What is the UK equivalent of a CPA?

ACA is the qualification awarded by ICAEW, historically earned through audit and accountancy firm training contracts, and is the UK designation most directly comparable to a CPA in terms of rigour and scope, covering audit, tax, accounting and financial management.

ACCA is a global qualification with a similar syllabus and status, widely held by UK practitioners, particularly those serving small and owner-managed companies. AAT is a lower, technician-level qualification covering bookkeeping, accounts preparation and basic tax, and is common among staff and smaller firms.

For routine UK limited company accounts, corporation tax and payroll, an ACCA or AAT-qualified accountant working in a properly supervised practice is entirely sufficient, and this is what most fixed-fee UK company packages are staffed by.

For audit, complex group structures or regulatory work, you specifically need an ICAEW or ACCA registered auditor, since AAT membership does not carry audit rights. Ask which body regulates the individual and firm before engaging them.

Our fixed monthly packages for a UK limited company start at £89 plus VAT and run to £169 and £289 plus VAT as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll and reporting are added. One-off filings are sold at fixed prices, and the Companies House fees we pay for you are charged at cost with no VAT added. Overseas owners are quoted on exactly the same published prices as UK-resident clients.

Rates, thresholds and deadlines here reflect the 2026/27 UK position and current Companies House and HMRC guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own company.