Looking for a career change in 2025? You’re not alone. New research shows that more than one in three UK workers (37%) are thinking about switching careers this year – up from 29% in 2023. Young professionals are leading this trend, with nearly half of workers aged 25-34 ready to explore new paths, according to recent CIPD studies.
It’s a big decision, especially with today’s changing job market and the growing impact of technology on how we work. If you’re looking for a career that offers job security, room to grow, and good earning potential, accountancy and finance could be worth considering.
Want to know what makes accounting such a smart career choice right now? We’ve talked to industry experts and professionals to uncover the key benefits of working in this dynamic field.
Rock-solid job security
If you’re worried about where the economy is going, recruitment specialists suggest that a switch to accountancy could be a great move. “Finance is recession-proof,” says Karen Chilton at financial recruitment specialist Marks Sattin. “Accountancy isn’t a luxury for business: it’s important.”
Research by the Association of Accounting Technicians suggests it is the third most stable profession, after healthcare and teaching. Although automation is seen as a potential threat to some accountancy jobs in future, Chilton suggests that there will continue to be plenty of roles for strategic financial thinkers and good communicators.
Growing demand for tech-savvy finance professionals
The rise of AI and automation in finance isn’t replacing accountants – but it is transforming their roles. Many professionals suggest that today’s accountants need to be just as comfortable with digital tools as they are with numbers. And the numbers back this up: nearly 90% of businesses now say tech understanding is essential for accountants, and most expect basic accounting processes to be automated within five years.
This shift means more interesting work, as automation handles routine tasks while accountants focus on analysis, strategy, and decision-making. The rewards are significant too – recent studies show that finance roles requiring AI and tech skills typically offer salaries 18% higher than similar positions without these requirements. For those who can combine traditional accounting knowledge with digital skills, career opportunities are expanding rapidly.
Diverse career pathways
A career in accountancy and finance doesn’t mean just sitting in front of spreadsheets all day. “Accounting is so much more than calculations,” says Katryn Smith from Deloitte. “I spend as much time talking to management about their organisation and our observations, researching complex accounting and business issues, and consulting with specialists as I do ‘crunching numbers’.”
Smith adds that there are “as many career paths as there are accountants”. You could work for an accountancy practice or set up your own firm, work in-house for big corporations, public sector organisations or charities, become a consultant or work as an auditor.
Accessible entry points
For such a high-status profession, the barriers to entry in accountancy are relatively low. For instance, you don’t need a degree to get on the career ladder. You can take AAT qualifications starting at level 2 – equivalent to GCSE – for entry level roles and build up to degree-level qualifications as your career progresses.
For some accountancy roles, such as auditing, you’ll need to be a chartered accountant – which usually means getting the ACCA or ACA qualification. In either case, you can start with two A-levels and three GCSEs – but you’ll need to build up around three years of experience on the job too, so most people study for the qualifications with an employer.
Competitive pay
It’s no surprise that the numbers experts keep an eye on their own bottom line. With an entry-level AAT qualification, the average salary is £24,500, but it rises to £35,000 or £40,000 with further qualifications and experience.
On graduate programmes, you can expect to start at about £40,000, with salaries rising to £65,000 during training. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales says the average annual salary for a qualified chartered accountant in business is £134,500 – with an average bonus of over £17,000.
Global career potential
Languages may change, but numbers and finance remain pretty much the same wherever you are. UK chartered accountancy qualifications are recognised throughout the EU and in several other countries – such as Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong – so your career could take you in all kinds of directions.
Many big firms also work with international clients, meaning foreign travel can be part of your work. As Katryn Smith says: “While you may not hop on a plane every week, there are opportunities to travel both for work and for our professional development programmes.”
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re attracted by the job security, diverse career options, competitive pay, or the chance to combine finance with cutting-edge technology, accountancy offers exciting opportunities for career changers. And with flexible study options and multiple entry points, getting started might be easier than you think.
Want to explore your options? Here at Lincoln College Group we offer a range of finance and accountancy qualifications to suit different experience levels and career goals. Check out our courses here.