Demand for newly-qualified accountants is growing as businesses are eager to hire professionals with the attitude to succeed, combined with the right cultural fit. The team at Robert Half give us an insight into the salaries and benefits on offer in the profession.
As accounting and finance continues to add significant value to the wider business, professionals starting out in their careers will need to develop commercial awareness, a willingness to learn and a can-do attitude in order to progress – this is particularly important for graduates looking to advance in the financial services industry.
Changing regulation and reporting standards in accounting and finance, and changes to limited company taxable benefits, will continue to drive demand for qualified accountants who can help organisations remain compliant. For graduates looking to develop their careers, evaluating the opportunities that are beyond pure financial accounting will ensure long-term career opportunities.
Technology expertise and know-how are also valuable skills in strong demand. Finance transformation and improving/upgrading systems will affect hiring throughout 2017, as finance directors turn to temporary employees to support them through the change process. This can serve as a valuable opportunity for graduates looking to get a foot in the door, or those looking for a challenge to support the next step in their careers.
Starting salaries for accountancy and finance roles are predicted to rise on average by 2.9%. Assistant management/financial accountants are seeing higher than average rises in both SMEs and large companies. Part-qualified candidates who are looking to advance and progress with the same company are seeing their starting salary offers increase.
|
2017 UK SALARIES |
|
| Roles |
Salary Range |
| Assistant Management/Financial Accountant (SME) |
£19,250-£27,500 |
| Assistant Management/Financial Accountant (Large company) |
£21,000-£32,000 |
| Technical Accountant (NQ-3 years’ PQE)* |
£56,000-£78,000 |
| Technical Accountant (4-7 years’ PQE)* |
£72,000-£98,750 |
Data is extracted from the Robert Half 2017 Salary Guide. Download the full guide at www.roberthalf.co.uk/salary-guide
*NQ – Newly qualified. PQE – Post-qualification experience
Since 1950, Robert Half has produced Salary Guides to offer business owners, hiring managers and professionals information on prevailing starting salaries in their geographic areas and insight into the latest employment trends. Information in the Salary Guide is based on the thousands of job searches, negotiations and placements managed each year by Robert Half’s recruitment consultants, along with the company’s ongoing surveys of executives.
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