UK FAQs
Frequently asked questions about UK accounting jobs
Find answers to your UK Accounting Jobs FAQs. Get tips about moving to the UK, learn about UK job opportunities and what Australian and New Zealand accountants earn.
Our insights are drawn from the experiences of more than 2,200 accountants we have successfully helped to find jobs in the UK over the last six years. Salary and contract information are updated monthly. UK visa information sourced from UK Visas and Immigration is updated quarterly.
Last updated: 21 May, 2026
Yes — and this is exactly when preparation matters most. While the market is more competitive than in previous years, the UK job market is still significantly larger than those in Australia and New Zealand, with strong demand for well-prepared candidates.
The key is knowing who to speak to and when, not just applying for jobs online.
Around 90–99% of Aussie and Kiwi accountants work in London, where the majority of accounting and finance opportunities are based. London offers the largest job market, the strongest recruiter networks, and the best access to contract roles.
The best time depends on your experience and preparation, not just the calendar.
Most candidates start their job search 3–6 months before arriving and secure roles within 4–6 weeks of being in London if they engage the right recruiters early.
Sometimes — but most UK recruiters prioritise candidates who are already in London and available to start immediately.
That said, starting early gives you a major advantage by building relationships with recruiters before you land.
Speak with friends and family already there as a starting point. If this is not an option, have a look at some popular flat-hunting websites such as SpareRoom, Gumtree, and Kiwis in London.
The Kiwis in London ‘Live Flats‘ link will give you an idea of current rental rates. Expect to pay a deposit and 4-6 weeks’ rent upfront when moving into a new flat.
Islington and Clapham are current favourite locations. West and South West London have long been popular with Aussies and Kiwis – Shepherds Bush, Acton, Hammersmith, Putney, Southfields, Wimbledon, and Wandsworth.
Wherever you decide to live, make sure it is close to public transport – London Underground, buses or trains.
The cost of living depends on where and how you like to live, and on what you consider necessities versus luxuries. Necessities (food, alcohol, clothing, and travel) are relatively cheap compared with those in Australia and New Zealand. It also depends on what you earn.
For a general comparison of the cost of living between London and cities in Australia and New Zealand, check out BudgetDirect.
Opening a bank account with a UK retail bank can be a frustrating and challenging process.
As a result, we suggest opening an account with WISE (before you depart) if your UK banking requirements are simply to receive and make payments. It should be all you need when you get there and is easy to set up and use. WISE also offers competitive international currency exchange rates, which can help if you plan to send money back home.
If you still require normal banking facilities, consider using either Lloyds Bank or HSBC. With Lloyds Bank, you simply need to present your passport and BRP. That is, you no longer have to provide proof of your UK address in the form of a bank statement and/or utility bill.
Alternatively, if you already have an HSBC Premier Account in Australia or New Zealand, you can use these details to open an account with HSBC in the UK.
You pay an Immigration Healthcare Surcharge as part of your UK visa application which entitles you to use the National Health Service (NHS) when you arrive.
To use the NHS, you need to find a local GP and register for the NHS at a local GP surgery.
If you do not already have an NHS number, it will be assigned to you during registration. You’ll get a registration letter in the post and your NHS number will be shown in the letter.
Another important reason for registering with a GP is to be eligible to get travel insurance while living in the UK.
To be eligible to apply for travel insurance in the UK, you must be registered with a GP and have been living in the UK for more than 6 months. It is therefore wise to take out travel insurance before moving to the UK.
After you have been in the UK for more than 6 months, Compare the Market and Money Supermarket are good websites for comparing the cover and cost of insurances offered by competing insurers.
During the UK tax year ending 5 April, Income tax and National Insurance are deducted from gross income by employers, according to the latest UK tax rates.
A National Insurance number (NI) is your personal identification in the UK tax system. Your National Insurance number will be on tax-related documents like your payslip or P60.
If you don’t have a UK passport, you will need a UK work visa. It’s that simple.
The most common UK work visa for Aussies and Kiwis is the Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) visa. If you have a grandparent born in the UK, you may qualify for the UK Ancestry visa.
A new UK visa option, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, is available if you have been awarded a qualification by an eligible Australian university.
Alternatively, if you don’t qualify for any of these visas, sponsorship by a UK employer is a rare possibility with the Skilled Worker visa.
Around 90% of candidates move on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa, which allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 3 years.
Yes. Around 82% of candidates who secure permanent roles are on Youth Mobility visas, so it is not a barrier to long-term employment.
The most effective way is through UK recruiters.
• 90% of Aussie and Kiwi accountants get jobs through recruiters
• 72% are placed through Global’s recruiter network
• 60% of jobs are not advertised (the “hidden job market”)
This is why direct applications alone rarely work — who you know matters.
The hidden job market refers to roles that are never advertised online and are filled directly by recruiters.
For Australian and New Zealand accountants:
• Over 60% of jobs fall into this category
• Most are contract or fixed-term roles
Most candidates find a job in:
• 4–6 weeks on average
• Faster if you are prepared, flexible, and available
Market conditions can vary, but timing and recruiter access are the biggest factors.
The mix of roles typically includes:
• ~48% contract roles
• ~33% fixed-term contracts
• ~19% permanent roles
Contract roles are often the fastest way to get UK experience and enter the market.
Common roles include:
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Accountant
• Finance Manager
• Management Accountant
• Group Accountant
• Finance Business Partner
These roles reflect where Aussie and Kiwi experience aligns best with UK employer demand.
There is no single dominant industry. However, top sectors include:
• Real Estate & Property
• Media
• Fintech
• Energy
• Consumer Products
This diversity gives candidates flexibility when entering the UK market.
Typical durations:
• Daily contracts: ~21–27 weeks
• Fixed-term contracts: ~39–41 weeks
Many contracts are extended, making them a strong entry point into the UK job market.
Salaries vary depending on experience:
• Range: £36,000 to £180,000
• Average: ~£68,000 per year
This equates to roughly:
• AUD $140k+
• NZD $160k+
Newly qualified accountants typically earn:
• £55k–£65k+ base salary
• Higher with in-demand experience or contract roles
• Average daily rate: ~£400/day
• Typical range: £250 to £700+ per day
Contracting can significantly increase earning potential, especially for candidates with 2–5 years’ experience.
We connect you with the right UK recruiters at the right time.
• Access to 250+ UK recruiters
• 500+ live jobs at any time
• 93% interview rate with UK clients
• Support from preparation through to placement
Because most jobs aren’t advertised.
• 60% of roles are hidden
• Recruiters prioritise candidates they already know
• Timing, positioning, and introductions matter
We help you navigate this process so you don’t waste time applying blindly.
We don’t just help you apply — we help you get hired faster.
• 25+ years of UK market experience
• 30,000+ successful placements
• Deep relationships with recruiters who place 72% of Aussie and Kiwi accountants
Nothing. Our service is completely free for candidates.