Finding accurate data on chartered accountant salaries can be challenging.
In this post, you'll get a detailed breakdown of global chartered accountant pay, including average salaries by region, experience level, industry, and more.
You'll see actual chartered accountant salary ranges in places like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Asia, and beyond. You'll also learn what skills attract the highest chartered accountant wages in today's market.
Overview of Chartered Accountant Salaries
Chartered accountants are highly qualified finance and accounting professionals. They have obtained certifications demonstrating expertise in areas like financial reporting, business valuation, taxation, auditing, and advisory services. Chartered accountants typically have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance, have passed rigorous professional examinations, and meet experience requirements.
With advanced qualifications and specialized skills, chartered accountants tend to command relatively high salaries across various industries and global regions. Their pay can vary significantly depending on factors like years of experience, specific job role, certifications held, industry, and geographic location.
Defining Chartered Accountants
A chartered accountant (CA) is a designation given to accounting professionals who have obtained specific qualifications and licensure. Key features of chartered accountants include:
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Education & Certification: Becoming a CA requires completing undergraduate education, passing rigorous professional examinations, and meeting experience requirements. Major CA certifications include ACA, CA, CPA, ACCA, CIMA.
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Job Responsibilities: CAs handle critical finance functions like financial reporting, auditing, taxation, business advisory, compliance, budgeting and forecasting. They work across industries from public accounting firms to corporations.
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Key Skills: Strong grasp of accounting standards and principles, tax codes, auditing methods, and financial regulations. Advanced Excel modeling skills. Communication, leadership, ethics, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
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Licensing: Most jurisdictions require chartered accountants to hold valid licenses to be able to practice and offer accounting services to the public.
Average Salaries for Chartered Accountants
According to PayScale, chartered accountants in the United States earn an average base salary of $62,174 per year, with a range of $45,542 - $103,333 depending on experience and specialization. Geographic location also impacts pay, with financial hubs like New York and California paying higher salaries.
More experienced chartered accountants in manager, controller, or finance director roles can expect to earn between $85,000 - $150,000 in base salary, with bonuses and equity potentially doubling total compensation at public companies. Partners at accounting/advisory firms also command very high salaries but require extensive experience.
Salaries for Chartered Accountants in North America
United States
Chartered accountants in the United States earn salaries that vary based on several factors, including years of experience, firm size, industry, and location.
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Entry-level chartered accountants with less than 1 year of experience typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 per year. Those with 1-4 years of experience tend to earn $55,000 to $85,000.
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Mid-career chartered accountants with 5-10 years of experience average between $70,000 and $120,000 per year.
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Late-career chartered accountants with over 10 years of experience can earn $90,000 to $150,000 on average.
Higher salaries are associated with larger accounting firms and those located in major metropolitan areas like New York and California. For example:
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Big Four accounting firms pay between $10,000 to $30,000 more than small regional firms for those at the same experience level.
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Chartered accountants in New York City earn approximately 15% more than the national average.
Industry specializations also impact salaries. Chartered accountants specializing in corporate finance or mergers and acquisitions may earn up to 25% more than general accounting roles.
Canada
Salaries for Canadian chartered accountants depend heavily on province, firm size, years of qualified experience, and accounting designation.
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Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) tend to earn 5-15% higher salaries than non-designated accountants.
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Accountants working in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and other major cities earn approximately 10-20% above smaller town or rural wages.
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Big Four and national accounting firms offer higher pay, often $5,000 to $15,000 more per year, compared to regional or local firms.
On average, Canadian chartered accountants earn:
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$45,000 to $65,000 in early career (0-5 years experience)
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$60,000 to $90,000 in mid-career (5-10 years)
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$80,000 to $120,000 in experienced senior roles (10+ years)
Higher salaries on the range depend on specialization (e.g. corporate taxation, audit), firm size, city location, and achieving the CPA designation.
Salaries for Chartered Accountants in Europe
Chartered accountants in Europe can earn competitive salaries, with earning potential dependent on location, qualification level, industry, firm size and years of experience.
United Kingdom
In the UK, chartered accountant salaries vary by region:
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London - £45,000 to £90,000+
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South East England - £35,000 to £70,000
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Northern England - £30,000 to £55,000
Higher salaries are attainable for:
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Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA status holders
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Big Four accounting firms
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Investment banking and fund management
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10+ years experience
Germany
In Germany, chartered accountants can expect:
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Starting - €40,000 to €65,000
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5 years experience - €65,000 to €95,000
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Senior Managers - €100,000+
Higher salaries achieved at:
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Big Four and mid-tier firms
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Industry focus like manufacturing, technology, healthcare
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Large corporations
France & Switzerland
Typical salaries in France and Switzerland include:
France
- Qualified Experts-Comptables - €40,000 to €120,000
Switzerland
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Big Four Directors - CHF 100,000 to CHF 180,000
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CFOs - CHF 200,000+
Higher pay is found in global companies, bigger cities like Geneva and Zurich and senior titles.
Overall the highest chartered accountant salaries in Europe are reached in Switzerland, followed by the UK and Germany. Experience, qualifications and specializations impact earning potential.
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Salaries for Chartered Accountants in Asia Pacific
Chartered accountants in Asia Pacific can earn competitive salaries, with pay varying significantly by location. Major financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong tend to offer higher salaries compared to emerging markets like India. However, India's massive demand for accounting talent creates ample job opportunities.
Australia
Australian chartered accountants typically earn between $55,000 AUD and $150,000 AUD per year:
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Entry-level salaries range from $55,000-$75,000 AUD.
