Accounts Roles Salary Bands in Accountancy Practice (London vs UK-Wide)

Hiring or job-hunting in practice can feel messy because “accounts” titles aren’t always consistent between firms. Below is a clear, practical guide to typical salary bands for core accounts roles in accountancy practice, split into London and UK-wide (outside London).

These figures are designed to be a helpful benchmark, not a promise. The right number depends on the firm, the role scope, and the person’s experience and qualification progress.

Quick salary bands (typical ranges)

London

Role	Typical base salary band
Accounts Assistant	£28,000–£35,000
Semi Senior	£35,000–£45,000
Senior	£45,000–£60,000
Assistant Manager	£55,000–£70,000
Manager	£65,000–£85,000
Senior Manager	£80,000–£110,000
Partner	£120,000–£250,000+

UK-wide (outside London)

Role	Typical base salary band
Accounts Assistant	£22,000–£28,000
Semi Senior	£28,000–£36,000
Senior	£36,000–£48,000
Assistant Manager	£45,000–£58,000
Manager	£55,000–£75,000
Senior Manager	£70,000–£95,000
Partner	£90,000–£200,000+

What counts as “Accounts” in practice?

In most firms, these roles sit in accounts production / general practice and can include:

• Year-end accounts preparation
• Management accounts (depending on the firm)
• Corporation tax basics (often alongside accounts work)
• VAT returns
• Bookkeeping oversight or review
• Client relationship management (increasing with seniority)
• Reviewing and signing off work (manager+)

Some firms will blend accounts and tax more heavily than others, so job titles can be misleading. The best way to benchmark is to compare scope, portfolio size, and review responsibility, not just the title.

What impacts salary the most?

1) Qualification level (AAT / ACA / ACCA)

Qualification progress is one of the biggest drivers of salary in practice.

• Accounts Assistant: Often studying AAT (or early-stage ACA/ACCA). Strong bookkeeping experience can lift the band.
• Semi Senior: Typically part-qualified (AAT Level 3/4, or ACA/ACCA part-qualified). Exposure to year-ends and client contact matters.
• Senior: Usually AAT qualified or ACA/ACCA part-qualified to finalist. Review capability and independence are key.
• Assistant Manager / Manager: Commonly ACA/ACCA qualified (or qualified by experience in some firms). Managing a portfolio and reviewing others’ work becomes central.
• Senior Manager: Strong portfolio leadership, complex clients, and team management. Often a clear route into partnership.
• Partner: Remuneration varies widely based on equity vs salaried partner, firm size, and business development expectations.

2) Portfolio size and client complexity

Two “Manager” roles can be very different.

Salary tends to rise with:

• Larger portfolios
• More complex entities (groups, consolidations, audits, specialist sectors)
• Higher fee levels and advisory exposure
• Strong client-facing responsibility

3) Firm type and brand

• Top 10 / larger mid-tier often pay more, but may have tighter role definitions.
• Independent firms can be more flexible and may offer faster progression, broader exposure, and better work-life balance.

4) Hybrid working and travel expectations

London salaries can be influenced by:

• Required office days
• Client site visits
• Commute expectations

5) Benefits and total package

Base salary is only part of the picture. Common additions include:

• Study support (fees, tuition, paid study leave)
• Bonus (personal or firm-wide)
• Pension contributions
• Private medical (more common at manager+)
• Enhanced annual leave

Hiring tip: how to keep offers competitive

If you’re hiring, the quickest way to lose a strong accounts candidate is to benchmark only on title.

A better approach:

1. Define the real scope (prep vs review, portfolio size, client contact)
2. Clarify qualification expectations (AAT vs ACA/ACCA, and study support)
3. Align salary to responsibility, then add a clear progression plan

FAQs

Are these figures base salary only?

Yes. These are typical base salary bands. Bonus, study support, and benefits can materially change the overall package.

Why are London bands higher?

London roles often reflect a mix of higher cost of living, market competition, and in some cases more complex client portfolios.

Does AAT vs ACA/ACCA make a difference?

Often, yes. In many firms, ACA/ACCA progression can unlock higher bands at senior and management levels. That said, strong AAT-qualified professionals can still command excellent salaries, especially with review capability and client ownership.

What about “qualified by experience” (QBE)?

QBE candidates can sit anywhere in these bands depending on scope, portfolio, and review responsibility. The market generally rewards proven output and client ownership.

Want a tailored benchmark for your firm or your next move?

If you’d like a quick, confidential chat, share:

• Your current title and responsibilities
• Your qualification status (AAT/ACA/ACCA)
• Your portfolio size and client type
• Your location and working pattern

We’ll give you a realistic view of the market and what a strong offer (or next step) looks like.