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Robert Half reveals top 11 accountancy jobs

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19th Jan 2011
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Recruitment firm Robert Half has revealed the top jobs in accountancy along with news that salaries within the profession are set to return to pre-recession levels this year.

The new research is featured in the 2011 Robert Half Salary Guides document, and identifies finance, accounting and financial services roles as “poised for growth”.

The top 11 accountancy jobs are:

(Commerce & industry)

  1. Financial accountant
  2. Financial analyst
  3. Credit controller
  4. Assistant accountant
  5. Financial controller
  6. Purchase ledger clerk

(Financial services & banking - London City)

    7.  Regulatory accountant
    8.  Internal auditors
    9.  Financial planning analyst
  10.  Assistant management accountant
  11.  Client services

Phil Sheridan, managing director for Robert Half UK, said: “With companies focused on growth initiatives, accounting and finance continues to remain at the forefront as a means to manage expenditures, improve efficiencies and favourably position organisations for the upswing.

“Despite high unemployment figures, companies report difficulties sourcing highly skilled professionals, particularly in regulatory compliance, audit and general accounting. Job candidates who bring multiple skill sets, a track record of success and a strong sense of accountability will see compensation gains in the year ahead.”

(Commerce & Industry)

Financial Accountant

According to Robert Half the downturn provided the finance function a seat at the decision-making table, with companies turning to sound financial processes to weather the unstable economic environment. Businesses continue to seek candidates who can perform fundamental duties, such as maintaining the general ledger, compiling financial reports and managing cash flow. A qualified financial accountant with six to nine years of experience in a SME in London can expect to see a salary range between £50,000 and £55,000.

Financial Analyst

As companies are increasingly seeking professionals with strong commerciality and business savvy, financial analysts who can assess borrowing structures to ensure competitive funding costs will be in demand. Individuals with expertise in evaluating financial plans, forecasts and budgets while also displaying exceptional communication skills will be in greatest demand, according to Robert Half. A financial analyst with three to five years of experience at a large company in the Midlands can expect to earn between £35,000 and £45,000.

Credit Controller

Companies need professionals who can contribute to the bottom line by reducing inefficiencies and enhancing profitability. As a result, credit specialists who can assist in the evaluation of credit risk, manage delinquent payments and help improve cash flow are seeing increased opportunity. Base compensation for credit controllers with three to five years of experience working at an SME in South Wales will average between £14,000 and £18,000.

Assistant Accountant

With hiring freezes lifting and organisations adding headcount to over-stretched accounting teams, companies are recognising employees by promoting from within. The result is additional opportunity for entry-level roles for individuals displaying exceptional data entry skills and an attention to detail. Assistant accountants are required to match invoices to purchase orders and assist with accounts payable and receivable. Those looking to enter the field with an SME on the South Coast can expect remuneration between £17,000 and £19,000.

Financial Controller

Commerciality and a greater understanding of how the finance function fits within the strategic decision-making process has prompted the need for financial controllers who can plan and direct operational accounting functions, improve efficiencies, evaluate controls and develop business performance metrics while also moving the business forward. A financial controller with six to nine years of experience at a large company in Northern England will see a base salary between £47,000 and £55,000.

Purchase Ledger Clerk

According to the recruiter challenges in managing cash flow has prompted companies to increasingly rely on credit to ensure business processes remain on track. Purchase ledger clerks have seen increased demand as organisations carefully monitor business records and ensure that they do not default on payments. London-based purchase ledger clerks with six to nine years of experience at an SME can expect basic compensation in the £26,000-£27,000 range.

(Financial Services & Banking - London City)

Regulatory Accountant

A more stringent regulatory environment and greater need for operational transparency has prompted the adoption of consolidated and harmonised compliance controls. While demand for regulatory accountants has increased, supply remains scarce – 16% of UK CFOs report challenges securing compliance skills, well above the global average. Regulatory accountants with four to seven years of experience should expect to earn between £70,000 and £90,000 in 2011.

Internal Auditors

Audit continues to be in strong demand in the post-recessionary environment, however a shortage of skilled talent exists – one in four UK CFOs report challenges finding audit professionals who can prepare reports, evaluate business processes, improve procedures and perform project management of audit teams. Internal auditors with one to three years of post qualification industry experience can expect remuneration in the range of £55,000 - £65,000.

Financial Planning Analyst

With a focus on maximising profitability and identifying emerging trends, financial planning analysts are required to analyse product lines and organisational costs, prepare profit and loss models and perform budget variance and forecasting analysis. Nearly four in 10 (37%) of financial services CFOs are challenged in finding qualified accounting and finance staff and a competitive job market means that managers can expect to see base salary in the range of £80,000 to £90,000.

Assistant Management Accountant

The financial services sector is also looking for assistant management accountants with industry experience to help analyse budgets and forecasts as well as provide detailed information and reporting to allow management to make informed business decisions. The role is often held by part-qualified ACCA and CIMA candidates, and with three to five years experience, professionals should expect to earn between £30,000 and £40,000.

Client Services

Throughout the banking crisis, the need to provide exceptional client service was never more apparent. As organisations now turn their attention to growth initiatives and revenue generation, client onboarding is increasingly important and demand exists for professionals with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. Professionals with four to six years of experience will be compensated with a base salary between £40,000 and £55,000.

Find your next role on jobs.accountingweb.co.uk.

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