Knowing the best places to live and work across the country is important when embarking on a job search. Whether you’re open to relocating for the best opportunity or you’re keen to find a superb role near to home, it’s crucial to research the job market and understand what opportunities are out there. Ultimately, choosing where to live and work will come down to your own priorities and this decision will be different for everyone.
Relocating is a significant decision, especially if you’re factoring in moving a family across the country or perhaps it would be your first time moving away from home. Similarly, choosing to stay where you currently live could be a challenge if you’re living somewhere with limited prospects.
Before making any life-changing decisions, you’ll need to analyse all aspects of work and life. In this article, we’ve done some of the research for you. Explore some of the best places in the UK to be an accountant…
Midlands
According to a recent study by HR software provider Ciphr, several cities across the country provide the best job opportunities. Milton Keynes came out on top in their findings, scoring consistently high across a mix of criteria, including:
- Recording a high average median wage of £38,613 (the county’s average full-time salary is 17% above the UK average of £33,000, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS)).
- Having a significant 9.4% salary growth over the last 12 months (the UK average is 5.7%).
- Reporting a relatively low unemployment rate of 2.8%, compared to the UK average of 3.7%.
What was once primarily a commuter town into London, Milton Keynes has undergone significant transformation in recent years thanks to funding to improve its bus network and investment in small business and community projects.
You might think that bigger cities, like Birmingham with a population of over 1m compared to less than 300,000 in Milton Keynes, would offer the best opportunities for those looking to climb the corporate ladder. Whilst there are some superb jobs available in the area, the research demonstrate the importance of considering a wide array of criteria when considering where to live and work.
Are you a talented accountant looking for a job opportunity in the Midlands? Take a look at some of our live jobs in the area, and explore our jobs board for more.
- Senior Audit Manager job in Milton Keynes
- Tax Manager job in Northampton
- Audit Partner job in Birmingham
South West
The rural landscape of the South West might not seem an obvious choice for the corporate life, with its picturesque countryside and small towns, however the area is becoming a popular choice for accountants. Whilst places like Bristol and Exeter remain hotspots for businesses, counties like Cornwall and Devon have received significant funding in recent years to improve things like town centres, transport links, and community spaces.
As part of the government’s Levelling Up Fund, two South West schemes received nearly £65m in January 2023 to create a ‘transport corridor’ through Cornwall, into Devon and up through Somerset. Following the pandemic, where there was a big shift from city life to country life, many workers are moving to these less corporate areas of the country… but are there job opportunities there?
We’re working with some fantastic firms in the South West that are supporting exciting clients and offering modern pay and perks packages. Here are just a few examples of jobs we’re recruiting into in the South West:
- Senior Accountant job in Launceston
- Senior Client Manager job in Barnstaple
- Tax Senior job in Bristol
Don’t see a role that would suit you? Explore our jobs board for more opportunities in the South West.
North West
The North West of England offers an array of benefits for those looking to live and work in the region. Cities like Manchester and Liverpool are hubs of business and culture while the surrounding areas are considered as up and coming suburbs offering more affordable living than in the South.
For Accountants, some of the country’s top firms have offices across the North West, boasting portfolios packed with a variety of clients across the region and further afield. It’s reported that more than 20,000 Chartered Accountants work in the North West with the average salary for a qualified accountant ranging from £45,000 – £65,000.
With finance being one of the most thriving industries in the area, are you considering applying for opportunities in the North West? Discover some of the roles we’re currently representing, or take a look at our jobs board:
London
Of course we couldn’t ignore the wealth of opportunities that London offers and it might seem obvious to head there for the top roles, so here’s a few pros and cons of corporate life in the capital.
A big pro that is often attributed to London are the career prospects available. With more than 150,000 jobs listed in London on LinkedIn, there’s an abundance of opportunities for those looking for employment in the city. When it comes to Accountants, we’ve added 12 new London-based jobs to our website in September alone.
Other considerations that could offer greater job prospects are things like networking and exposure to large clients. Some of London’s top accountancy practices have international organisations on their books and accountants will be working alongside some big players in the business world. Running in these circles can provide fantastic opportunities within your current role and for your future career.
There are of course some downsides to being based in London, especially during the ongoing cost of living crisis. The capital’s high cost of living can mean that your hard earned salary doesn’t stretch as far. According to the ONS, a person on a median income in London can expect to pay at least 30% of their income on private rent. It’s also worth considering that the job market in London is significantly more competitive than other areas of the country, especially for entry-level positions.
Having said that, this metropolitan hub for life and work has a lot to offer and sees nearly 200,000 people move from elsewhere in the UK to live there each year. From culture and entertainment to career prospects and progression opportunities, would you consider living and working in London?
Here are just some of the London-based jobs we’re recruiting into:
Or take a look at our jobs board to find the right role for you.
Are you an experienced Accountant looking for a new opportunity? We’re representing ambitious firms up and down the country, from Scotland to Cornwall and from Wales to Suffolk, looking for talented candidates like you. Whether you’re ready to get your CV seen by the right people or if you’d benefit from some expert advice on the next step in your practice career, the team at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us today.
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