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Create CVIf you’re searching for “junior accountant UK salary,” you’re not just looking for an average number. You want to understand what junior accountants actually earn in the UK, how salaries vary by employer and qualification, and how to position yourself to move up faster.
This guide breaks down junior accountant salaries through the lens of real hiring behaviour. It explains how recruiters assess candidates, what drives salary differences, and how early-career accountants can significantly outperform their peers.
Entry-level / Trainee Accountant: £20,000 to £26,000
Junior Accountant (0–2 years): £24,000 to £32,000
Part-qualified Accountant: £30,000 to £40,000
London salaries: £28,000 to £38,000
Top firms / finance hubs: £35,000 to £45,000 (part-qualified)
Base salary is only part of the picture. Real earnings can include:
Study support (worth £3,000 to £10,000 annually)
Before salary makes sense, you need clarity on role scope.
Preparing financial statements
Assisting with audits
Managing accounts payable and receivable
Reconciling accounts
Supporting tax compliance
At junior level, employers are not expecting expertise. They are assessing:
Accuracy and attention to detail
This is one of the biggest salary differentiators.
£22,000 to £28,000
Slower progression
Limited ceiling early on
£26,000 to £35,000 (early stage)
£35,000 to £45,000 (part-qualified)
Bonuses (5% to 15%)
Overtime or project-based pay
Recruiter insight: Employers don’t just pay for experience. They pay for trajectory. Your salary reflects your perceived future value, not just current ability.
Learning speed
Commercial awareness
Reliability under deadlines
Candidates studying ACA (Big 4 or Top 10 firms) are often perceived as higher calibre due to training intensity. This directly impacts salary offers.
Graduate salary: £28,000 to £35,000
Structured progression
High brand value
£24,000 to £32,000
Good training + better work-life balance
£25,000 to £35,000
Often higher pay earlier
Less structured training
£22,000 to £30,000
Broad exposure
Slower progression
Your first employer heavily shapes your long-term salary trajectory.
London
South East
Manchester (growing finance hub)
North East
Wales
Smaller towns
Cost of living
Employer competition
Industry concentration
Qualification status (critical)
Employer brand (Big 4 premium)
Technical skills (Excel, financial systems)
Internship experience
Communication skills
Hiring managers consistently prioritise candidates who understand:
How the business makes money
Financial impact of decisions
Industry-specific challenges
“I have basic accounting knowledge and want to grow.”
Part-qualified ACCA candidate with hands-on experience in month-end close, financial reporting, and variance analysis within a fast-paced commercial environment.
“I assisted with financial tasks.”
Supported month-end reporting process, reducing reconciliation discrepancies by 15% through improved data accuracy.
Not pursuing professional qualifications early
Staying too long in low-growth roles
Lack of measurable achievements
Weak CV positioning
Start ACCA, ACA, or CIMA immediately
Gain hands-on experience in month-end and reporting
Move companies strategically every 18–24 months
Build strong Excel and financial systems skills
Position your CV around impact, not tasks
From a hiring perspective, standout candidates show:
Clear progression mindset
Evidence of responsibility growth
Strong academic or qualification trajectory
Confidence in explaining financial data
These candidates:
Get shortlisted faster
Receive higher salary offers
Progress more quickly
Structured training
Strong technical foundation
Lower early salary, higher long-term value
Higher early salary
Faster exposure to business operations
Less structured progression
Top earners often:
Start in practice
Move into industry post-qualification
Qualification speed (fast-track exams)
Employer quality (brand matters)
Skill depth (Excel, systems, reporting)
Strategic job moves
Name: Emily Carter
Location: London, UK
Title: Junior Accountant (ACCA Part-Qualified)
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented Junior Accountant with 2+ years of experience supporting financial reporting, reconciliations, and month-end processes within a fast-paced commercial environment. ACCA part-qualified with strong analytical skills and a proven ability to improve financial accuracy and efficiency.
Key Skills
Financial Reporting
Account Reconciliation
Month-End Close
Excel (Advanced)
Variance Analysis
Accounts Payable & Receivable
Professional Experience
Junior Accountant – Finance Department, London
2023 – Present
Supported month-end close process, reducing reporting delays by 20%
Performed account reconciliations across 50+ accounts with improved accuracy
Assisted in financial statement preparation and audit support
Accounts Assistant – SME Business, UK
2021 – 2023
Managed accounts payable and receivable processes
Reduced invoice discrepancies by 15% through improved tracking
Assisted in budgeting and forecasting activities
Education
BSc Accounting & Finance – University of Birmingham
Certifications
Key Achievements
Recognised for improving reconciliation accuracy
Promoted within 18 months based on performance
Moderate salary
High learning curve
Study commitments
Strong earning potential
High job security
Clear progression pathway
Key trends shaping salaries:
Increased demand for finance professionals
Automation shifting focus to analysis skills
Higher value placed on business partnering
Rising salaries for qualified accountants
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