The accountancy and finance sector provides employment for a large number of Cheshire residents. Government statistics show 21.3% of people in the county have professional jobs, compared with the average of 17.6% in north-west England.

However, many qualified accountants from Cheshire actually work in Manchester, which is the main centre for the professions in the north-west. The Big Four accountancy firms all run their regional audit, tax, forensic, business recovery and corporate finance operations from the city, and Baker Tilly is the only top ten firm with an office in Cheshire.

There are still opportunities for ACA, ACCA, AAT and CTA qualified staff in practice in Cheshire, as there are many local accountancy firms that specialise in dealing with small and medium-sized businesses, personal tax affairs and umbrella companies.

The county is home to the head offices of a number of major companies, including United Utilities, TalkTalk Business, Betfred and G&J Greenhall, all of which employ management accountants. Cheshire's smaller businesses also need experienced bookkeepers, credit control and payroll staff.

Accountants and finance specialists with CIPFA and AAT qualifications will find there are employment opportunities with Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and the county's NHS trusts.

The majority of accountancy jobs in the area are permanent and full-time, although there are some part-time opportunities and finance recruitment agencies can supply temporary staff ranging from sales ledger clerks to tax specialists. Salaries for roles in Cheshire are in line with national averages and payroll administrators can expect to earn £18,000 to £24,000, while management accountants are usually paid between £30,000 and £40,000.