Advice needed on salary and career path

I studied economics at university

Worked as an FP&A for 3 years at a large company

Moved to a smaller company and working as a Financial Systems analyst as well as Financial reporting - been working here for the past 6 years and my responsibilities have increased a lot.

My salary hasn’t increased much (Earning £44k annually). I recently took the courage and asked for an increase and was told they can’t give me an Increase as the company isn’t performing that well financially. Also many other employees have asked for an increase but received same response.

Only way for an increase is to get ‘promoted’ but not that many opportunities come up due to it being a small company and when a colleague leaves they usually don’t fill the role and split the work to other employees.

I’ve thought of moving as living expenses have increased in London and keep going into debt. However it’s not that easy as most roles require an ACCA qualified individual so I’ve started my ACCA pathway which I’m funding myself as the company also rejected funding my ACCA course. (4exams passed so far)

What would you do if you’re in my situation?

1- Single mom and only parent looking after my child financially. Other parent is totally absent and left the country so no childcare help too.

2- it’s a work from home job which I’m grateful for as I can drop and pickup my child from school. Most roles require you in the office so that puts me off the most in looking for another role elsewhere.

3- Rent keeps increasing every year - I’ll be moving to another cheaper flat soon but price difference isn’t that big so might just help not keep me going into debt every month.