2015 Brings Good Fortune for Accountants

As far as Australian accountants are concerned, things are looking up within the finance and accounting sector.  A recent insider survey found accountants believe better job prospects and pay rises are on the books this year as demand for specialist accountants in the commercial sector increases.

Those surveyed anticipate the sector in general is looking at a 2 to 3 percent pay rise across the board. Payroll specialists and internal auditors especially are expected to enjoy a 5 to 8 percent pay bump. Business analysts, analyst managers, management accountants, financial planners, financial controllers and financial directors are outperforming the market. They are expected to see a salary rise of somewhere between 5 to 10 percent. To put things in perspective, financial controllers and financial directors currently enjoy base salaries of a whopping $200,000 to $400,000.

New South Wales is where it’s at for accountants, with the state’s job growth now hitting its highest point for the last 24 months. 

Skills in High Demand

1. Finance specialists with specific industry experience.

2. Well-developed analytical skills.

3. Superior interpersonal & negotiation skills in order to build reciprocal relationships with clients and co-workers.

4. Qualified chartered accountants are more valued than non-CA accountants. It is not unusual for junior qualified chartered accountants with 3 to 5 years experience to receive a $10,000 to $15000 pay-bump.

Employers are trying to fill/looking for-

1. Contract positions for short-term accounting needs as current market conditions require businesses to cut their permanent work-force and embrace flexibility to remain competitive.

2. Temporary financial accountants for end of financial year bookkeeping work-loads mid-2015.

3. Pay-roll positions have been hot the last 5 years as employers are not keen to offshore, or automate such sensitive roles because they require niche technical expertise and a lot of trust as confidential client and business financials are involved.

4. Credit controllers as companies look to save money through efficiency initiatives and maximising cash flow.

5. Permanent, stable positions are on the rise for senior accountants and auditors, intermediate and senior tax accountants and business service higher-ups.

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