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With 5 years experience, accountants average around $85,000 AUD.
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Senior managers with 10+ years earn $100,000-$130,000 AUD on average.
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Partners at top firms can make $150,000 AUD or more.
Pay scales depend on factors like:
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Years of experience
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Location (e.g. Sydney and Melbourne pay more)
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Firm size and type
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Industry specialization
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Qualifications and credentials
Singapore & Hong Kong
In major Asian financial hubs, chartered accountants earn:
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Entry-level salaries between $40,000-$55,000 SGD/HKD per year
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Managers with 5+ years make approximately $80,000-$100,000
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Senior managers and partners can earn $150,000+
Multinational companies tend to pay higher salaries compared to local firms. Accountants with capital markets, M&A, or US GAAP expertise also command top dollar in these globalized hubs.
India
Indian chartered accountants earn significantly less than Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong:
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Beginners at local Indian firms make approximately ₹3-5 lakh per year.
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Senior managers average ₹10-15 lakh at national firms.
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Equivalent experience at Big 4 firms pays ₹20 lakh or higher.
However, India's rapid economic growth is fueling massive demand for accounting services. Ambitious chartered accountants have abundant career opportunities, especially in tax, audit, and advisory services.
Other Factors Impacting Chartered Accountant Salaries
Discuss additional variables that can influence how much chartered accountants are paid globally, regionally and by country.
Experience Level
Elaborate on how salaries grow with more years on the job and higher seniority levels.
As chartered accountants gain more experience in the field, their salaries tend to increase accordingly. Here are some key points on how experience level impacts earnings potential:
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Entry-level chartered accountants in their first 1-3 years on the job typically earn on the lower end of salary ranges. However, they gain invaluable hands-on experience.
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Mid-level chartered accountants with 3-6 years of experience often see larger salary jumps as they take on more responsibilities and complex assignments. Specializing in certain areas also boosts pay.
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Senior-level chartered accountants with over 6-10 years under their belt command the highest salaries. Their specialized expertise and proven track record allow them to take on leadership roles and manage teams.
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Equity partners at accounting firms earn a share of profits on top of salaries. Their compensation reflects business development contributions and status as firm owners.
In summary, chartered accountant salaries have significant upside over the course of a career. The more specialized skills built up through challenging experiences, the higher the earning potential over time.
Industry Focus
Compare pay differences between chartered accountants in industries like banking, technology, healthcare, retail, etc.
While all chartered accountants possess the same core competencies, salaries differ considerably across industries.
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Banking and capital markets offer lucrative salaries given the complex nature of financial transactions and investments involved.
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Technology chartered accountants also earn strong compensation as their skills are scarce but high demand in the fast-paced industry.
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Healthcare chartered accountants have specialized expertise in regulations, allowing them to command above-average salaries.
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Consumer goods and retail chartered accountants have lower than average pay but offer better work-life balance.
In general, chartered accountants working in highly complex and dynamic industries like banking and technology earn higher premiums due to scarce, specialized skills. Meanwhile, traditional industries tend to pay less but provide more stability.
Firm Size & Type
Contrast salaries at small vs. large accounting firms and public vs. private companies.
The size and type of firm a chartered accountant works for also impacts salary levels:
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Big 4 accounting firms pay above-market salaries but have demanding workloads. High performer have partner track options.
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Mid-size regional firms offer competitive salaries with better work-life balance than Big 4. Rapid career growth potential.
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Small local accounting firms pay below market rates but allow chartered accountants more flexibility, autonomy and individual attention to clients.
Additionally, chartered accountants working in public companies command higher salaries but face pressure to deliver strong quarterly results. Private firms offer lower base pay but more long term stability and career options.
In deciding between firms, chartered accountants should weigh priorities like pay, lifestyle, career development and work environment fit. Each path offers trade-offs.
In-Demand Skills
List specialized skills like analytics, advisory and compliance that boost chartered accountants' earning potential.
Beyond core accounting competencies, developing expertise in certain high value skills significantly boosts chartered accountants' salaries:
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Data analytics: Ability to gather, interpret, and apply financial insights from data is highly sought after.
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Advisory services: Strategic business advice skills allow chartered accountants to become trusted advisors to leadership.
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Tax compliance & planning: Specialized tax expertise reduces clients' burden significantly, especially for global organizations.
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Audit & risk management: Identifying and mitigating emerging risks protects clients. SOX and regulatory compliance skills are prized.
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Process transformation: Improving efficiency of financial workflows pays dividends over time. Lean and automation skills drive change.
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M&A due diligence: Navigating complex mergers, acquisitions and investments requires specialized financial analysis skills. Significant upside.
In today's disruptive environment, chartered accountants capable of moving beyond reporting into high-value strategic advisory roles have the highest earning power. Specialization is key.
Conclusion & Summary
In summary, chartered accountant salaries can vary significantly by region. Some key takeaways:
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In the US and Canada, chartered accountants earn an average salary of around $75,000 to $85,000 per year. Senior roles can reach over $150,000.
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In the UK, chartered accountants tend to earn £45,000 to £85,000 on average. London-based roles tend to pay higher salaries.
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Australian chartered accountants average around AU$70,000 to AU$120,000 per year depending on experience level.
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In South Africa, chartered accountants average 300,000 to 600,000 Rand per year (about $18,000-$37,000 USD).
Salaries are driven by factors like years of experience, firm size, industry, and geographical location. Overall, becoming a chartered accountant remains a lucrative career path globally, with abundant job opportunities and strong salary growth potential over time.
