Accountants were in high demand last year, survey shows

There was a high demand for newly qualified accountants in 2016, according to the UK Salary Guide by specialist recruitment agency Morgan McKinley.

The guide showed that 2016 was a good year for accounting and finance, with strong demand in both sectors, particularly for auditors who were looking to move into the industry.

Popular

The report found that in addition to an increase in demand for newly qualified accountants, the second half of last year also saw a rise in the number of senior job roles available. Candidates with specialist technical skills were particularly popular, and skilled tech workers also saw an increase in salary.

The guide also revealed the annual income for newly qualified accountants working in management reporting, financial reporting, product control, regulatory reporting and treasury finance, with salaries ranging between £35,000 and £45,000.

The risk management sector was also found to have had a strong year in terms of recruitment, whilst marketing also saw a “fantastic year of growth”, with a rise in opportunities for marketing professionals in industries such as technology, financial services and retail.

Diversity

Commenting on the recruitment trends for 2017, the report predicted that diversity will be a key topic when it comes to businesses recruiting staff this year.

“Across the market there is an unprecedented focus on the need for diversity in the modern workforces, and hirers must reckon on this being another factor contributing to a fierce war for talent this year,” the report said.