Part Qualified Accountant Jobs in Industry and Commerce
Are you in a role where study support was mentioned at interview but looks different in practice? Are you covering work that will not strengthen your CV once you qualify?
If you are hiring at this level, you will know the other side. You invest in someone, fund their exams, and the moment they qualify they are fielding calls from every firm in the market. Did your last part-qualified hire stay once they qualified?
MCS Group places people working towards ACA, ACCA and CIMA into permanent part qualified accountant jobs across industry and commerce. We know which businesses genuinely develop people at this level and which ones do not. That means better matches, and better retention, on both sides.
For Hiring Businesses
Hiring at Part-Qualified Level
93% of employers reported skills shortages in the past twelve months. At part-qualified level the challenge is not just finding the right person. It is finding someone who will still be with you when the qualification is done.
The roles that retain people tend to have three things in common. Meaningful commercial exposure from the start. Study support that works in practice, not just on paper. And a clear conversation about what comes next when they qualify. When any one of those is missing, the risk of losing your investment goes up significantly.
Getting the brief right
We take time to understand what the role actually involves, how study support is structured and what progression looks like post-qualification. That shapes who we approach and what we tell them. It also means the people we introduce have a realistic picture of what they are walking into, which reduces the risk of an early departure.
Why people leave before they qualify
Moving roles mid-exams is a significant decision. When someone does it, it is usually because the role has not delivered what they were promised. The work is not at the right level. Exam leave is harder to get than expected. The progression conversation keeps getting pushed back. We flag these risks early, before they become your problem.
Roles We Cover
Part Qualified Accountant Roles We Place
We cover a range of part qualified accounting jobs across industry and commerce, typically suited to people one to three years into their ACA, ACCA or CIMA studies.
For Those Looking For Their Next Role
Looking for Part Qualified Accountant Jobs?
Thinking about a move while you are still studying is not always straightforward. Change roles at the wrong time and you risk losing exam momentum, relevant experience or both. But staying in the wrong role can be just as costly.
Is your employer flexible when exam season comes around? Is the work you are doing building the kind of CV that will open doors when you qualify?
We work with people at every stage of ACA, ACCA and CIMA. We know which businesses take development at this level seriously and which treat study support as a line in an offer letter. We will give you a straight assessment of what part qualified accountant jobs are available and whether they are worth pursuing at your stage.
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Thinking about moving mid-exams?
Get In TouchIt is not always the wrong call. If your current role is not giving you the right experience or the support you need, waiting to qualify could mean arriving at the next stage with a weaker foundation than you should have. We can help you work through whether a move makes sense now and find part qualified accountancy jobs that will make the qualification count.
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Looking for a role in transactional finance?
Explore Our Current JobsIf you are building your experience in accounts payable, receivable, payroll or finance administration, choosing the right environment is key. The right role will give you exposure beyond processing, helping you develop skills and progress within a finance function. We can help you identify opportunities that offer more than repetition, and support your next move.
Why Work With MCS Group
We have placed people at part-qualified level across industry and commerce long enough to know what a good hire looks like at this stage, and what makes one stick. We know which businesses genuinely invest in development and which ones struggle to keep people once they qualify.
For businesses that means fewer people leaving before the investment pays off. For those looking for their next role, it means we will not put you forward somewhere that is going to cost you time or experience you cannot afford to lose.
Specialists in part qualified accountancy jobs across industry and commerce
We verify study support arrangements before recommending a role
Honest advice on whether a move makes sense at your stage
Access to part qualified accounting jobs not publicly advertised
Focus on long-term fit for both sides
Your Questions Answered
What is a part qualified accountant?
A part qualified accountant is someone working towards ACA, ACCA or CIMA who has not yet completed all the required exams. Most are between one and four years into their studies and working in a finance role alongside them.
What part qualified accountant jobs are available in industry and commerce?
Part qualified accountant jobs in industry and commerce typically include Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Finance Analyst and Accounts Assistant roles. These provide the commercial finance experience needed to progress towards full qualification and into more senior positions.
Should I move jobs while I am still part qualified?
It depends on your situation. If your current role is not giving you the right experience or the study support that was promised, moving before you qualify can be the right decision. If you are progressing well and your employer is genuinely investing in your development, finishing your qualification where you are is often the better path. Speak to one of our consultants for an honest view of your options.
What salary can a part qualified accountant expect in industry?
Salaries for part qualified accounting jobs vary depending on how far through the qualification you are, the sector and the size of the business. In Dublin, part qualified ACCA and CIMA roles typically range from EUR 35,000 to EUR 42,000. In Belfast and Northern Ireland, ranges are generally lower. Speak to one of our consultants for a current view of the market.
What should I look for in a part qualified accountant job?
Beyond salary, consider the quality of commercial exposure the role offers, how study support works in practice including exam leave and course fees, and what progression looks like once you qualify. A role that delivers on all three is worth more than a higher salary somewhere that offers none of them.
How do I find part qualified accountant jobs in Ireland or the UK?
Many of the best part qualified accountant jobs in Ireland and the UK are not publicly advertised. Speaking to a specialist accountancy recruiter gives you access to roles before they go to market and honest advice on which opportunities are worth pursuing at your stage of qualification.
Not sure if now is the right time to move?
At part-qualified level, the right role can accelerate your progress, and the wrong one can hold it back. We help you weigh up your options and connect you with opportunities that support both your qualification and your long-term career. Start a conversation with us.
The People Behind Your Finance Hires
Name: Ruth Cox
Job Title: Recruitment Manager - Part Qualified & Transactional Finance I&C
Team: Accountancy and Finance
Years Experience: 6+
As a Recruitment Consultant for MCS Group, I specialise in the Part Qualified and Transactional Finance Space. 73% of job seekers say the process of looking for a job is one of the most stressful events in life. My role is to ensure professionals are furthering their careers to full potential without worrying about the process. Together we can dig deep to understand the best career fit by accessing current ability, personal aspirations, and motivations for the future. I take the stress out of the recruitment process by being there every step of the way and building genuine long-term relationships with professionals and clients.
Name: Adam Macklin
Job Title: Head of Accountancy & Financial Services
Team: Financial Services
Years Experience: 15+
Adam leads our accountancy division, which focuses on recruiting for positions spanning both accountancy practice and industry & commerce markets. He oversees recruitment efforts for roles at both the Qualified & Transactional level, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. With a specialisation in Senior level appointments, Adam brings expertise in recruiting across all sectors within the Industry & Commerce market in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Name: Brad Dempster
Job Title: Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Team: Accountancy Practice
Years Experience: 6+
Brad joined MCS Group in October 2024. In his role as a Specialist Recruitment Consultant, he works closely with accountancy practices and finance professionals across Belfast and the Greater Belfast area, supporting both clients and candidates through the recruitment process. His day-to-day focus is on understanding hiring needs within practice firms and matching them with talent at the right level, from early career through to senior leadership. Brad specialises in the accountancy practice market, covering areas including audit, tax, payroll, accounts, advisory and bookkeeping. He works across a wide range of roles, from trainee accountants and accounts technicians through to director and partner level appointments.
Ruth Cox
Recruitment Manager - Part Qualified & Transactional Finance I&C
Adam Macklin
Head of Accountancy & Financial Services
Brad Dempster
Specialist Recruitment Consultant