Lisbon has established itself as a significant accounting and finance hub for southern Europe, driven by the concentration of multinational shared service centers and all four of the world’s largest accounting firms. For accountants considering a move to Portugal, the market offers a wide range of roles from Big Four audit to corporate finance inside global companies.
Whether you are a qualified accountant from the UK, Middle East, or elsewhere, Portugal provides genuine career progression opportunities alongside an attractive quality of life.
Search accounting jobs in Portugal on DrJobPro and apply directly to verified finance employers.
Key Takeaways
- All four Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) have substantial Lisbon offices hiring audit, tax, and advisory professionals
- The TOC (Tecnico Oficial de Contas) is Portugal’s national accounting qualification — required to sign statutory accounts
- Multinational shared service centers in Lisbon and Porto are large employers of finance and accounting professionals
- Salaries range from EUR 22,000 (junior) to EUR 65,000+ (qualified, senior roles)
- English is the working language at most international employers; Portuguese is needed for statutory and client-facing roles
The TOC Qualification: What You Need to Know
In Portugal, the role of signing off statutory accounts and handling tax filings with the Portuguese tax authority (Autoridade Tributaria) requires a TOC (Tecnico Oficial de Contas) qualification. TOC holders are registered with the Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados (OCC).
For internationally qualified accountants:
– ACCA, CIMA, ACA (ICAEW), CPA (US), and CA qualifications are recognized and well regarded by multinationals
– For statutory accounting roles at Portuguese companies, you will either need to obtain TOC registration (via an equivalence process) or work alongside a registered TOC
– Most Big Four and shared service center roles do not require TOC registration for employed accountants; TOC is more critical for external reporting and advisory practices
To obtain TOC registration as a foreign-qualified accountant:
1. Submit your qualifications to the OCC for equivalence assessment
2. Pass a competency exam in Portuguese law and regulation if required
3. Register with the OCC and meet continuing professional development (CPD) requirements
Top Accounting Employers in Portugal
Big Four Firms in Lisbon
Deloitte Portugal — The largest Big Four presence in Portugal. Offices in Lisbon and Porto. Hires auditors, tax advisors, and financial advisory professionals at all levels. Strong technology advisory and risk consulting practices.
PwC Portugal — Major audit, tax, and deals advisory practice. Lisbon headquarters with a Porto office. Significant hiring of graduate and experienced audit professionals.
EY Portugal — Strong audit and tax practice with growing consulting arm. Lisbon-based with a known focus on financial services sector clients including banks and insurers.
KPMG Portugal — Audit, tax, and advisory services from Lisbon. Known for infrastructure and real estate advisory alongside core audit practice.
Shared Service Centers
Lisbon hosts shared service operations for numerous global companies. Finance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and management accounting roles are plentiful:
- Natixis (Porto) — banking back-office and finance operations
- Thales (Lisbon) — finance shared services for European operations
- EDP Group (Lisbon) — finance and treasury functions
- Siemens (Lisbon) — accounting and financial reporting teams
- Bosch (Lisbon and Aveiro) — finance shared services
- Mercedes-Benz Financial Services — automotive finance operations
Mid-Market and Domestic Firms
Portuguese mid-market firms — BDO Portugal, Grant Thornton Portugal, Crowe Portugal — offer career paths for accountants who want client exposure beyond shared services. Domestic work typically requires solid Portuguese language skills.
Accounting Salary Ranges in Portugal (2026)
| Role | Junior (EUR) | Mid-Level (EUR) | Senior (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audit Associate (Big Four) | 22,000–28,000 | 32,000–42,000 | 45,000–58,000 |
| Tax Advisor | 25,000–32,000 | 36,000–48,000 | 52,000–65,000 |
| Management Accountant | 24,000–30,000 | 34,000–45,000 | 48,000–62,000 |
| Financial Controller | 38,000–48,000 | 50,000–62,000 | 65,000–85,000 |
| Accounts Payable/Receivable | 18,000–24,000 | 26,000–32,000 | 34,000–42,000 |
| Finance Manager | 45,000–55,000 | 58,000–68,000 | 70,000–90,000 |
Big Four salaries include bonuses and benefits that add 10 to 20% to base compensation.
Languages and Qualifications Required
English: Essential at multinationals and Big Four for most roles. Most team communications and reporting are in English.
Portuguese: Needed for client-facing roles, statutory compliance work, and domestic employers. A2 to B1 Portuguese is often sufficient for multinational shared service work; C1 is expected for client advisory roles.
ACCA/ACA/CIMA: Highly valued across all international employers. Many Big Four offices in Lisbon actively support staff through these qualifications.
TOC (OCC): Required for signing statutory accounts. Not mandatory for most employed roles in multinationals but an asset for compliance-heavy positions.
How to Find Accounting Jobs in Portugal
- DrJobPro: Search accounting and finance jobs in Portugal for verified employer listings.
- Big Four career portals: Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG all post actively on their Portuguese career pages.
- LinkedIn Portugal: Strong for mid-to-senior roles and for approaching hiring managers directly.
- Hays Portugal and Michael Page Portugal: Specialist recruitment agencies with dedicated finance and accounting practices.
- OCC (Ordem dos Contabilistas Certificados): Publishes job listings relevant to TOC-qualified professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an accountant in Portugal with a UK ACA qualification?
Yes. UK ACA and ACCA qualifications are well regarded by Portuguese multinationals and Big Four firms. For statutory accounting roles you may need to assess TOC equivalence with the OCC, but most employed roles do not require this.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to work in accounting in Portugal?
For Big Four and shared service roles, English is sufficient for daily work. Portuguese becomes more important for client-facing advisory, domestic employers, and statutory filing roles.
What is the Big Four hiring timeline in Portugal?
Graduate intake runs September to October. Experienced hire recruitment is year-round. Expect two to three interview rounds and assessments for Big Four graduate positions.
How does the NHR 2.0 tax regime affect accountants in Portugal?
Finance professionals in qualifying high-value activities may benefit from the 20% flat income tax rate under IFICI (NHR 2.0) for up to 10 years as a new Portuguese tax resident. Consult a tax advisor to confirm eligibility.
Are there accounting jobs in Porto as well as Lisbon?
Yes. Porto hosts Natixis’s Portuguese operations, several other shared service centers, and a growing range of mid-market accountancy firms. The Big Four also have Porto offices, though smaller than Lisbon.
Ready to grow your accounting career in Portugal? Browse all finance and accounting jobs on DrJobPro and find your next role with leading employers in Lisbon and Porto.
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