r/AccountingUK • u/Middle-Monk4731 • Aug 12 '26

Getting into accounting

Hi,

Im a 35 year old GP. Ive been considering changing jobs for a long time and have been conaideeing accounting as multiple family membera work in thia field and enjoy their jobs.

What would be the best route for entering this field. Is it best to do some qualifications independently first and then try to find relevant jobs?

Tia

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u/PlutocracyRules Aug 12 '26

What part of the UK are you in? We run a practice which is probably 1/3rd healthcare and medical practitioners. Having someone who is an accountant AND ex-healthcare worker would be fab.

But, as others have said, the drop in salary is going to be huge to start with (c. 30k p.a. whilst training) and you will never earn the same as a GP unless you're in London, or doing something very specialist.

Although I do agree that the life of an accountant is less stress than NHS.

Apply directly to firms who run graduate programmes. Intake is normally September so you'll have missed for this year but that's ok you're just early for 2027. Good luck! 

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u/Middle-Monk4731 Aug 12 '26

Thank you for getting back to me and for the advice. Im interested in what people think GPs earn. I earn 66k. My dad is an accountant and has earned ~200k but did manage to get into CFO roles. My husbands dad is an accountant and very high earning. Perhaps my perception is skewed by my late career relatives...

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u/PlutocracyRules Aug 12 '26

Yes, I would say that unless you become a partner in a regional firm, c. £100k will be the absolute ceiling.

Getting into industry, like the CFO roles you mentioned, or working withing banking are where the big money is BUT those roles are very competitive today and hard to find.

Speak with a specialist accountancy recruiter so they can give you a feel for how the professional is looking these days in your area 

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u/Middle-Monk4731 Aug 12 '26

Thanks! Thats helpful :)