Figures show 21 per cent increase in demand for accountants

The number of advertised accountancy and finance job vacancies increased in the second quarter of 2017, according to figures from specialist recruitment consultant Robert Walters.

Figures showed that accountants are in higher demand than other professionals, with a 21 per cent increase in advertised accountancy and finance job vacancies compared with 2016, nearly double the amount of advertised vacancies for professional roles, which saw a rise of 11 per cent.

Input

The demand for accountants has been driven by SMEs and start-up businesses, whilst banks and other financial firms are also looking to fill a number of roles.

According to Robert Walters, accountants are also currently in demand as a result of Brexit, with businesses looking for input from finance and accounting professionals to support their long-term financial sustainability.

The figures come after a report from the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies highlighted the importance of accountants to the UK economy, with the accountancy profession being found to contribute £52 billion a year to UK GDP.

Growth  

According to Robert Walters Associate Director Marcus Blackburn, finance professionals have benefited from growth across a variety of industries, with a wide range of employers looking to recruit staff in finance teams.

He added: “Notably, SMEs and start-up firms across tech and related fields have played a key role in driving demand, in addition to traditional large employers across banking and finance who are looking for accountants to fill in mid- and back-office roles.”