World accountancy skills crisis revealed

News Article - Thursday, October 11, 2007

filed under: Industry

There is a global lack of skills in the spheres of accountancy and finance, a new study has revealed.

Employment giant Robert Half International found that 56 per cent of finance and human resources managers are having trouble finding the right candidate for a post in its latest Global Financial Employment Monitor.

Furthermore, 43 pr cent of respondents admitted to concerns about the loss of top staff to more exciting opportunities elsewhere.

In the UK, it was found to take nine weeks to recruit for high-level roles in the UK - longer than the global average.

Phil Sheridan, UK managing director of Robert Half, said that demand is high for talented finance professionals with leadership and communication skills.

"With this demand outstripping supply, organisations are expediting the hiring process, and offering premium remuneration packages in order to attract and retain these high level individuals."

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland recently reported that all of the country's top 50 accountancy firms are having some form of difficulty in finding talent.

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