ACA (ICAEW) is the most valued professional accounting qualification in the UK. Newly qualified ACAs coming out of Big 4 and Top 10 practice in London are among the most sought-after candidates in the market. This guide covers 2026 salary benchmarks.
ACA Newly Qualified Salary London 2026
| Move | Salary Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| NQ staying in practice (Big 4) | £55,000–£70,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| NQ moving to financial services | £65,000–£85,000 | Robert Walters UK 2026 |
| NQ moving to industry (commerce) | £58,000–£75,000 | Huntress 2026 |
| NQ moving to fintech / tech | £65,000–£85,000 | Morgan McKinley UK 2026 |
ACA Salary Progression — London 2026
| Career Stage | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Newly Qualified ACA (NQ) | £55,000–£85,000 |
| 1–3 years PQE | £65,000–£90,000 |
| Finance Manager (3–6 yrs PQE) | £75,000–£110,000 |
| Financial Controller | £90,000–£140,000 |
| Head of Finance / FD | £120,000–£200,000+ |
ACA vs ACCA vs CIMA — Salary Difference in the UK
At newly qualified level, ACA commands a 10–20% premium over ACCA and CIMA in London — particularly in financial services and practice-adjacent roles. This premium narrows significantly at 4+ years PQE and is largely irrelevant at Financial Controller level and above.
Salary data sourced from the 2026 Robert Walters UK Salary Survey, Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends 2026, Morgan McKinley UK Salary Guide 2026 and Huntress 2026 Accounting & Finance Salary Guide. Figures are estimated market ranges for guidance only.