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Chartered public finance accountant : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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  • Range of typical starting salaries: £23,500 - £50,000, the higher end of the scale being paid in London and particularly by the big accountancy firms.
  • Range of typical salaries with two to three years' post-qualifying experience: £32,000 - £65,000.
  • Range of typical salaries at senior levels: £35,000 - £100,000 but there is potential to earn considerably more in certain circumstances.
  • Exact pay rates vary depending upon employer, location, experience and responsibility. Additional benefits such as share options, bonuses, health insurance, pension contributions and company cars are common. For further information on accountancy salaries see the Hays Accountancy Salary Guide .
  • During training there is a need to study whilst working, which requires commitment, dedication and long hours.
  • The average working week is usually between 35 and 40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, extra hours are often required at peak times of the year, and this will include late evening and weekend work. 
  • Most of the work is undertaken in an office setting, but some travel to meetings is required. Some jobs in this profession require intensive meetings and involve liaising with clients and key personnel, for example if working in a consultative or audit role.
  • Whilst the work is not generally pressured, specific periods, for example financial year ends, can be stressful. In addition, taking responsibility for the successful management of key financial resources can be demanding.
  • The profession is fairly evenly balanced between men and women with some increase in the number of female entrants.
  • Self-employment is sometimes possible for professionals with a good level of experience.
  • There are opportunities to work on a freelance basis, though again, this is more for those with experience or who have retired. Companies employ freelance staff when the workload is particularly heavy in areas such as audit work. Freelance work involves spending a lot of time away from one's desk and in a wide variety of employment environments.
  • After qualification, part-time careers and job-sharing are also possible ways of working.
  • Jobs exist in most areas throughout the country, particularly in cities and larger towns.
  • The role provides the satisfaction of working to support often vital not-for-profit and public sector services.
  • Absence from home at night is occasionally needed, but overseas travel is uncommon.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
August 2010
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