Hiring and Sponsoring Chartered and certified accountants (SOC Code 2421)

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Hiring a chartered or certified accountant under SOC Code 2421 through the UK Skilled Worker visa route is a well-established path for employers who need qualified financial professionals. This guide covers the role definition, sponsorship requirements, salary thresholds, and everything a UK sponsor needs to know before making an offer.

For related support, explore Annaizu’s sponsorship compliance software, mock audit inspection readiness and mock audit preparation.

Key Takeaways

Essential Points for Employers

• SOC Code 2421 covers chartered and certified accountants, including roles in audit, tax, management accounting and financial advisory.
• The role is eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and appears on the Immigration Salary List.
• Employers must hold a valid sponsor licence and assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before the worker applies.
• Salary thresholds must meet both the general Skilled Worker minimum and the going rate for SOC 2421.
• Right to work checks are mandatory before the first day of employment.

What Is SOC Code 2421?

Role Definition

SOC Code 2421 covers chartered and certified accountants. Workers in this category plan and direct the financial activities of organisations, examine and analyse financial records, and advise on tax planning, auditing, and regulatory compliance. The occupation sits within the broader professional accountancy and finance sector.

Typical Job Titles

• Chartered Accountant
• Certified Accountant
• Audit Manager
• Tax Accountant
• Management Accountant
• Financial Controller
• Corporate Finance Adviser

Core Duties

• Preparing, examining and analysing accounting records and financial statements
• Ensuring financial compliance with legislation and regulatory standards
• Advising on tax liabilities, planning strategies and efficiency measures
• Conducting or overseeing internal and external audits
• Providing strategic financial advice to senior management and boards
• Managing budgets, forecasts and long-term financial planning

Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility for SOC 2421

Is the Role Eligible for Sponsorship?

Yes. SOC Code 2421 is eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route. It meets the required skill level of RQF Level 6 and above, which means employers can sponsor overseas workers for these roles provided all other sponsorship conditions are satisfied.

Salary Thresholds

From April 2024, the general Skilled Worker salary threshold increased significantly. For SOC 2421, employers must pay whichever is higher from the following:

• The general Skilled Worker minimum threshold of £41,700 per year
• The going rate for SOC 2421 as set by the Home Office

Employers should always check the latest going rate on the Home Office Skilled Occupations appendix before assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship, as these figures are updated periodically.

New Entrant Rate

A lower new entrant rate may apply in certain circumstances, such as when the worker is under 26, is switching from a student visa, or is working towards a professional qualification. The new entrant rate is typically 70% of the standard going rate. Sponsors must ensure the worker genuinely qualifies before applying the reduced threshold.

Immigration Salary List

SOC 2421 appears on the Immigration Salary List, previously known as the Shortage Occupation List. Inclusion on this list can affect the applicable salary threshold, so employers should confirm the current status of the occupation when making a hiring decision.

Sponsor Licence Requirements

Do You Need a Sponsor Licence?

Yes. Any UK employer wishing to hire a worker from outside the UK under the Skilled Worker route must hold a valid sponsor licence issued by the Home Office. Without a licence, you cannot assign a Certificate of Sponsorship and the worker cannot apply for a visa.

How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence

1. Check your organisation meets the eligibility criteria, including having genuine HR systems in place.
2. Identify your Authorising Officer and key contacts within the business.
3. Complete the online application on the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
4. Pay the application fee, which varies depending on the size of your organisation.
5. Submit supporting documents demonstrating your business is genuine and capable of meeting sponsor duties.
6. Await a Home Office decision, which can include a compliance visit.

Ongoing Sponsor Duties

Once licensed, sponsors must maintain compliance at all times. Key duties include:

• Carrying out right to work checks before employment begins
• Keeping up-to-date contact and employment records for sponsored workers
• Reporting changes in employment, such as absences or role changes, via the Sponsor Management System
• Cooperating with any Home Office audit or compliance visit
• Ensuring sponsored workers are paid the salary stated on their Certificate of Sponsorship

Certificate of Sponsorship for Accountants

What Is a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is a unique reference number assigned to a specific job offer. It is not a physical document but a digital record created in the Sponsor Management System. The worker uses this reference number when applying for their Skilled Worker visa.

Defined vs Undefined CoS

• A defined CoS is required for workers applying from outside the UK. Sponsors must request these from the Home Office as they are subject to an annual allocation.
• An undefined CoS is used for workers already in the UK who are switching or extending their visa.

Information Required on the CoS

• The worker's personal details and passport information
• The job title and SOC code (2421)
• The salary and working hours
• The start date and employment location
• Any relevant professional qualifications required for the role

Right to Work Checks for Sponsored Accountants

When Must Checks Be Carried Out?

Right to work checks must be completed before the worker's first day of employment. Carrying out checks after employment has started does not provide a statutory excuse against a civil penalty.

Acceptable Evidence

• A valid Skilled Worker visa vignette or entry clearance
• A Biometric Residence Permit confirming permission to work
• An eVisa share code verified through the Home Office online service

Employers should use the Home Office online right to work checking service to verify a worker's status digitally where possible.

Professional Qualifications and Recognition

Recognised Accountancy Bodies

For roles under SOC 2421, workers will typically hold qualifications from one or more of the following recognised bodies:

• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

Overseas Qualifications

Workers qualified overseas may need to have their qualifications assessed to confirm equivalence to UK standards. Sponsors should verify whether the worker's foreign qualification is recognised by the relevant UK professional body before assigning a CoS.

Costs of Sponsoring an Accountant from Overseas

Employer Costs

• Sponsor licence application fee: £536 for small or charitable sponsors, £1,682 for medium or large sponsors
• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £239 per worker
• Immigration Skills Charge: £364 per year for small sponsors, £1,000 per year for medium or large sponsors
• Immigration Health Surcharge: paid by the worker but sometimes covered by the employer as part of a relocation package

Worker Costs

• Skilled Worker visa application fee, which varies depending on the length of visa and whether applying from inside or outside the UK
• Immigration Health Surcharge for the duration of the visa
• Biometric enrolment fee where applicable

Dependants and Family Members

Can Accountants Bring Family to the UK?

Yes. Skilled Workers under SOC 2421 can bring eligible dependants to the UK, including a spouse or partner and children under 18. Dependants must apply separately and meet the relevant visa requirements. Sponsors are not required to sponsor dependants, but the main worker's sponsor licence does support their applications.

Settlement and Long-Term Pathways

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Skilled Workers who have lived in the UK continuously