Are recruitment companies reaching all qualified accountants?

Whereís a good accountant when you need one? One of the big problems facing agencies and employers at the moment, is the shortage of newly qualified accountants. Increasing pressure on business, coupled with more regulation, means a profession that was always in demand, is now even more so.



But are recruitment companies helping themselves? Thereís one big pool of talent that many might not even be reaching. The reason ñ a simple omission from many of the job adverts for newly qualified accountants.

Very often, employers advertising for qualified accountants will advertise for ACA, FCA, ACCA, ACMA and CIPFA. But there are many newly qualified accountants that these acronyms donít cover ñ CAs.

The CA qualification is of at least equal value to those listed above. Indeed, itís the first training choice for many top employers. Ernst & Young for instance, train its students at Chartered Accountancy level exclusively on the CA training programme.

The training and examination for the CA qualification is provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland. Two thirds of ICASí nearly 3000 students are in England and Wales. A lot of talent that employers would love to get their hands on when they qualify.

So how should firms make sure they wonít miss out? Simple. When you advertise, add CA to your list of accepted qualifications. Or ask for ëqualified accountantsí, ëCA qualifiedí or a ëCCAB recognised accountancy qualificationí.