Accounts jobs in every industry
Almost every organisation needs finance staff, but job titles and daily tasks change by sector. Compare your options and see which skills matter.
Where accounting skills can take you
Choose a sector to see job titles, typical salaries, what adverts ask for and useful sector rules.
01 Accountancy Practices
Work on many clients' books, VAT, payroll and year-end files.
02 Construction
Subcontractor payments, CIS returns and project costs.
03 Retail & Ecommerce
High sales volumes, payment reconciliations, refunds and stock.
04 Hospitality
Daily takings, tips, shift payroll and supplier invoices.
05 Healthcare & Social Care
Shift payroll, fee invoicing and careful budget tracking.
06 Charities & Non-Profits
Restricted funds, Gift Aid and clear reporting to trustees.
07 Manufacturing
Supplier invoices, stock records and product cost reporting.
08 Property & Real Estate
Rent, service charges, maintenance invoices and client funds.
09 Logistics & Transport
Fuel and fleet costs, driver pay, invoices and credit control.
10 Technology & Startups
Subscription income, cloud software and fast-changing reports.
What employers call these roles
Typical full-time UK figures, rounded. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Sources: National Careers Service, AAT, PayScale and Prospects, checked November 2026.
| Role | Also advertised as | Typical salary |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Assistant | Accounts Junior, Ecommerce Accounts Assistant, Property Accounts Assistant | £27k |
| Bookkeeper | Client Bookkeeper, Outsourced Bookkeeper | £28k |
| Purchase Ledger Clerk | Accounts Payable Clerk, Subcontractor Ledger Clerk | £26k |
| Credit Controller | Accounts Receivable Clerk, Rent Arrears Officer, Billing Assistant | £27k |
| Payroll Administrator | Payroll Assistant, Site Payroll Administrator | £27k |
| Finance Assistant | Finance Administrator, Income Assistant, Finance Operations Assistant | £27k |
How to choose a sector
You don't have to choose straight away. Your first accounts job builds skills you can use elsewhere. If you already have experience in a sector, such as retail, care or construction, use it. Employers value people who understand how their business works.
- Start with the skills that appear in most adverts
- Look at which employers are near you
- Use any past work experience as an advantage
- Learn sector terms before you apply
Training a finance team?
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Everything you want to know
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Which industries hire accountants in the UK?
Almost every industry hires finance staff, including accountancy practices, construction, retail, hospitality, healthcare, charities, manufacturing, property, logistics and technology.
Are accounts skills transferable between industries?
Yes. Bookkeeping, reconciliations, ledgers, VAT and Excel carry across sectors. Each sector then has its own terms and rules to learn.
How much does an accounts assistant earn?
A typical full-time UK figure is around £27,000. Pay varies by employer, location and experience.
Do I need sector experience to apply?
Not always. Some adverts prefer it, particularly in construction, property and charities. Core accounts skills are the foundation, and learning sector basics can help you stand out.
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