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ACA newly qualified salary guide

16 December 2014 Candidate Blogs
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Congratulations – you’re ACA qualified! Now it’s time to understand your options.

We’ve created this guide to provide you with insight into how salary rates vary and which sectors provide the most opportunity to progress your career, to help you make an informed decision as to what career path to choose.

Average salary rates by sector:

 

Corporate

SME

Premium     

Interim rates    

Property

£50,000-£55,000

£35,000-£50,000

£5,000

£200-£250

Energy

£45,000-£50,000

£40,000-£45,000

£3,000

£200-£275

Technology

£45,000-£50,000

£44,000-£48,000

£4,000

£200-£250

Media

£40,000-£48,000

£35,000-£40,000

£2,000

£180-£250

Retail

£35,000-£45,000

£35,000-£40,000

£3,000

£180-£250

Financial services

£48,000-£58,000

£45,000-£50,000

£5,000

£250-£320

Legal

£50,000-£55,000

£45,000-£50,000

£5,000

£200-£250

FMCG

£45,000 - £50,000

£40,000 - £48,000

£3,000

£200-£250

 

 

Property/real estate


Property investment is a very buoyant market for newly qualified ACA candidates entering this sector, with the high expectation of clients raising salary requirements to the upper levels.

£55k is an achievable salary for exceptional ACA candidates. Candidates with property/corporate finance experience can expect this to increase to around £60k.

Bonus potential within this industry is usually based on company and individual performance.  

Energy    


Newly qualified ACA candidates in this sector can expect above average salaries, typically around £45k, or more for those candidates with specific industry experience.

Start-up renewable energy companies have varied budgets however, depending on their size, level of funding and their life-cycle position, so this will vary.

Bonuses and benefits are generally better than average in the energy sector.

Technology & telecoms    


In this industry there is more of a focus on experience and sector background rather than a specific demand for newly qualified ACA candidates.

Typical salaries range from £40k to £50k depending on the turnover of the business. With a high proportion of technology clients start-up/entrepreneurial in nature, salaries tend to be a little lower with other incentives on offer as part of the compensation package.  
  

Media    


This is an industry of choice for many ACA candidates with the opportunity to work in a creative environment. Working for a brand business or for a client with a tangible product is often a very attractive incentive.

Because of the high demand from candidates to enter this market base salaries tend to be slightly lower than average. Typical salaries range between £36k and £45k.  

Retail    


As with the media industry retail is very popular with newly qualified ACA candidates, particularly the luxury brands. Candidates tend to be a lot more flexible with the type of role to get into the market and gain experience in the industry.

Retail and marketing analyst roles are the most popular jobs for candidates looking to move into retail.

Retail client experience can also give candidates the edge over qualified accountants without experience in this market. A large number of analysts and finance managers gain experience within the role.

Financial Services

    
The financial services market continues to be turbulent for both clients and candidates.

Clients recruiting consistently through 2012 include asset and investment managers and insurance companies. However other financial services clients have a degree of unease in this market.

Limited recruitment by tier 1 investment banks has reduced the number of opportunities for ACA candidates to move directly into banking. A number of ACA candidates with 0-2 years part-qualified experience continue to work for banks but are looking to move on given the current climate.

Legal & consultancy

    
Many of the Magic and Silver Circle firms tend to look for experience over qualification, however there is still real interest in recruiting newly qualified ACA candidates.

Experience of auditing law firms and having SAR experience is an advantage.

For smaller law firms and consultancy businesses the average entry level salary is around £45k.
 

FMCG 

   
The FMCG sector is a competitive market with high expectations placed on candidates. Candidates are attracted to this market by high profile consumer goods clients, leading to strong competition and demand for job opportunities.

Salary levels tend to be slightly lower than other top paying markets due to the career opportunities on offer, however candidates can generally expect a better work-life balance within this industry.
 

Not for profit


For candidates looking for an improved work-life balance the not for profit sector would be a good career move.

Although salaries are generally lower in this sector candidates are usually attracted by the benefits on offer. These tend to include flexible working hours, longer annual leave allowance and a more relaxed working environment.

For those moving into the charity sector the prospect of a more fulfilling and rewarding career is also a big factor.

What’s next?


Still unsure as to how to choose the best career path for you? Read our ‘next steps’ guide to help you make an informed decision.

At Morgan Hunt, we understand what clients look for in newly qualified candidates. We work closely with you to provide advice and guidance, ensuring you make the best career move.

Get in touch today – call Rob Anderson on 0207 419 8909 or emailrob.anderson@morganhunt.com.

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