Answers · UK 2025/26

What is a qualified accountant's salary and take-home pay in the UK?

A newly qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) in the UK typically earns around £42,000 to £48,000 outside London. On a representative £45,000 salary in 2026/27, take-home pay after Income Tax (£6,486) and National Insurance (£2,594.40) is £35,919.60 a year, or about £2,993.30 a month.

Last updated: 3 July 2026Last reviewed: 3 July 2026How we verify

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Newly qualified accountants who have completed their ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification typically see a significant salary jump compared with trainee pay, with UK-wide averages outside London commonly in the £40,000 to £48,000 range, rising further with post-qualification experience or a move into industry, management accountancy or a Big Four firm. Taking a representative newly qualified salary of £45,000 for 2026/27: taxable income after the £12,570 Personal Allowance is £32,430, entirely within the 20% basic rate band, giving £6,486 Income Tax. National Insurance is 8% of £32,430, which is £2,594.40. Combined deductions of £9,080.40 leave £35,919.60 take-home a year, around £2,993.30 a month. Accountants working for accountancy practices during their training contract are typically paid considerably less -- often £22,000 to £28,000 -- while study support and exam fees are usually covered by the employer separately and are not taxable if provided as part of a genuine training arrangement. Many accountants, particularly those moving into senior or finance director roles, eventually cross the £50,270 higher-rate threshold, after which pension contributions become an increasingly efficient way to reduce the marginal 40% (or higher, above £100,000) tax rate on additional income.