ACA vs ACCA vs CIMA Salary UK 2026 — Which Pays More?

ACA, ACCA and CIMA are the three main professional accounting qualifications held by UK finance professionals. Salary differences between them are significant at newly qualified level — and narrow considerably at 5+ years post-qualification. This guide uses 2026 data from Huntress, Robert Walters UK and Hays UK to compare the salary picture at each career stage.

Newly Qualified Salary — London 2026

The clearest qualification premium appears at the newly qualified stage. The 2026 Huntress guide provides specific data for London newly qualified accountants (0–2 years PQE):

At newly qualified level in London, ACA commands a minimum of £5,000 more than ACCA/CIMA, with a higher ceiling of £8.995,000 vs £8.990,000. The average is the same at £65,000 — reflecting the spread of sectors and employers.

Why ACA Commands a Premium at Newly Qualified Level

ACA (ICAEW) is trained in public practice — Big 4, mid-tier and regional firms — where trainees get broad audit and advisory exposure across multiple clients and sectors. This training background is highly valued by London financial services and technology employers who want the rigour of practice training without the cost of training someone from scratch.

ACCA and CIMA are trained across a wider range of environments including industry, commerce and public sector. CIMA in particular is valued in commercial and management accounting roles. At Big 4 trained level, the distinction matters most — a newly qualified ACA from Deloitte or KPMG typically commands the upper end of the range.

Mid-Career Salary Comparison — London 2026

Where ACCA Outperforms ACA

ACCA members have the advantage of broader international recognition and can work across more jurisdictions without additional qualification. In practice, ACCA performs comparably to ACA in commerce and industry roles at 3+ years PQE, particularly in FMCG, retail, manufacturing and public sector.

ACCA's Approved Employer network also means many employers value ACCA members for their practical industry experience gained during training — different from but not inferior to ACA's practice background.

Where CIMA Outperforms

CIMA is the qualification of choice for management and commercial accounting. CIMA members in FP&A, commercial finance and business partnering roles are highly valued — and in some sectors (FMCG, retail, manufacturing) CIMA is preferred over ACA. The CGMA designation (Chartered Global Management Accountant) adds international credibility.

The Qualification Gap at 5+ Years PQE

At Financial Controller and Head of Finance level, the qualification gap narrows significantly. An FC with 8 years of progressive experience managing a team, owning the audit and presenting to board level will command the same market rate regardless of whether their qualification is ACA, ACCA or CIMA. At this level, scope of experience, sector and company size matter more than letters after your name.

Thames Valley & Surrey — Newly Qualified 2026

Outside London, the Huntress 2026 guide shows ACA newly qualified starting from £55,000 in Thames Valley and Surrey — with ACCA/CIMA also from £55,000 at this level. The qualification premium outside London is less pronounced than in the capital.