Member Article

Top pay for region's accountants

Chartered accountants working in the region are the best-paid in the north of England, with an average salary of £79,000, according to new research. The survey suggests that earnings in the North East, which are in line with the national average, compare to a £73,000 average in Yorkshire & Humber and £72,000 in the North West. The figures are revealed in the first Career Benchmarking Survey from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and specialist financial recruitment consultancy Robert Half Finance & Accounting.

Other benefits included in remuneration packages reflect the high demand for the skills of qualified accounting professionals, says the research. Almost nine in ten (88%) ICAEW business members in the region received a company pension, with over eight in ten enjoying other benefits, such as health care (85%) and a bonus scheme (81%). These were broadly similar to the national picture.

Keith Proudfoot, ICAEW regional director, said: “The level of salaries being earned by our business members is recognition of the upsurge in business confidence and the value companies attach to the financial skills and expertise they bring to a variety of roles across a wide range of industry sectors. This confirms that the region is a great place in which to have a fulfilling professional career.”

Phil Booth, Regional Director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, said: “These salaries are very much reflective of the demand that exists today for skilled finance professionals. Employers have to look carefully at what they are offering in terms of remuneration packages to attract and retain qualified, high level ACAs.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .