CPAs typically work in public accounting firms (ranging from local to "Big Four" firms), private corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. They often hold roles such as auditors, tax preparers, forensic accountants, and financial advisors, working in corporate offices or from home.
Public accountants, many of whom are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), generally have their own businesses or work for public accounting firms. Publicly traded companies are required to have CPAs sign documents they submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual and quarterly reports.
Top Jobs for A CPA In Summary
From public accounting and government roles to specialized paths in forensics and financial advising, CPAs can pursue careers that match their interests and skills while making meaningful impacts in business, investigations, and personal finance.
In 2025/26, to be among the top 1% of UK earners, an annual income of at least £201,000 before taxes is required (based on HMRC tax year 2022-23 data, published March 2025). This elite group of approximately 340,000 individuals earns 13.3% of the UK's total income and pays 28.2% of all income tax.
The CPA exam is more intensive and technical, with a focus on US GAAP, audit, and taxation, whereas ACCA is broader, covering IFRS and global management concepts. The CPA is considered more rigorous in content but shorter in duration, while ACCA offers more flexibility and a gradual progression approach.
Becoming a CPA is challenging. It's difficult to meet the various state requirements, and passing the test is one of the most challenging obstacles you will encounter.
Career advancement: The CPA designation is widely recognized in the UK and can help open doors to new career opportunities and advancement.
A CPA's salary is often in the high five figures, with senior CPAs in management earning six figures. CPAs work in a variety of sectors, including forensic accounting, tax preparation, auditing, bookkeeping, and information technology, in both the commercial and public sectors, as well as for the federal government.
Absolutely. While public accounting firms highly value CPA certification, corporate employers, government agencies, and non-profit organizations also prefer CPA-certified candidates for senior financial positions. The credential provides credibility and expertise valuable across all sectors.
Certified Public Accountants
You'll find plenty of public accounting jobs that require travel, although the travel could be local travel. CPAs audit publicly traded companies to ensure their accounting procedures are accurate and comply with industry-accepted methods and principles.
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.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.
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.
Despite a great deal of aspiration and optimism across the UK, the reality is that most people aren't on track to reach the multi-millions they believe are needed to feel wealthy. According to data from the ONS, median household wealth in Britain is around £290,000, a long way off the £3 million mark*.
The average pay range for a 180 000 varies greatly (by as much as 9900), which suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location and years of experience. California ranks number 50 out of 50 states nationwide for 180 000 salaries.