The United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive destinations for international professionals seeking high-paying roles in Accounting and Finance. Jobs that offer £55,000 or more per year (approximately $70,000 USD depending on exchange rates) are increasingly accessible to skilled overseas candidates, especially after the introduction of the Skilled Worker visa and the expansion of shortage occupation lists in recent years. Major financial hubs such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, and Leeds continue to experience strong demand for qualified accountants, financial analysts, tax specialists, auditors, financial controllers, and finance managers.

The £55,000 salary threshold is significant because it usually satisfies the minimum salary requirement for most Skilled Worker visa routes (the general threshold is the higher of £38,700 or the “going rate” for the occupation, but many senior accounting and finance roles easily exceed £55,000). International applicants from countries including India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, the United States, Australia, and EU nations regularly secure these positions through employer sponsorship.

This guide covers visa routes, in-demand roles paying £55,000+, top hiring companies, qualification recognition, recruitment process, regional salary differences, and cost of living considerations.

Main Visa Routes for International Accountants and Finance Professionals

1. Skilled Worker Visa (most common route) Requires a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor, Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), English language proficiency (IELTS 4.0 or higher in each component or equivalent), and meeting the minimum salary threshold.
2. Global Talent Visa (for exceptional leaders) Suitable for distinguished finance directors, chief financial officers, or fintech innovators endorsed by bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW, or CIMA.
3. High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Available to recent graduates from top 50 global universities (past 5 years).
4. Graduate Visa (Post-Study Work) Allows international students who completed a UK degree to stay and work for 2–3 years without sponsorship.
5. Scale-up Visa Growing route for fast-track sponsorship by high-growth UK companies.

In-Demand Accounting and Finance Roles Paying £55,000 and Above

• Financial Controller (average £65,000–£110,000)
• Finance Manager (£55,000–£85,000)
• Group Accountant (£55,000–£80,000)
• Tax Manager (Corporate / Personal / Transfer Pricing) (£60,000–£120,000)
• Internal Audit Manager (£58,000–£90,000)
• External Audit Manager (Big 4 and Mid-Tier) (£58,000–£78,000)
• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Manager (£60,000–£95,000)
• Treasury Manager (£65,000–£110,000)
• Risk Manager (Financial / Credit / Operational) (£60,000–£100,000)
• Forensic Accountant (£55,000–£90,000)
• Management Accountant (CIMA qualified) (£55,000–£75,000)
• Finance Business Partner (£58,000–£85,000)
• Corporate Finance Manager (M&A) (£70,000–£130,000+)
• Fund Accountant (Private Equity / Hedge Fund) (£55,000–£90,000)
• Systems Accountant (ERP implementation) (£60,000–£85,000)

Top Hiring Companies and Organizations that Regularly Sponsor International Candidates

1. Big 4 Accounting and Professional Services Firms

The Big 4—PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, and EY—remain the most consistent sponsors of international accounting and finance professionals. They hire globally for roles in audit, tax, advisory, consulting, and financial reporting. These firms have established immigration teams and clear processes for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, making them highly reliable for international applicants.

2. Mid-Tier and Specialist Accounting Firms

Several mid-tier and specialist accounting firms also sponsor experienced accountants from abroad. Firms such as Grant Thornton, BDO, RSM, Mazars, and Crowe regularly recruit international auditors, tax specialists, and financial reporting professionals. These firms often offer quicker recruitment cycles and may be more accessible than the Big 4 while still providing sponsorship and competitive salaries.

3. Major Banks and Financial Institutions

Large UK and multinational banks—including HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, and Standard Chartered—frequently sponsor skilled finance professionals. These roles may include risk management, financial analysis, regulatory reporting, corporate banking, internal audit, and compliance. Banks often prefer internationally experienced candidates, particularly those with strong technical accounting or risk backgrounds.

4. Multinational Corporations (Non-Audit)

Beyond audit and banking, many large multinational companies sponsor finance, accounting, FP&A, and business-support roles. These include global firms in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and consumer goods. They commonly seek qualified accountants for internal finance, financial control, reporting, and transformation roles, offering strong career stability and competitive salary packages.

5. Consulting and Advisory Firms

Specialist consulting firms—particularly those involved in finance transformation, ERP implementation, restructuring, corporate finance, and management consulting—also sponsor overseas candidates. Demand is especially high for professionals with experience in SAP, Oracle, Workday, or financial systems transformation, as these skills are in short supply in the UK.

