More than half of newly qualified accountants willing to emigrate – survey
More than half of newly qualified accountants willing to emigrate – survey
More than half (57pc) of recently qualified accountants would be willing to emigrate to secure their first job, according to a new survey from BDO Recruitment.
And the chance to gain good experience with a reputable brand is the biggest incentive to joining a company with 84pc of respondents choosing this ahead of additional annual leave, receiving a bonus or getting a free laptop or tablet device.
Sixteen percent of respondents said they wanted to remain in practice with 41pc wanting to move to industry and 43pc still undecided.
“Qualified accountants are hungry to work and will follow the path that leads them to their next job,” said Chloe Liddy-Judge, recruitment consultant with BDO. “Unfortunately that also includes emigration.
“However a really positive finding and perhaps a sign of the calibre of newly qualified accountants in Ireland today is that almost one third are willing to work on a 12-month contractual basis and would sacrifice bonus and other perks to get the right start in their career. Meanwhile almost one quarter (23pc) of respondents said they would be willing to work on contract for over 24 months to gain relevant industry experience.”
The survey, which is based on interviews with 146 recently qualified accountants include the following, also found that the majority of respondents’ salary expectations ranged from €35,000 to €45,000. Seventy-one of people said they are willing to relocate either nationally (14pc) or internationally (57pc) for the right role. Just under a third (31.5pc) of respondents said they would be willing to work up to 12 months on contract with 23pc willing to do so for 24 months or more.