How to gain a salary progression when working in finance

Blog Careers How to gain a salary progression when working in finance How to gain a salary progression when working in finance Kaplan · 2 minute read · Published 25 Jun, 2025 ios_share Share article Whether you’re just starting out or already established in your finance career, increasing your salary isn’t just about time served; it’s about making the right moves. From upskilling to negotiating a pay rise, there are plenty of practical ways to move forward. Here are some tried-and-tested ways to boost your earning potential in finance. 1. Build in-demand skills Finance is evolving fast. Skills in data analysis, financial modelling, and even soft skills like stakeholder communication are increasingly valuable. Adding these to your CV can help you stand out and step up. Online courses are a great way to top up your skillset while working. For example, you could explore areas like: Data and analytics Excel for finance professionals ESG and sustainability in finance Look for options that are flexible, focused, and designed for professionals, like Kaplan’s short courses that fit around your schedule. 2. Work towards a professional qualification For long-term salary progression, professional qualifications remain one of the most powerful tools. They show employers you're serious about your development, and they open doors to more senior, better-paid roles. Some of the most respected options include: ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) ACA (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales) Each has different routes and benefits, depending on your destination. At Kaplan, we offer training across all of ACCA, CIMA, and ACA (ICAEW) with flexible study formats to suit your lifestyle. 3. Gain experience in high-value areas Sometimes, a sideways move can lead to an upwards one. Consider where high-paying roles are located, whether that’s in industry (such as tech or healthcare) or within specialised areas like risk, internal audit, or financial planning. Temporary secondments, cross-functional projects, or even volunteering for a new task can help you gain exposure and build experience that translates into a better job later on. 4. Make networking part of your routine It’s not just what you know, it’s who knows what you know! Building professional relationships can open the door to mentorships, referrals, and insider knowledge about upcoming roles. You don’t have to attend big networking events to get started. Try: Reaching out to colleagues in other departments Engaging with alumni or former colleagues on LinkedIn Joining finance forums or professional body groups Attending CPD webinars or industry Q&As Networking isn’t about asking for a job, it’s about learning, sharing, and being visible. 5. Don’t shy away from salary conversations If you’re doing a great job, it’s OK to expect fair compensation. However, many people wait too long to bring up the topic. Here’s how to approach it: Do your homework: Research market rates for your role and location Highlight your contributions and any new responsibilities Pick the right time: Ideally during a performance review or after a big achievement Be open to discussion: Your manager might need time or budget approval. Being transparent with your manager about your goals also shows initiative and helps them support your growth. Take control of your finance career Salary progression isn’t a waiting game, it’s a series of smart steps. Whether you’re learning a new skill, gaining a qualification, or taking on a new challenge, the key is to keep moving forward. Kaplan is here to help you do just that. From short courses to full professional qualifications like ACCA and CIMA, we’ll help you build the confidence, knowledge and credentials you need to take your finance career further. FLEXIBLE STUDY METHODS AVAILABLE Progress your career Browse courses Tags: Accountancy Career And Personal Development Digital Skills Gap Workplace Culture Related articles Why career ladders are dead: How to build a flexible career path instead Traditional career ladders are fading. Learn how to build a flexible, skills-led career path that adapts to change and future-proofs your success. Kaplan 5 minute read More than a qualification: the real impact of apprenticeships Our apprentices explore how apprenticeships build lasting skills, confidence and career progression, delivering far more than a qualification alone. Kaplan 4 minute read University vs Apprenticeship: How to choose what’s right for you Compare university and apprenticeships in 2026 and discover which route suits your learning style, career goals and finances. Kaplan 4 minute read View all articles Stay in the loop Subscribe to our newsletter to receive: Exclusive offers Webinar invites Accountancy insights Subscribe to our Newsletter