High job opportunities in H2 for accountants open to new challenges, says Hays

Job flow will remain high in the July to December 2019 half across accounting professional practice, with opportunities available to those who are open to a new challenge, according to the latest Hays Jobs Report.

Hays research reveals that the professional practice sector continues to face a major skill shortage, with employers always looking for perfectly presented, qualified, bright and driven candidates.

Internal and external auditors will be in high demand through to December, mainly due to the nature of the job. The recruitment agency pointed out that the long hours and tight deadlines associated with these roles cause many to move into commerce and recycle their analytical and people skills in another finance role.  

Tax and business services candidates with experience working for a reputable local firm remain in short supply too, with strong business advisory skills a must.

In terms of salary trends, according to Hays 2019/20 salary guide, more accountancy professionals will receive a pay rise this year than last, but it will be a less significant increase than they hoped for.

Ninety per cent of employers will increase their accountancy staff salaries in their next review, up from 87 per cent who did so in their last review.

However, the value of these increases will fall. Almost two-thirds (65 per cent) intend to raise salaries at the lower level of 3 per cent or less, up from 57 per cent who did so in their last review.

At the other end of the scale, just 4 per cent of employers, down from 9 per cent, intend to grant pay increases of more than 6 per cent.

“So despite continuously high demand, firms are not increasing salaries above CPI,” Hays said.

“With clients looking to keep accounting fees down, firms are unable to offer strong salary increases to their staff. The rare exceptions occur for the highest performers.”