PQ accountants are on the move, with nearly two out of every three (62%) looking to move jobs in 2026, according to the latest Hays UK salary guide.
Hays warned employers that their PQs will look elsewhere if progression routes in their current organisation aren’t clear. This lack of clarity pushes PQs to explore salary, learning and development, and hybrid flexibility elsewhere.
When it comes to pay PQs received pay rises of around 4.6% last year. That is slightly down on the previous year (6.2%), but the rise is double the overall UK average of 2.2%.
And, while 63% are happy (satisfied) with their current salary, that left 37% dissatisfied. The big reason for the dissatisfaction was employers not recognising individual performance.
PQs studying both CIMA and ACCA saw bigger pay rises than the other bodies, and the differential seems to be growing. ACCA and CIMA finalists in the South West can now expect a cool £50,000 for their services, and those working in the capital should be on £60,000.
In stark contrast an ACA finalist in London can expect on average to take home £46,000, and a CIPFA finalist is on slightly more at £48,000. However, CIPFA salaries for finalist in the West Midlands shot up by £5,000 year-on-year, to £45,000 last year.
But the further north you go the lower the salaries generally become – a CIPFA PQ in North East England receives £33,000 a year on average.
Karen Young, director at Hays Accountancy and Finance (pictured) said: “2026 will favour future-ready PQs who combine technical expertise with adaptability, data fluency, and a proactive approach to progression. Employers are hiring, salaries remain competitive, and skills-based pathways are expanding, position yourself to take advantage.”
Check out our full story (on the cover), and all the salaries (on page 18) of the latest issue – out now: https://issuu.com/pqpublishing/docs/pq_magazine_february_2026
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