Accounting and Finance Jobs in Aberdeen City
Your Next Chapter: Accounting Jobs in the Granite City
Ready to elevate your finance career in a vibrant city that balances professional growth with an exceptional quality of life? Aberdeen—the energy capital of Europe—offers a unique and thriving market for accounting professionals. Move beyond the spreadsheet and discover a city of dynamic industry, stunning granite architecture, and easy access to the Scottish Highlands.
Life in the Granite City
Aberdeen, often called the "Granite City" due to its magnificent architecture built from locally quarried stone, offers a sophisticated and welcoming environment.
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Culture & Lifestyle: Aberdeen balances a bustling city centre with accessible nature. Enjoy a vibrant cultural scene with His Majesty's Theatre, the Aberdeen Art Gallery, and a host of lively music venues and restaurants along Belmont Street.
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The Outdoors: The city sits on a beautiful stretch of coastline where you can spot dolphins at Greyhope Bay. Crucially, you're the gateway to Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park, offering world-class hiking, skiing, and castle exploration just a short drive away.
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A Compact City: With a population of around 230,000, Aberdeen is large enough to offer all the amenities of a major city but compact enough to feel manageable, with less intense traffic than larger hubs.
Key Employers & Career Landscape
While historically dominated by the Energy Sector (Oil & Gas), the accounting landscape in Aberdeen is diverse, offering roles in global corporations, thriving local businesses, and leading professional services firms.
| Employer Type | Key Players & Opportunities | ||
| Energy & Engineering | Wood PLC, Oceaneering International Management Accounting, Project Accounting, Joint Venture Accounting, Financial Control. Deep sector knowledge is highly valued. |
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| Public Sector |
NHS Scotland, The James Hutton Institute, Local Councils
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The average gross salary for an Accountant in Aberdeen is competitive, estimated to be around £45,000 to £55,000, with senior roles commanding significantly more, often exceeding £65,000.
Cost of Living & Accommodation
Aberdeen is generally considered more affordable than other major UK cities like London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, particularly when it comes to housing.
Accommodation Costs (Monthly Average)
| Property Type | Average Monthly Rent (Approx.) |
| One-Bedroom Flat | £550 - £700 |
| Two-Bedroom Flat | £775 - £950 |
| Flats & Maisonettes | £672 (Overall Average) |
Note: Rental prices have generally been stable or slightly increasing, and finding good-value accommodation, especially one-bedroom flats in the city centre (AB10/AB11 postcodes), remains achievable.
General Monthly Expenses (Excluding Rent/Council Tax)
A single person can typically expect to budget for around £600 - £800 per month for essential living expenses, broken down as follows:
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Utilities (Gas, Electric, Internet, Water): £150 - £250 (Varies based on size and energy usage)
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Groceries: £150 - £200
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Transport (Monthly Pass): £60 - £70 (Free bus travel is available for under 22s in Scotland.)
FAQs About Living in Aberdeen
Is Aberdeen a safe place to live?
Yes. Aberdeen is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in Scotland. While like any major city it has areas of higher and lower crime, the overall crime rate is low, making it a very secure place for residents and families.
What is the weather like?
Aberdeen has an oceanic climate. This means mild summers (averaging 15°C - 17°C) and cool, rainy winters (rarely severe). Be prepared for frequent winds and the occasional sea fog, known locally as "Haar," particularly on the coast.
How easy is it to get around the city?
The city has an excellent bus network (First Bus Aberdeen), and the city centre is easily walkable. For travel outside the city, the train station connects you to other Scottish cities, and Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) provides convenient links across the UK and to Europe.
Is the city suitable for families?
Absolutely. Aberdeen boasts excellent educational institutions, including highly-rated primary and secondary schools (e.g., Cults Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School) and two major universities (University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University). The city also has over 45 parks and gardens, earning it a reputation as the "Floral City."
