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Nearly two-thirds of UK accountants have overseas experience

Ref. PR-01459

As employees continue to demand more flexibility and variety in their work, new research suggests that a career in accountancy could be the answer, by providing opportunities to live and work abroad.

The latest Career Benchmarking Survey from specialist recruitment consultants Robert Half, in collaboration with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, reveals that nearly two-thirds of the 4,972 chartered accountants questioned have international experience. One in three has been employed in more than one country and 30% are UK employees but have experience of international projects where they have had to travel abroad.

The most common countries to work in are within Europe (40% of all accountants surveyed), with a particular emphasis on France (17%) and Germany (15%). Outside of Europe 28% have experience in the Americas, in particular the US (23%), followed by Asia-Pacific (17%) and Australasia (13%). Just under one in ten accountants have experience in Africa (9%) or the Middle East (7%).

As Phil Sheridan, Managing Director, Robert Half confirms; “The demand for highly skilled financial talent is global and as a result we are seeing a distinct increase in the number of finance professionals looking for overseas job opportunities. Rapid globalisation of business and the rise of developing economies means that it has never been easier for professions such as accountancy to offer people international placements.”

The report also finds that while quality of life is cited as the main reason for moving abroad, the benefits of working abroad are not only limited to sun, sea and sand; the financial rewards are also compelling, with accountants working overseas earning an average £86,000 basic salary. In contrast, UK-based accountants with no international experience earn an average of £63,000.

Michael Izza, Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, believes that “an internationally respected accountancy qualification is one of the prime factors behind this trend. The increased global use of international reporting and auditing standards means businesses around the world need finance professionals with the training and knowledge who can understand and implement them.”

There is one word of warning however as accountants working outside of the UK are likely to work longer hours than their UK peers (47 hours and 43 hours per week respectively). They are also more likely to experience stress, with 56% of UK accountants working overseas complaining of workplace stress compared to 42% of their counterparts who remain in the UK.

Document: Nearly two-thirds of UK accountants have overseas experience

Contact Us

For further information please contact:

Michelle Whitman
Robert Half International
Tel : 020 7331 2222
Email : michelle.whitman@rhi.net