The option to work overseas, leaving behind the doom and gloom of the UK economy, is moving up the wish-list for accountants who are planning their next job move, according to statistics from GAAPweb, the UKís leading specialist accounting and finance job site.
The specialist recruitment site found that searches by candidates for overseas roles had increased by almost a third in the six months between October 2007 and April 2008. Commenting on what this might mean for the industry, Graham Ruddick, Managing Director of GAAPweb says:
ìWeíre seeing a noticeable rise in the number of people searching for overseas roles, and this could, in part, be motivated by concerns about the current state of the UK economy. This trend also reflects the continuing belief within the industry that international experience is key to the career development of any serious finance professional, as it demonstrates mobility, flexibility and cultural awareness.î
Whilst more qualified accountants are looking to get out of the UK, GAAPwebís data suggests that there may also be fewer people training to get into the UK industry. Between October 2007 and April 2008 there has been a 48% decline in the number of candidates searching for trainee and part qualified roles in accountancy, and this could be an indicator of things to come. Commenting on the skills shortage, Ruddick said:
ìThe financial sector is already suffering from a shortage of candidates and with many candidates now choosing to go overseas, the battle for talent has never been more important. Companies need to take a much more sophisticated approach if they are to attract and retain candidates at the very outset of their financial careers. By marketing themselves to candidates in the same way that they market themselves to clients, companies will be in a much stronger position to build a relationship with candidates and should make use of all possible channels to do this.î
Grass is greener overseas for UK finance professionals
According to statistics from GAAPweb
