Accountant Salary Cardiff 2026: Pay Guide by Level and Qualification

Accountant Salaries in Cardiff

Cardiff is Wales's capital and the dominant finance centre in Wales, with major employers including Admiral, Legal & General, Principality Building Society, HMRC, and the Welsh Government. Salaries are generally 15–20% below London but with significantly lower living costs, particularly housing.

Salary by Qualification Level

• Part-qualified (studying ACCA/CIMA): £23,000–£32,000
• Newly qualified ACCA or CIMA: £35,000–£48,000
• Senior Accountant / Finance Manager: £46,000–£62,000
• Financial Controller: £58,000–£80,000
• Finance Director / CFO: £75,000–£125,000

Cardiff Finance Market

Cardiff's finance sector is dominated by financial services (insurance is particularly strong with Admiral headquartered here), public sector finance (Welsh Government, NHS Wales, local authorities), and professional services. The city has benefited from significant inward investment and is growing as a location for financial services operations.

Public Sector Finance in Cardiff

The Welsh Government and associated public bodies employ large numbers of finance professionals, and public sector pay scales are competitive in Cardiff relative to private sector alternatives. CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) qualification is widely respected here alongside ACCA and CIMA.

Further Reading

• ACCA Qualification
• CIMA Qualification
• CPD Courses for Qualified Accountants

Study with Learnsignal

Learnsignal supports finance professionals across Wales with ACCA, CIMA, and CPD courses. Start today.

FAQ

Is ACCA or CIMA better for a Cardiff finance career?

Both are valued. CIMA is slightly stronger in the private sector finance roles at companies like Admiral; ACCA is preferred for practice and public sector roles. CIPFA is worth considering if public sector finance is your goal.