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CIMA accountants optimistic about 2012
Accountancy News |
25/01/2012
Finance professionals, including those working for accounting firms, are showing "notable resilience" to the ongoing economic downturn, it has been claimed.
According to the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants' (CIMA) annual survey, the majority of members are feeling comparatively recession-proof, despite another rollercoaster year.
Nearly half of all respondents expect a salary increase in the next 12 months, and just a quarter anticipate a pay freeze.
This is notably more positive than the 45 per cent polled in 2010, just after the UK economy returned to growth.
CIMA members revealed that while salary remains important at the start of 2012, quality of life is becoming more of a priority.
In seven of the 14 countries surveyed, a good working environment, a challenging workload and a good work-life balance are also considered major motivators.
However, accountants reported that long working hours are becoming more common.
In 13 countries surveyed, two-thirds or more of respondents are working over 40 hours a week and sometimes up to 50 hours.
Not only this, but there are widespread expectations of increased working hours in the future, largely due to reduced headcounts.
Andrew Harding, managing director at CIMA, said that in difficult times, the CIMA qualification remains highly valued by employers.
"The qualification provides opportunity and mobility to CIMA members. An impressive 91 per cent said that their CIMA skills have opened up greater career opportunities," he noted.
"And 75 per cent said the qualification has given them greater access to others areas of the business."
Mr Harding added that there has truly never been a better time to be a management accountant.
Posted by Stephen Wilkinson
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