Part-Qualified Accountant Salary: ACCA, CIMA and ACA Compared

How Exam Progress Drives Pay

Part-qualified accountant salaries are closely tied to exam progression. Employers broadly reward candidates as they pass more papers, with significant jumps on qualification. London roles typically pay 20-30% more than equivalent roles outside the capital.

ACCA Salary by Stage

Applied Knowledge papers complete: 22,000-28,000 regions, 28,000-35,000 London. Applied Skills papers complete: 28,000-35,000 regions, 35,000-45,000 London. Strategic Professional complete: 38,000-48,000 regions, 48,000-60,000 London. Newly qualified (including PER): 45,000-55,000 regions, 55,000-70,000 London.

CIMA Salary by Stage

Operational level: 24,000-30,000 regions, 30,000-38,000 London. Management level: 30,000-38,000 regions, 38,000-48,000 London. Strategic level and newly qualified: 42,000-52,000 regions, 52,000-65,000 London.

ACA (ICAEW) Salary by Stage

Most ACA trainees study in practice. Big 4 starting salaries: 26,000-32,000 (regional) to 32,000-38,000 (London). Mid-tier firms: 22,000-28,000. On qualification (typically 3 years): Big 4 newly qualified 48,000-60,000 in London, with immediate options to move into industry at 55,000-75,000.

What Boosts Part-Qualified Pay

Passing exams rapidly signals ability. Working in financial services or PE-backed businesses typically pays more than practice at this stage. Demonstrating commercial skills beyond technical accounting — financial modelling, business partnering, stakeholder management — accelerates salary progression significantly.