What type of accountant earns the most money in the UK?

Asked by: Shana Stehr  |  Last update: September 15, 2026
Score: 4.3/5 (19 votes)

In the UK, the highest-earning accountants are typically Chartered Accountants (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) working in senior corporate roles, such as Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Finance Directors, and Partners at Big Four firms, with salaries often exceeding £100,000 to £1.5 million+. Specialized roles in corporate finance, investment banking, and forensic accounting offer the highest remuneration.

What is the highest paying accounting job in the UK?

Chief Financial Officer Unsurprisingly, as one of the top roles in corporate accounting, the chief financial officer (CFO) is currently the highest-earning position. According to our data, a CFO can start on a salary of £132,500 and could reach an average of £176,500 at a mid-weight level.

Who earns more, CPA or ACCA?

ACCA pay in India varies based on years of experience and the most sought, from INR 6.4 LPA to INR 16.7 LPA. In India, the pay for a CPA professional can vary between INR 5.9 LPA (less than one year of experience) to INR 24 LPA (ten to nineteen years of expertise).

What is harder, CPA or ACCA?

- Is ACCA more difficult than CFA? No, the CFA qualification tends to be considered slightly more difficult than ACCA - but this is to some extent a subjective matter, differing from person to person. Many people don't make it through the three levels of CFA because of the time required to finish the course.

What jobs make $1,000,000 per year?

Positions with a $1 million annual salary are most commonly found in executive leadership (such as CEOs and CFOs), high-level finance roles (like investment bankers or hedge fund managers), specialized medical professions, and top-tier sales or technology roles (such as senior partners or principal engineers).

Entry Level Accounting Jobs | Titles, Duties & Salary Range

20 related questions found

What is a top 2% salary in the UK?

Whilst breaking the £100k mark can still feel like a personal career high, it's worth being aware of the tax implications of being in the top 2% of the UK's earners throughout the tax year.

What jobs pay $300,000 a year in the UK?

300k salary jobs

  • Head of AI. Durlston Partners —London. ...
  • Business Finance Broker- Fully Remote. Dobson Welch —Gloucester. ...
  • New Homes Sales Manager. ...
  • Condition Monitoring Lubrication Technician. ...
  • Infrastructure Support Engineer. ...
  • Implementation Consultant- HR & Payroll Software. ...
  • Contract & Small Works Manager. ...
  • Senior Project Manager.

Will accounting be replaced by AI?

Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.

Is CA or ACCA better?

ACCA is more widely recognized globally, especially in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and parts of Asia. CA India is respected abroad but often requires additional local exams or recognition. ACCA is the better choice if you're planning to work internationally.

What jobs pay 100 an hour in the UK?

£100 per hour jobs in london

  • Lunchtime Servery Assistant. ...
  • Night Cleaner. ...
  • First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers. ...
  • AI Training - Machine Learning Specialist (UK) ...
  • GP Role Clinic and Admin Only. ...
  • Private Detectives and Investigators. ...
  • Kitchen Porter. ...
  • First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers.

Is $300,000 a good salary in the UK?

Earning a salary of £300,000 in the UK places you in a very strong financial position. This income level offers the ability to lead a comfortable lifestyle, cover living costs, and plan for the future.

Who earns 250k a year in the UK?

The highest paying jobs in the UK range from £65,000 to over £250,000 annually. Top roles include CEOs, investment bankers, surgeons, and airline pilots. Best earning jobs also feature CFOs, orthodontists, and software engineering managers.

What do 90% of millionaires do?

About 90% of millionaires build wealth through long-term investing, often focusing on real estate, starting their own businesses, and making consistent, disciplined financial choices like budgeting, saving, and continuous self-education, rather than flashy spending, with a strong belief in controlling their own financial destiny. They prioritize tangible assets and income streams, using strategies like leverage and tax benefits, and avoid excessive spending on depreciating assets like luxury cars.
 

How can I make $500,000 a year?

13 jobs that can pay over $500k a year

  1. Actor.
  2. Author.
  3. Accountant.
  4. Insurance agent.
  5. Investment banker.
  6. Professional athlete.
  7. Entrepreneur.
  8. Hedge fund manager.

Who makes 700K a year?

What is a 700K Salary job? A $700K salary job typically refers to high-paying roles in industries such as technology, finance, law, or medicine. These positions often require extensive experience, specialized skills, or executive leadership.

Do Big 4 accept ACCA?

All Big 4 accountancy firms – Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG – are active recruiters of ACCA-affiliated accountants. Choice often depends on your interest area: audit, consulting, tax, or advisory.

Is becoming a CPA impressive?

Becoming certified is a lot like getting a law license. It's proof that you've mastered the vital elements of your profession through years of academic and technical training. As a CPA, you'll also have access to jobs with higher authority and responsibility — and you'll enjoy greater career stability.

Which pays more, CFA or ACCA?

CFA charterholders often earn higher packages in investment-related positions, while ACCA professionals enjoy steady growth in accounting and corporate finance roles, especially within Big 4 firms. CFA professionals in India earn higher salaries due to their roles in investment and financial markets.