For employers

The 2026 salary guide: finance and accounting

What controllers, management accountants and finance directors are being offered across Manchester, Leeds and London.

Nadia Faulkner
Director

Qualified talent is still scarce

Demand for qualified accountants has outpaced supply for three years running. Strong financial controllers now expect a response within days, not weeks.

The bands we are seeing

Financial controllers in Manchester are landing between £60,000 and £72,000. Management accountants sit between £42,000 and £50,000, with study support now expected rather than offered.

What to do with this

Move fast on the shortlist, publish the band, and be clear about the route to finance director.

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