Professional Qualification Recognition in the UK

Most UK employers accept the following international qualifications for £55,000+ roles:

Fully Recognized (no further exams usually required) ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) ICAEW (England & Wales) CA ANZ (Australia & New Zealand) CPA Australia CA India (ICAI) + MOU pathway CPA Canada U.S. CPA (with IQEX exam or mutual recognition in some cases)

Partially Recognized (may need top-up papers) CIMA (usually fully accepted) CA South Africa (SAICA) CMA (USA)

Salary Variations by Region (Base Salary for Experienced Professionals)

London (Inner): £65,000–£120,000 London (Outer): £55,000–£85,000 Manchester / Birmingham / Leeds: £52,000–£80,000 Edinburgh / Glasgow: £50,000–£78,000 Bristol / Reading: £53,000–£82,000 Remote / Hybrid roles: £55,000–£90,000 (increasing trend)

Typical Recruitment and Relocation Package for International Hires

Base salary: £55,000–£90,000 Annual bonus: 10–30% Visa sponsorship and legal fees covered Relocation allowance: £8,000–£15,000 (common at Big 4) Flight tickets for employee and family Temporary accommodation (2–8 weeks) Private medical insurance Pension contribution 8–15% Professional subscription fees paid (ACCA, CIMA, etc.) Settling-in support and spouse job search assistance

Step-by-Step Application Process for International Candidates

1. Ensure qualifications are recognized (ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA preferred).
2. Update CV to UK format (2 pages maximum, no photo, focus on achievements).
3. Register with specialist recruiters (see below).
4. Apply directly on company career pages and LinkedIn.
5. Prepare for competency-based interviews and case studies.
6. Complete online numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning tests.
7. Attend virtual or in-person assessment centres.
8. Receive formal offer and Certificate of Sponsorship.
9. Apply for Skilled Worker visa (processing 3–8 weeks).
10. Relocate and start role.

FAQs

Do I need a UK-specific qualification to earn £55,000+?

No. You do not need a UK-only qualification. Internationally recognised accounting bodies such as ACCA, ICAEW ACA, CIMA, CA India (via the MOU), CPA Australia, and CA ANZ are accepted by most UK employers. These qualifications are considered equivalent in technical standards, meaning you can compete directly with UK-trained accountants for mid-senior roles paying £55,000 and above.

Is £55,000 enough to live comfortably in London as an international hire?

Yes—for a single professional or a couple without children, £55,000 is generally comfortable.
After income tax and National Insurance, your take-home salary is roughly £3,400–£3,700 per month.

Typical London budget on this salary:

• Rent (Zone 2–3, one-bed): £1,400–£2,000

• Transport (Oyster/travel card): £150

• Food/groceries: £350–£450

• Utilities/mobile: £150–£200

This usually leaves room for savings, travel, or leisure.

Can my spouse work if I get a Skilled Worker visa?

Yes. Dependants of Skilled Worker visa holders have full, unrestricted work rights. Your spouse can work in any role, switch employers freely, and even start a business.

How long does the entire process take from application to starting work?

The full timeline is typically 4–9 months, broken down as:

• Recruitment process: 3–6 months

• Visa processing: 3–8 weeks

• Notice period (if applicable): 1–3 months

Some candidates move faster if they are immediately available.

Are Big 4 firms still sponsoring international candidates in 2025–2026?

Yes. Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG continue to sponsor roles in audit, tax, and advisory, particularly at manager or experienced-senior levels. Salaries commonly start at £58,000–£70,000 and increase with specialisation.

Is IFRS knowledge mandatory?

While not always “mandatory,” IFRS knowledge is highly preferred. Most international qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, and ICAEW already train members extensively in IFRS, giving overseas applicants a strong advantage.

What English language test is required?

For the Skilled Worker visa, eligible tests include:

• IELTS for UKVI (minimum 4.0 in each component)

• PTE Academic UKVI

• Trinity College London ISE

Applicants from many English-speaking countries—and some degree-holders taught in English—may already meet the requirement.

Do I need a job offer before moving to the UK?

Yes. For the Skilled Worker route, you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
Visitor visas and jobseeker visits do not allow you to work or switch into work visas while inside the UK.

Are remote £55,000+ accounting jobs available for people still living overseas?

Rare. Most employers offering salaries of £55,000+ require:

• Right to work in the UK, and

• Hybrid attendance (typically 2–3 days per week in the office).

Fully remote international roles at this salary level are extremely uncommon in accounting and finance.

Which cities outside London have the most £55,000+ finance jobs?

Major regional hubs with strong demand include:

• Manchester

• Edinburgh

• Birmingham

• Leeds

• Bristol

These cities offer lower living costs while still providing large corporate and financial-services employers.

Will UK employers pay for my ACCA/CIMA exam fees if I am not yet fully qualified?

Yes. Many Big 4 firms, mid-tier firms, and large corporates offer full study support, including:

• Exam fees

• Study materials

• Paid study leave

• Tuition support

Even candidates relocating from overseas can receive these packages.

Is it easier to get sponsored as a tax specialist than a general accountant?

Often, yes. Specialist roles such as corporate tax, transfer pricing, and international tax are in higher shortage and can command salaries from £65,000 to £120,000. These roles are frequently prioritised for sponsorship due to limited UK domestic supply.

Can I bring children, and do they get free education?

Yes. Dependant children can accompany you to the UK, and they are entitled to free state education. You only need to pay the standard Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for dependants.

What is the current skill shortage situation in UK accounting?

The UK continues to face severe shortages in:

• Audit

• Tax

• Financial reporting

• Systems accounting

• Financial planning & analysis

Demand significantly exceeds domestic supply, which drives continued sponsorship of skilled international professionals.

Is experience with SAP, Oracle, or Workday valuable?

Extremely. ERP expertise is one of the strongest differentiators in the UK market.
Roles in systems accounting, finance transformation, and ERP implementation often pay £70,000–£100,000+ due to high demand and limited talent.