Accountants cash in as job market heats up

A salary survey carried out by professional recruitment firm Robert Walters says salaries for part qualified accountancy professionals will increase by seven per cent in Milton Keynes, compared to four per cent for all accountants.

CIMA qualified professionals will see the highest increases at 10 per cent.

Behind it all is competition among employers to secure the very best talent.

Janine Blacksley, associate director at Robert Walters in North Fourth Street, Milton Keynes, said: “The increase in salaries can be seen as an example of supply and demand.

“Increasing confidence in the employment market has meant those candidates who previously stayed within their current businesses due to lack of external opportunities and lack of confidence have finally begun to look at other opportunities.”

The particularly strong increase in salaries for part qualified accountants can, the recruiters say, be linked to a lengthy period when salaries for these role did not rise.

For some time most employers have not raised internal salaries or kept up with trends, putting pressure on them in light of the changing economic conditions.

The rise in salaries for part qualified candidates is also being fuelled by a growing preference among employers to recruit accountancy professionals at this level in favour of fully qualified candidates.