Due to the recession-hit noughties and beyond, accounting has become an even more crucial industry than ever due to its influence on the UK economy. The nature of the job involves the collecting of financial data and is a fairly stable field to be involved in. There are 1 million people currently employed in audit and accountancy businesses in the UK and so there are a wide range of accounting recruitment agencies looking to match the right candidates with the right employers.
Key employers
The accounting and financial industries are some of the fastest growing in the Merseyside region, with Liverpool in particular leading the charge. A number of big name financial companies such as the Bank of New York, Rathbones and Barclaycard are all located in Merseyside and bring with them an array of accounting opportunities. They might look to hire more senior candidates such as senior analyst or entity controller. The average salary for an accounting position in Merseyside is around £28,000, but this can be exceeded. Roles in this industry might include financial analyst, credit control manager, financial officer and cashier.
Qualifications and entry requirements
While a university degree isn't completely necessary to enter the field of accounting, some industry specific qualifications will have to be obtained before breaking into the sector. The primary qualifications in accounting tend to be The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS).