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SOC 3537 Business and public service associate professionals

Financial and accounting technicians Salary

Median salary £53,265 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Financial and accounting technicians (2020 SOC) provide technical financial support including bookkeeping, management accounting, payroll and financial analysis. They work across sectors applying practical accounting skills in day-to-day financial operations.

Key responsibilities

  • Maintaining financial records and processing transactions
  • Preparing management information and financial reports
  • Processing payroll and ensuring PAYE compliance
  • Supporting budgeting and forecasting processes
  • Assisting with audit preparation and compliance

Qualifications and entry routes

AAT qualification (Levels 2-4) is the primary route. CIMA Certificate level and ACCA Applied Knowledge are alternative pathways. Apprenticeships in accounting provide structured entry.

Career outlook

Good demand. The role provides a foundation for progression to qualified accountant status through ACA, ACCA or CIMA pathways.

Key skills

Management accounting Payroll processing Financial software Spreadsheet analysis Compliance

Common industries

  • Accounting practices
  • Corporate finance teams
  • Public sector
  • NHS
  • Education

Data coverage

SOC code 3537
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2015–2025
Estimated jobs 29,000

Median Salary

£53,265

Mean Salary

£57,938

Jobs (000s)

29k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £33,617Median: £53,265P75: £73,894
P10: £23kP25: £34kMedian: £53kP75: £74kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£23,251

0-2 years

Mid Level

£33,617

3-7 years

Senior

£73,894

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +218% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Nominal growth: +54.6%Real growth: +11.9%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: -2.0%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£53,265

Full-time Only

£60,575

Full-time premium: +£7,310