It’s no secret that the accountancy profession has enjoyed a few bumper years of late. But are things set to continue?
Accountancy magazine in their article “Rich Pickings” reports that “Among employers, recruitment agents and economists, the overwhelming view is that the booming job market for accountants will continue for 2006 – and even beyond … Accountants will continue to find themselves in demand for both permanent and temporary roles”.
Cliff Sewell, founder of Sewell Moorhouse, one of Yorkshire’s largest financial and accounting recruitment consultancies, appears to share this view. “One month into 2006 and there’s no question that it’s going to be another busy year for us. Already this year we have placed 60 candidates and we are currently working on over 200 jobs, many of which are at the senior end of the market.”
It’s as far back as 2002 when days were darker for accountants. The post dot.com decline meant that accountancy firms took decisions to cease recruiting on the basis of poor forecasts. These decisions led to a subsequent shortage of accountants, as the funnel of graduate intakes was limited. This has been great news for accountants, particularly those in the profession, where salaries and packages have increased substantially.
However, Cliff also highlights the need for accountants to sharpen their skills. “There’s no doubt that accountants are in demand, but at the same time recruiters are becoming more discerning in their choices. With the continuing M&A culture as it is, Finance Directors in particular need to be all-rounders – strategic thinkers with strong management, leadership and social skills, with cross-sector experience. Our clients are much more savvy about their recruitment needs than they were, say, 5 years ago. They come to us with a clear specification for their required finance post”.
Sewell Moorhouse is also co-sponsor of the Yorkshire Finance Director of the Year Awards. For further information, contact Cliff Sewell on 0113 242 1200.
HEALTHY START TO 2006 FOR ACCOUNTANCY