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Accountancy Recruitment March 2010
Accountancy News |
12/03/2010
A number of major accountancy recruiters commented on the improving health of the sector during February, and now the statistics appear to be backing up their claims.
With the Big Four, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte and KPMG leading the way by pledging to recruit over the coming months, demand for accountancy professionals remains strong among UK firms.
Clearly a variety of opportunities have existed for accountants during the recession, at both strong-performing firms and those in financial strife, but further improvements in job availability continue to be witnessed.
The latest Ashdown Group Jobs Index has pointed to a significant growth in the jobs market over the last month, with vacancies levels rising by 10.63 per cent during February.
As John Lynes, director of the Ashdown Group, explained, the six-month drop in demand seen during the latter stages of 2009 was dramatically "wiped out" in a single month.
"Historically the start of the year has been a popular time to seek new employment. Some of the growth in demand seen in February 2010 can be attributed to this, but we are seeing a new found confidence in business with many positions being created through organic business growth," he commented.
Indeed Mr Lynes claimed that if accountancy demand continues to be strong, a shortfall in candidates could be seen - potentially stifling business growth.
Accountants cannot lose in such a situation, with greater job choice and upward pressure on salaries two inevitable consequences of this rise.
Of course, the interests of the economy will be best served by businesses quickly and efficiently rebuilding their headcounts, but accountants cannot be blamed for maximising their earning capacity, especially after living through a six-quarter recession.
Research conducted by accountancy jobs provider KPMG has also provided strong encouragement to individuals seeking financial services roles.
The firm's latest Report on Jobs, published jointly with the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, noted that permanent staff placements grew at their fastest rate for two-and-a-half years during February.
Echoing the comments of Mr Lynes, KPMG partner Bernard Brown, the firm's head of business services, expressed his view that the UK jobs market is firmly "on the road to recovery".
"Permanent job placements are growing at their fastest pace since July 2007, with both vacancies and salaries increasing," he stated.
So conditions look rather promising for accountancy jobseekers at present - businesses deem their services as essential and will continue to create new opportunities.
With the Office of National Statistics upwardly revising its growth figures for the fourth quarter of 2009, employer confidence and demand for accountancy expertise is likely to keep increasing.
Posted by Jon Aspinell
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