UK sees 16% rise in finance and accountancy jobs

New openings in the finance and accounting sector have increased by 16% year on year in the UK, according to new figures.

The good news for the industry comes as part of new research that shows overall professional vacancies have risen by 6%.

Salaries up

Both permanent and contract jobs are on the increase, according to research by the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (Apsco).

Not only that, but salaries were up 4.3% across all professional sectors even though inflation remains flat, meaning an even bigger increase in real terms.

The new figures suggest that job prospects are better for those in professional industries than for workers in other industries, and the financial sector is performing best of all.

Regional news

Ann Swain, chief executive of Apsco, said: “The fact that banking roles are increasing outside of the capital is in line with what many of our members are telling us, as financial services companies increasingly look to establish business in regions across the UK.”

This is good news for those outside of the major financial centre in London, as Manchester and Birmingham are among the cities seeing a rise in banking opportunities.

According to the British Bankers’ Association, 2,450 new jobs were created in the industry outside of London from 2013 to 2014.

The popularity of short-term contracts has also played a part in the new figures.

“Whereas historically, many organisations may have thought of temporary workers as people to hold the fort during an absence, the reality is that the professional flexible workforce is now ‘the new normal’ – a trend that we predict will continue into 2016,” Ms Swain said.