The latest data from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and recruitment specialist, Global Accounting Network, finds that 61 per cent of UK-based qualified accountants plan on changing jobs in the next two years.
By comparison, 35 per cent of Ireland-based accountants plan of switching jobs during the same period.
The survey, which collected responses from almost 8,000 CIMA members and student members, also found that almost half (48 per cent) of accounting students are planning to move into a new role in the next 24 months.
The most frequently mentioned motivators for changing jobs amongst all groups were; financial reward, scope of the role and promotion prospects.
Furthermore, 7 per cent of UK members who plan to take the next step in their careers have their sights set overseas, with Australia, New Zealand and Canada featuring as the most mentioned destinations.
Adrian O’ Connor, founding partner at the Global Accounting Network, says, ‘It is no surprise that the majority of accounting professionals have aspirations to accelerate their careers in the coming months. Demand for top accounting talent is positively booming and ambitious professionals are taking advantage of this landscape to reach for more rewarding opportunities with greater long-term prospects.
‘While this mobility is great news for organisations looking to further invest in their existing internal finance departments, it also serves as a warning to employers who wish to retain existing skills and expertise. Businesses must offer their current and potential employees a compelling employer value proposition, and communicate this effectively, if they want to keep their best people in this hugely competitive market.’
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