to £35,000 per year. In high-cost areas like London, this can start at around £30,000 to £45,000.
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