Filling the Gap 2: where are finance professionals going after they qualify?

New AAT research shows that outdated perceptions and uneven access to opportunity are shrinking the talent pipeline for UK accounting and finance roles. 

Filling the Gap explores the growing skills shortages in the UK’s finance and accounting profession across three parts.

Chapter 1 of the report highlighted that employers face critical skills shortages in accountancy and finance, impacting their talent pipeline and the growth of their business. 

The second chapter in this series explores the UK’s growing skills shortages in accounting and finance, and where talented individuals are going once they qualify.

Chapter 2 of the report also suggests that 62% of young people think high grades are essential for accountancy and 57% believe a university degree is required to be successful.

More key findings from chapter 2

• Only 20% of those who hold an accountancy qualification currently work in an accounting-related role. 

• Employees from lower socio-economic backgrounds take 25% longer to progress compared to those from higher groups. 

• More than one in five AAT starters are later‑career entrants who chose accounting after time in another field. 

The findings show a profession with no shortage of qualified talent, but one held back by outdated perceptions.

Understanding entry pathways  

AAT’s research shows that people enter accounting through a wide range of routes, including school leavers, university graduates and career changers. More than one in five AAT starters join the profession after time in another field, demonstrating the breadth of opportunity accounting qualifications can unlock. 

However, despite this diversity of entry routes, only 20% of those who hold an accountancy qualification currently work in an accounting related role. Many qualified professionals are being drawn to other sectors thanks to the versatility of accounting qualifications, which enable people to become entrepreneurs, lead teams and reshape organisations.  

Sarah Beale, AAT CEO, said, “This research makes it clear that accounting isn’t struggling because of a lack of talent; it’s struggling because too many people still don’t see a place for them.

“Outdated perceptions and uneven access to opportunities are holding the profession back at a time when it needs to open its doors wider than ever.

“By challenging old myths, embracing technology confidently, and ensuring people from every background can see a path into and through the profession, we can rebuild the talent pipeline.”

Chapter three of Filling the Gap will be coming later in 2026, exploring the social and economic impact of finance professionals working in different industries.

Harry Rogers is AAT Comment’s news writer.