Accounting and financial recruitment consultancy Sewell Moorhouse have revealed the results of their 2004 survey on accountants’ salaries across Yorkshire .
This in-depth survey provides absorbing reading for employers and finance people across the region, in terms of where they should set their expectations and how salaries compare to the national average. Now in its third year, the survey is gathering phenomenal regional profile.
The accounting landscape is a changing one and accounting is one of the most sought-after disciplines in management today. Gone are the perceptions of the accountant as the colloquial ‘bean-counter’ and – for the ambitious professional with the skills and experience to drive change and growth at Board level– opportunities are significant. For example, the Group MD of a leading PLC, who was originally appointed as Group Finance Director, was reported to receive over £345,000 in salary and benefits in 2003. This is not untypical and, whilst it may not be totally representative of the norm, it is clear that good finance professionals are in demand.
Trends in public practice over recent years have also led to positive times now for accountants who work in the profession. Due to a downturn a couple of years ago, many accountancy firms ceased their regular and active recruitment drives. As more favourable times have since returned, a real shortage of candidates has manifested itself for roles in accountancy firms. This has led to a subsequent ‘boom time’ for newly qualifieds who want to stay on in the profession, with top tier companies offering extremely competitive packages.
Joint Managing Director of Sewell Moorhouse, Cliff Sewell highlights that “this is a buoyant time for accountants and finance people. Yorkshire salaries are competing really well against national averages and this is great for both the accountancy profession and for our region.”
To receive a copy of the Sewell Moorhouse survey, contact Cliff Sewell on 0113 242 1200 or cliffs@sewellm.co.uk. Two surveys have been published by Sewell Moorhouse – one for public practice and one for commerce and industry. Sewell Moorhouse is an independent and specialised accounting and financial recruitment consultancy based in Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds.
