Half of accountants want a new job

Almost half of accountancy professionals in the UK plan to look for a new job when the economy is more stable, a new survey shows.

The research, by accountancy recruitment specialist Martin Ward Anderson, shows that while 48% want a new job, 61% of accountants would consider a role that paid less than their current position.

The number is significantly higher among unemployed accountants, with 93% saying they would consider a lower level of remuneration.

They are also prepared to take bigger cuts, with over a quarter accepting reductions of up to 20%.

Of those in full time employment, 38% would consider a pay cut of up to 10%.

With most of those surveyed currently earning £50,000 to £75,000, a 10% fall would be a drop to £45,000 to £67,500.

Paul Robinson, director of Martin Ward Anderson, said: ‘It might seem counter-intuitive that such a high proportion of employed accountants plan to look for a new job and would be prepared to receive significantly reduced levels of remuneration.

‘However, the reality is that many of these people have been expected to do considerably more work by their employers during the recession, and have little loyalty to their current workplace.’