All careers
Finance
Accountant / Finance Professional
Help businesses and people manage money, tax, risk and investment decisions.
Key skills
NumeracyAttention to detailIntegrityCommunication
Ways in
UniversityApprenticeshipStraight into work
Typical prerequisites
- Professional qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) — school-leaver routes common
Alternative routes
- Bookkeeper
- Financial analyst
- Actuary
Route milestones
- 1
AAT / apprenticeship / degree
Around year 0–3
- 2
Chartered qualification
Around year 3–5
- 3
Manager
Around year 5–8
- 4
Finance director / CFO
Around year 12+
Progression: Trainee → qualified → manager → finance director.
Indicative pay bands
Starting out£24,000 – £32,000
Experienced£45,000 – £65,000
Senior / top end£75,000 – £150,000
Indicative example estimates compiled October 2026 for planning conversations only. Pay varies by region, employer, sector and hours. Always verify with official sources such as the National Careers Service.
Verify on National Careers ServiceContribution & impact
Keeps organisations sustainable, honest and investable.