Accountants still living the good life: Hays

Despite the media's current portrayal of financial uncertainty in the UK, accountants in both practice and industry are enjoying healthy salaries, good perks and continue to be in demand, according to Hays Senior Finance.

Hays Senior Finance, a specialist service for qualified accountants and clients developed from Hays' established Accountacy & Finance business, has revealed in its up-to-date salary guide that demand still outstrips supply, showing an 8 per cent increase on role vacancy registrations year-on-year.

Newly Qualified ACAs can now demand up to £50,000 in the City while at the other end of the spectrum may earn £23,500 in a local practice in Northern Ireland. Those who opt for practice and work for the big four firms in London can earn up to £47,000. Newly qualified working outside of London earn considerably less than their London-based peers. Accountants working in commerce and industry in the West Midlands, Scotland and Manchester typically take home about £32,000.

The research findings also revealed that money is the biggest catalyst causing individuals to consider a new role, with 61 per cent saying they would move jobs with the temptation of a golden hello. 41 per cent of those questioned said a car allowance is an incentive to move, while 72 per cent said they rate 25 days annual leave as important or vital.