Jobs Monitor- Accountancy and Finance Professional Practice

Article From: Herald Sun
Jobs Monitor - salaries. Picture: Getty Images.
By: Nick Deligiannis

According to the 2008 Hays Salary Survey (www.hays.com.au/salary), typical salaries in Melbourne’s accountancy and finance market are:
$65,000 for senior accountants with 3-4 years’ insolvency experience
$45,000 for graduate internal auditors with up to a year’s experience
$72,000 for CA/CPA qualified external auditors with 4-5 years’ experience
$64,000 for mid-level candidates with 3-4 years’ experience in business services
$74,000 for mid-level candidates with 3-4 years’ experience in tax consulting
$110,000 for managers with up to 2 years’ experience in tax consulting

  • Employers in accountancy and finance in Victoria are still looking for quality staff but will hold out for an ideal candidate.
  • Similarly, candidates are reluctant to accept the first job offer, aiming to find a better opportunity.
  • The selectivity of employers suggests candidates expecting multiple job offers may need to re-evaluate their expectations.
  • Taxation specialists with strong consultancy experience are in demand because they are being drawn in large numbers to other sectors by big packages because of their training and knowledge.
  • Demand is strongest at management level and in mid-tier and big four firms.
  • Candidates with insolvency experience are also required, particularly at senior, assistant manager and manager levels.
  • CA and CPA qualified senior accountants, auditors and managers are in short supply, as are CA and CPA qualified candidates with five years’ experience in public practice.
  • Demand also for intermediate accountants with two to four years’ experience in tax and business services.
  • Candidates changing roles to secure higher salaries is becoming less common.
  • Many candidates are remaining in their current roles, or more seriously considering their reasons for seeking new employment.
  • Training and career development have become the most relevant factors when looking for a new job.
  • Salary, however, is still proving to be an important factor in employment decisions.

About the author: Nick Deligiannis is director of specialist recruiter Hays. Hays has offices in the CBD, Moonee Ponds, Mulgrave and Camberwell. www.hays.com.au