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Accounting & Finance Graduate Salary

Big 4 graduate schemes start at £30-35k with rapid progression through qualifications

Starting Salary
£26,000
£1,853/month take home
Mid-Career Salary
£50,000
£3,293/month take home

All Graduate Salaries Compared

DegreeStartingMid-CareerTake Home/Mo (Start)
Computer Science£32,000£55,000£2,213
Medicine£32,398£65,000£2,237
Law£25,000£45,000£1,793
Engineering£28,000£48,000£1,973
Accounting & Finance£26,000£50,000£1,853
Economics£28,000£50,000£1,973
Nursing£29,970£38,000£2,092
Architecture£24,000£42,000£1,733
Marketing£24,000£40,000£1,733
Teaching£31,650£43,607£2,192
Psychology£22,000£35,000£1,613
English & Humanities£22,000£32,000£1,613
Business Management£25,000£42,000£1,793
Maths & Statistics£28,000£55,000£1,973
Art & Design£20,000£30,000£1,493
Biology£22,000£35,000£1,613
Chemistry£24,000£40,000£1,733
Physics£26,000£50,000£1,853
Pharmacy£33,000£45,000£2,273
Dentistry£33,000£55,000£2,273

Career Outlook for Accounting Finance Graduates

Accounting and finance graduates have strong employment prospects, particularly when pursuing professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). The UK's position as a global financial centre ensures consistent demand. Graduates entering training contracts at Big Four firms or major corporates see rapid salary progression upon qualification.

Typical First Roles and Career Paths

Common first roles include trainee accountant, audit associate, financial analyst, accounts assistant, and tax associate. Training contracts at accounting firms combine work with study towards professional qualifications (3 years). Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) recruit thousands of graduates annually for audit, tax, advisory, and consulting roles.

Tips for Accounting Finance Graduates

The salary jump upon qualification is significant — typically from £28,000 to £40,000-£50,000 immediately. Qualifying while with a firm means your study costs are covered (worth £10,000-£15,000). Consider accountant salary guide for the full career trajectory. Industry moves after qualification often boost salary further.

Student Loan Repayments

Accounting graduates on £28,000 repay approximately £6/month on Plan 2. Once qualified (typically by 25-27), salaries of £40,000+ result in higher but manageable repayments.