Salary Survey: AAT Part Qualified Finance Assistant – North West England (2025)
With competition for early-career finance professionals heating up across the North West, many employers are finding themselves outbid by competitors when hiring AAT part-qualified candidates. Whether you’re growing your transactional finance team or replacing a departing team member, getting the salary right is critical—not only to attract quality applicants but also to reduce turnover.
We’ve compiled the latest salary trends for AAT Part Qualified Finance Assistants, including junior and senior comparator roles, to help you benchmark your offering in today’s evolving market.
2025 Salary Benchmarks – North West England
| Role | Salary Range | Most Common Salary Band | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance Administrator / Accounts Assistant | £22,000 – £26,000 | £24,000 – £25,000 | Entry-level, often pre-AAT or studying Level 2. Focuses on basic AP/AR duties. |
| AAT Part Qualified Finance Assistant | £26,000 – £32,000 | £28,000 – £30,000 | Typically AAT Level 3 or progressing through Level 4. Handles accruals, prepayments, and reconciliations. |
| Assistant Accountant / Junior Management Accountant | £30,000 – £38,000 | £32,000 – £35,000 | Suited for those nearing AAT completion or transitioning to ACCA/CIMA. Supports month-end and reporting. |
Variable Pay & Bonuses
- Bonus Structures: 1–5% annual discretionary bonuses are common in SMEs; larger firms may link bonuses to company-wide performance.
- Study Support Packages: Many employers offer full or partial funding for AAT Level 4 and further qualifications (ACCA/CIMA), which can be a major decision-making factor for candidates.
- Additional Incentives: Some roles include annual salary reviews tied to exam progress.
Benefits & Perks Overview
- Standard Benefits: Auto-enrolment pensions, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Highly Valued Perks: Flexible or hybrid working, study leave, early finishes during exam periods, and wellbeing allowances are increasingly offered to attract talent.
- Regional Benchmark: According to recent REC data, candidates rate hybrid working and study support more highly than private healthcare at this career level.
Hiring Trends & Market Demand
- Demand for AAT-qualified candidates has remained high, particularly in manufacturing, construction, and professional services sectors in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Lancashire.
- According to REC’s Labour Market Tracker, finance and accounting vacancies in the North West have risen steadily throughout 2025, with junior finance roles experiencing a 10% increase in job postings year-on-year.
Recruitment Challenges Employers Face
- Candidate Drop-off: Many employers report high drop-out rates during the offer stage due to competing offers or delays in response times.
- Counteroffers: AAT part-qualified staff are being counteroffered more frequently, especially in sectors with understaffed finance teams.
- Expectation Gaps: Salary expectations are rising faster than advertised roles reflect—often by £2,000–£3,000.
Future Salary Predictions & Market Outlook
- Steady Growth Expected: Salaries for AAT part-qualified roles are projected to grow 3–5% over the next 12 months, especially in the £28–30K range as candidates complete Level 4.
- Upskilling Advantage: Employers who invest in structured progression paths and mentorship are more likely to retain talent through qualification and beyond.
Get a free tailored salary survey for your role.
RSNW can provide customised salary insights specific to your sector, location, and hiring needs. Whether you’re hiring for one role or planning a team restructure, our data-backed advice helps you stay competitive.
Where this data comes from
This salary survey combines proprietary RSNW hiring data with information from leading job boards, employer insights, and third-party sources, including:
- https://www.rec.uk.com – Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC)
- https://www.adzuna.co.uk – UK job market data
- https://www.ons.gov.uk – Office for National Statistics
- https://www.glassdoor.co.uk – Candidate-submitted salary benchmarks
- RSNW internal placement and salary offer data from 2024–2025
