Should I study ACCA or CIMA?
The right qualification depends on the type of finance career you want to build. ACCA is often a strong choice for those interested in technical accounting, audit, compliance and financial reporting. CIMA tends to suit people who are drawn to management accounting, commercial finance, FP&A and business partnering.
Both are highly respected, so it is worth thinking about the roles you enjoy, the direction you want to take and which qualification is most valued by employers in your chosen area.
To give you an example, we have recently recruited for an Assistant Financial Accountant role in the Thames Valley where the hiring manager specifically requested candidates studying ACCA. Their reasoning was straightforward: the role sat within the central accounting and reporting function and required strong technical accounting skills. As the position was not commercially focused, they felt ACCA provided the most relevant knowledge and would better support the candidate's long-term development within financial accounting.
Read Keeley Hamblin’s latest blog for a much more detailed look at this question: ACCA vs CIMA - Which Qualification is Right for Your Career
Is it worth moving jobs while I am part way through my finance studies?
It can be, particularly if your current role is limiting your development, study support or exposure to new areas of finance. Moving jobs while part-qualified can help you gain broader experience, take on more responsibility and improve your long-term earning potential.
That said, it is important to look beyond salary alone. Consider the quality of the role, the support available for your studies, the experience you will gain and whether the move brings you closer to your longer-term career goals. Also check there are no pay back penalties if your current employer assists with your current study support.
For more thoughts on this take a look at a recent blog Keeley Hamblin wrote to help part qualified candidates work out their next career move.
What Skills and Tools do I need to move into an FP&A role?
To move into FP&A, you will need strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and modelling skills, alongside the ability to explain what the numbers mean for the wider business. Commercial awareness, clear communication and confidence working with stakeholders are just as important as technical ability.
Experience with advanced Excel is usually essential, while knowledge of tools such as Power BI, Tableau or planning systems can also strengthen your profile. Exposure to month-end reporting, variance analysis and business partnering will help demonstrate that you are ready to step into a more forward-looking role.
Is Power BI important for Finance Professionals?
Power BI is becoming increasingly valuable for finance professionals, particularly in roles involving reporting, analysis, FP&A and business partnering. It can help turn large amounts of financial data into clear dashboards and visual insights, making it easier to spot trends and support better decision-making.
It is not essential for every finance role, but having Power BI skills can strengthen your CV and help you stand out, especially as businesses place more value on data literacy and automation. As a good example, I previously worked on a role in Reading where the client was looking for a Commercial Finance Analyst to join their pricing team. The biggest requirement was strong Power BI skills, particularly the ability to build dashboards. In this case, Excel and Power BI experience were actually more important than previous finance experience, as the hiring manager was happy to train someone on the finance side but needed someone who could immediately fill the gap in system knowledge. It just goes to show that, depending on the role, technical skills can sometimes be more valuable than direct experience.
Should I accept a lower salary for a role that offers study support and long term career progression?
Sometimes, yes. A slightly lower salary can be worthwhile if the role offers strong study support, valuable experience and a clear route for progression. The right opportunity could help you qualify faster, build more relevant skills and improve your earning potential over time.
It is important to look at the full package, including exam fees, study leave, mentorship, role scope and future salary reviews. The key question is whether the move will put you in a stronger position once you are fully qualified.
How much of a salary increase can I expect to earn once I am fully qualified ACCA or CIMA?
Becoming fully qualified can lead to a significant salary increase, but the amount will depend on your experience, location, specialism and the type of role you move into. Professionals with strong commercial exposure, systems knowledge and business-partnering skills may be able to command higher salaries on average.
For more detailed salary information, our 2026 Salary Guide shows accountancy salaries ranging from transactional finance & part qualified accountants through to newly qualified and beyond, with pay varying across Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and West London.
How can I climb the HR ladder quickly?
Focus on building experience that goes beyond your core accounting duties. Look for opportunities to get involved in budgeting, forecasting, analysis, process improvement and business partnering, as these will help you develop a broader commercial skillset.
It is also important to keep progressing with your qualification, build confidence with systems and data tools, and seek regular feedback from your manager. Taking on more responsibility, finding a good mentor and choosing roles that offer genuine development can all help you move forward faster.
For more insight into the skills, qualifications and career paths of senior finance leaders, read our Routes to the Top of Finance report.
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