The Real Reason Part-Qualified Accountants Are in High Demand (And It’s Not Just the Qualification)
You don’t need letters after your name to be making a big impact in finance.
Part-qualified accountants have always played a key role in finance functions, but right now? They’re in higher demand than ever, and not just because they’re on the road to becoming fully qualified.
According to our 2025 Salary Guide, part-qualified professionals, especially those studying CIMA or ACCA, have seen salary jumps of up to 15% in the last few years. And this isn't just inflation. It's supply, demand, and the changing nature of what businesses value.
A Pandemic Ripple Effect Still Playing Out
Let’s rewind a few years.
The pandemic didn’t just impact hiring, it disrupted training, study plans, and career progression. Many aspiring accountants hit pause on exams or couldn’t start studying in the first place. The result? We now have a talent market where there's a noticeable shortage of part-qualified professionals with 1–3 years’ experience.
Now that businesses are back in growth mode and dealing with increased compliance, automation and change? The need for adaptable, motivated, and commercially aware part-qualified talent has skyrocketed.
It’s About More Than the Exams
Yes, ACA, CIMA and ACCA matter. But they’re not the full story.
What we’re hearing from clients time and again is this: they’re looking for people who can step up, not just tick boxes.
The top qualities employers are asking for?
🔹 Commercial acumen: Can you link the numbers to the bigger business story?
🔹 Communication skills: Are you confident presenting to non-finance teams?
🔹 Adaptability: Can you switch gears quickly, take on projects, and work with pace?
We’ve placed part-qualified candidates who’ve driven process change, helped with systems rollouts, and even supported M&A work, all while still studying.
What Employers Are Really Looking For (And What You Can Do About It)
Here’s what’s coming up in our client conversations:
💬 “We need someone sharp, not just someone studying.”
💬 “We’ll support their studies, but they’ve got to show potential to move fast.”
💬 “We want someone who’s hungry — who’ll make the most of the opportunity.”
So what does that mean for candidates?
If you’re part-qualified, here’s how to stand out:
✅ Talk about the impact you’ve made, not just the tasks you’ve done
✅ Be open about your study path, show commitment, but also flexibility
✅ Sharpen your Excel and reporting skills, they still go a long way
✅ Practice telling the commercial story behind your numbers
And if you’re feeling stuck at this stage, unsure whether to move role, switch industry or stay put? You’re not alone and there’s always a way forward.
Hiring Managers: Don't Wait for Perfect
The best part-qualified talent is going fast, and the ones who tick every box on paper are few and far between.
If you're hiring, focus on:
🔹 Growth potential: Ask yourself: Can they get there with support?
🔹 Cultural fit: Are they the right energy and mindset for your team?
🔹 Immediate contribution: What can they do now that’ll help you today?
We work with clients every day to balance these factors and help make smart, sustainable hires.
Whether you’re stuck at PQ stage or unsure what’s next, call us.
We’re here to help you work out your next move, build your career plan, and connect you with the right opportunities.