2025 UK Finance and Accounting Salary Guide and Market Trends

Despite recent economic headwinds, 52% of finance and accounting hiring managers are planning to expand their permanent headcount, and a further 40% will be adding talent on a project basis.

Professionals in accounting, financial control and reporting are most in demand, with skills in data analytics, business intelligence tools and automation of most interest to employers. With finance talent shortages across the board, manufacturing, retail, real estate and utilities are among the sectors currently most recruiting staff.

Automation is a hot topic, with 67% of firms encouraging their staff to explore generative AI tools for the enhancement of day-to-day routine tasks and improved productivity. Also, 50% of leaders are already planning for internal gen AI upskilling programmes, while 34% are introducing AI mentorship programmes to ensure their employees don’t fall behind the AI curve.

45% of finance and accounting employees are expecting pay increases to keep pace with the cost of living, and 20% would consider resigning if their expectations aren’t met. Nonetheless, with tight budgets businesses need to be active with their retention strategies. Finance leaders are planning new perks and benefits for their staff, such as agreed bonuses (19%), flexible benefits (19%) and dental insurance (15%). Flexible working is another benefit businesses need to pay attention to, with many candidates valuing hybrid models that help them balance professional and personal life.

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Enter your region to localise national average salaries. Starting salaries can vary greatly depending on a professional’s skills and experience, the company’s size, and demand for the role.

Corporate accounting

Accounting operations

Commercial accounting

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

126250

171750

202000

Group Finance Director

110750

126250

141500

Finance Director

91000

106000

123250

Shared Service Centre Director

91000

111000

131250

Group Financial Controller

80750

101000

121250

Financial Controller

65750

81750

90000

Finance Manager

54500

63000

67000

Group/Financial Reporting Accountant

55500

60500

65750

Qualified Management/Financial Accountant

51500

57250

63500

Director of Audit & Risk

91000

96000

106250

Internal Audit Manager

58500

66000

71500

Internal Auditor

51000

54500

59750

Treasury Manager

66000

74000

79250

Treasury Accountant

53250

57500

61500

Tax Manager

70750

80750

91000

Tax Accountant

53250

57500

62750

25th Percentile

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications

Top jobs in finance and accounting

Financial controller

Management / Financial accountant

FP&A manager

Finance business partner

Financial controller

Accounts Assistant

FP&A manager

Management / Financial accountant

Functional areas that businesses are most likely to hire finance and accounting talent

Accounting operations

Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)

Payroll

Leadership and management

Top technical skills in finance and accounting

Financial reporting

Data analytics / Business intelligence tools

Technical accounting

Automation

Big data analysis

Automation / Business intelligence tools

Niche ERP tools

Industry/business know-how

Top soft skills in finance and accounting

Critical thinking

Leadership

Problem solving

Creative thinking

How much should I pay or earn?

Top certifications and degrees in finance and accounting

ACA

ACCA / CIMA

AAT

CTA

Top industries for finance and accounting specialists

Manufacturing

Retail

Real estate / property / facilities

Utilities / Renewable energy

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The salaries listed in the Salary Guide from Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process to ensure our projections accurately reflect the marketplace. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has matched with employers across the UK and third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use to independently validate the salary ranges.

The salaries listed in the salary tables represent starting compensation only, meaning pay for someone new to a company in the position listed. Our estimates do not include bonuses, benefits or perks. We report salaries in percentiles and ranges, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.

Non-salary data referenced in this Salary Guide is based on an online survey developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm. During June and July 2024 Robert Half commissioned research amongst 1,500 respondents using an online data collection methodology. The respondents represent 500 hiring managers and 1,000 workers in finance and accounting, IT and technology, administrative and office support, marketing and creative, and the financial services industry. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly listed and public sector organisations across the UK.

Disclaimer The Salary Guide is solely for noncommercial use, and the copyright is the exclusive property of Robert Half. This guide cannot be reproduced or disseminated in any part without Robert Half’s written permission. ©2024 Robert Half Inc. An Equal Opportunity Employer.